Help! What kind of fence should we put in (pic)? (windows, color)

[lolablitz]

We're moving next month and would like to put in a fence in the backyard. The house to the North backs up to ours and is really close (you can see the corner of their house in the picture below). We're thinking privacy fence - the lot is a small city (Milwaukee) lot and we have young children - but I'm not sure if that would go with the architecture. Black metal might look better, but then you lose the privacy. Thoughts?

[Squirl]

you could get a wood privacy fence and have it stained the same dark brown as the trim on the house...I think that would work nicely.

[ETex2]

Nice looking home. I'd advise that you go with the type of fence that is prevalent in the neighborhood, since this is likely to give you the best return on your investment. Look for new fences, find one you like, and note the type and the name of the company if there is a sign on it.

[golfgal]

First I would check to see what KIND of fence you can use, if any. Even with a so called privacy fence, your neighbors just have to be in their house, looking out their windows to see into your fence. If you just need to contain kids and not a small dog, get a rod iron black fence. It will go with the style of the house better. If you can't have the openings you would have in a fence like that, go with a black chain link.

[lolablitz]

I can use any kind of fence and it can be up to 6' tall.

[Ohiogirl81]

Beautiful house! I like the idea of a black metal fence. I find privacy fences too stifling.

[ylisa7]

I think the black metal would suit your house the best but it is your choice. If the close neighbors bother you now they will always bother you.

[accufitgolf]

As others have said look around the neighborhood and see what others have done so at least you will fit in. I think you said no HOA control but be sure on that.

Personally I do not like privacy fences. I assume you are only going to fence the back yard in from the rear edge of the house to the side and rear property lines. I would use black iron rail type fencing myself. If not that then a four foot picket period style stained the color of the wood on the home.

Enjoy your new home.

[foxywench]

perhaps privicy fence stained dark fro the side closest to the neighbor, and then a black iron fence (underlay some kind of wire if you have or plan to have a small dog as they can squeeze through) through the rest of the yard. i thinka black metal fence would look beautiful but i do think somehting taller and a little more solid between you and that oh so close neighbor would be a blessing

Or go iron all around and then plant some evergreen shrubs or trees between you and the neighbor
a line of tall italian cypress would probably look stunning!

[kyle19125]

I think black wrought iron all the way around would be your best bet as it matches architecturally plus the existing handrails on your front steps. In terms of privacy I would install mature boxwoods (look for the more dense varietals) which besides privacy screening are too thick for small children to wriggle through.