What is the best type of privacy fence installation? 

A privacy fence is basically any solid type that keeps prying eyes from seeing inside your property. The most common height is 6 foot, which is high enough for most people. In the UK the highest you can go with a privacy fence installation without needing planning permission is 2 meters or 6 foot 6 inches. Standard cheap privacy fences usually come in 1 foot size differences so going the extra 6 inches to 6 foot 6 inches can cost a bit extra.

For those looking for a cheap privacy fence, the standard long lasting option is cheap wood panels attached to wood posts. It is usually the same or a similar price to go with a smaller panel on slotted concrete posts and bases. These are much stronger and will last longer as the wood doesn't touch the ground and rot. A 6 foot high wood panel in a basic design like wanelap can be fitted on top of a 6 inch wood or concrete base panel.

For a stronger privacy fence installation you could use a solid concrete fence. These are made by placing 1 foot high concrete panels on top of each other in between slotted concrete posts. You can use the standard concrete panels used as bases under wood panels, or some places make panels with a groove on one end. These ones are designed to be fitted on top of each other, they slot together better and don't leave any small gaps which is perfect for privacy fencing. Concrete fences don't look pretty, there are ones with rock faces or other designs like a wood effect. Alternatively consider growing some ivy up a concrete privacy fence to hide it.

If you already have shrubs or hedges providing some cover, you could try erecting a chain link fence and planting more greenery. It won't be instant but in time a chain link fence can be hidden with climbing plants or thicker hedges. Wire mesh fences usually aren't strong enough to last very long or hold up plants. If you have a problem using wood an alternative is a vinyl privacy fence although these aren't always available and don't have a look that blends as well as other options.