Privacy Slats

Privacy Slats: Transform Chain Link Fence into a Privacy Barrier

Privacy slats offer a cost-effective solution for adding visual screening to existing or new chain link fence installations. Rather than replacing an entire fence, slats can be woven into the chain link mesh to provide 70-95% privacy depending on the style. NMI Fence Supply stocks a complete range of slat types, colors, and sizes for residential, commercial, and industrial applications.

Types of Privacy Slats

Different slat systems offer varying levels of privacy, wind resistance, and aesthetic appeal:

• Fence weave — Flat polyethylene strips woven diagonally through the chain link mesh. Provides approximately 70-75% privacy. The most economical option and easiest to install.
• Bottom lock slats — Vertical slats that lock into the bottom of the chain link fabric. Provides approximately 85-90% privacy. Faster to install than fence weave.
• Top lock slats — Similar to bottom lock but secured at the top rail. Used where bottom access is restricted or in taller fence applications.
• Hedge slats — Slats with attached polyethylene "leaves" that create a hedge-like appearance. Provides 90-95% privacy with a natural look. Popular for residential and retail applications.
• Aluminum slats — Extruded aluminum slats for maximum durability and a premium appearance. Available in multiple profiles and powder-coated colors. Ideal for commercial and industrial installations.
• Reflective slats — Metallic-finish slats that enhance visibility from the inside while screening from outside. Used in security applications and along roadways.

Installation Methods

Most slat systems can be installed on existing chain link fence without removing the fabric. Fence weave is threaded diagonally by hand — a 50-foot section typically takes 30-45 minutes per person. Lock-style slats are inserted vertically one at a time and snap into the chain link mesh. Aluminum slats may require additional clips or channels depending on the profile. All systems work with standard 2-inch mesh chain link fabric.

Wind Load Considerations

Adding privacy slats significantly increases the wind load on a chain link fence. A standard chain link fence allows 90%+ of wind to pass through. With slats, wind resistance increases to 70-95% depending on coverage. For high-wind areas, ensure posts are set deeper (minimum 30 inches), use smaller post spacing (8 feet instead of 10), and consider bottom-lock or fence weave styles that allow more airflow than solid aluminum slats.

Color Options

Privacy slats are available in a wide range of colors to match or complement the fence. Standard colors include black, green, brown, beige, gray, white, and redwood. Aluminum slats offer additional powder-coated finishes. Green and black are the most popular choices for blending with landscaping and chain link fabric respectively.

Looking for the chain link fence to go with your slats? Browse our chain link fence collection for fabric, posts, and fittings.