Privacy Fence Slats

Privacy fence slats transform open chain link fences into solid privacy barriers. These vertical inserts weave through the diamond mesh pattern and lock in place, providing 85–95% privacy without replacing the entire fence.

The three main slat types are winged slats (most common — have small wings that lock into the chain link, providing maximum privacy with no gaps), flat slats (sleeker, lower-profile look — slightly less privacy than winged but more modern appearance), and hedge slats (green inserts designed to simulate a living hedge — popular in residential neighborhoods where a natural look is preferred).

Slats come in PVC (most affordable at $3–$5/ft, available in many colors), aluminum (more durable at $4–$7/ft, won't fade or crack), and composite (premium option at $5–$8/ft, wood-look finishes available). Standard heights match chain link fence heights: 4, 5, 6, and 8 feet.

Installation is simple enough for any DIYer. For bottom-locking slats: start at one end, slide the slat down through the top of the chain link mesh, push it all the way to the bottom, and the locking mechanism clips into the bottom wire. For top-and-bottom locking slats: insert from the top and secure at both ends.

A 50-foot section of 6-foot chain link fence requires approximately 65–70 slats (depending on mesh gauge). Installation takes 1–3 hours for a 50-foot section. No special tools needed — just a pair of work gloves.

Color options include green (most popular — blends with landscaping), black (modern, professional look), brown (natural, earthy tone), white (clean, bright look), beige/tan (warm, neutral), and redwood (simulates wood fence). Some manufacturers offer custom color matching.

Slats are rated to last 10–15 years for PVC and 15–20+ years for aluminum. They add minimal weight to the chain link fence, so post reinforcement is typically not needed. However, they do increase wind load — in very windy areas, consider slats with built-in wind gaps or alternate bottom-lock and top-lock patterns to reduce stress on the fence.