Raise Fence Height

Ram Babu

One of the most popular ways to add height to a fence is to add trellis. A fence topper is an easy choice as it is specifically designed to sit atop your current fence. Most fence toppers are 1ft or 2ft pieces of trellis measuring 6ft in length to fit the whole width of the fence.

Can You Add Height to an Existing Fence?

Fence toppers attach to the top of an existing fence to make it taller. That's why they're sometimes referred to as fence extensions. They may be strictly decorative, or increase privacy by adding a solid panel that raises the fence height.

Why Choose a Fence Topper?

Here are some of the main reasons homeowners add fence toppers:

Increased privacy: A fence topper can extend an existing privacy fence, typically by one to two feet. That may not seem like much until you consider you might see your neighbors (or vice versa) over a six-foot fence. Over a seven- or eight-foot fence, not so much!
Pet safety: Some acrobatic dogs can leap over a four- or five-foot fence. Cats, too, are capable jumpers and climbers. Dog and cat fences are important for this reason. Extending the fence by a foot or more might be enough to keep your pets in their yard — or neighborhood pets out of yours
More shade: Let’s say you have a favorite sitting area in the backyard — except at around 4 p.m., when the afternoon sun really bares down. Adding a fence topper to even a small section of your fence can block the sun and extend your enjoyment of a patio or backyard entertainment area
Aesthetics and visual interest: Fence toppers come in various designs and materials. You can create contrast by adding a fence topper in a different pattern or style than the existing fence. Even a simple trellis can add visual interest to a backyard or patio, creating a focal point for plants, a sitting area or other decorative elements.
When you don’t need a new fence: Your existing fence may be in good shape, but you’re ready for something different. Fence toppers can change the look of your fence and enhance the beauty of your backyard without spending a fortune.

Different Kinds of Fence Toppers

Lattice Fence Toppers

These fence toppers have the same benefits as a lattice board but fit squarely on top of your existing fence. They’re available in numerous materials, from vinyl to metal, so finding an option that matches your fence is not hard.

Picket Fencing

This short style of fencing is only 3 feet tall on average, so it’s actually perfect for attaching on top of an existing fence to make it taller. They cost between $8 and $30 per foot of materials, so this is one of the least expensive ways to add height to your fence.

Decorative Paneling

Decorative fence toppers like these are sold in countless materials and designs and will add extra style and at least a couple of extra feet to the top of your fence. You can mix and match materials with decorative paneling and still expect your fence to look cohesive. For example, pair a black matte decorative topper with a dark wood fence. Your house will be the talk of the town.

Chain-link or Mesh-fence Toppers

If your furry friends have a habit of jumping up and over your fence—and you don’t think a traditional fence topper will stop them—chain-link or mesh-fence toppers will keep them inside and safe from whatever is beyond your yard. With these tightly woven fence additions in place, rodents and other pests will have a harder time entering your yard.

A Guide to Fence Extensions

There are plenty of reasons why you’d want to extend your current fence. For instance, your fence might be short of offering you the privacy or security you need. Now, if you’re thinking of starting from scratch and getting rid of your current fence, you might consider extending your current fence instead.

Besides, instead of taking down your current fence for one that provides you with more privacy, many times it’s a more economical option to extend a fence that’s already standing. There are several great options when you’re extending fence height. Here we’ll discuss a few of them.

Add Post Extenders
Use a Privacy Lattice
Install Trellis Wire
Try Using Living Fences