New High Privacy Fence Built on a CMU Wall Using a Wooden Frame and Foundation Metal Post Bases with Drainage: A Complete Project in Los Angeles

This project is a perfect example of that situation.

Our client’s yard was fully exposed to the parking lot of a neighboring apartment complex. The old fence was too low and no longer functional. The homeowners wanted a taller, stronger, and aesthetically clean fence that would finally block the view of dozens of parked cars and the constant flow of people.

This was not a repair or restoration—it was brand-new construction built directly on top of an existing CMU wall.

The structure was engineered using a complete wooden framing system, installed on foundation-grade metal post bases with drainage holes, ensuring long-term durability and protection from moisture.

To optimize the budget and maintain visual harmony with the rest of the property, we used a combination of new boards and boards taken from another side of the property, where an old fence had been previously dismantled.

All photos above are from the actual project.

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Initial Problem: Zero Privacy and Full Exposure to an Apartment Parking Lot

Before starting the project, the homeowner had a clear, unobstructed view of the neighboring apartment parking area:

• Dozens of vehicles parked directly behind the property

• People constantly walking back and forth

• Noise and nighttime headlights shining toward the home

• A visually cluttered, uncomfortable view

The client wanted a clean, continuous wooden wall that would:

✔ Completely block the parking lot

✔ Increase privacy and comfort

✔ Improve the aesthetic look of the space

✔ Provide long-term structural durability

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Project Requirements

To achieve the homeowner’s goals, the new fence had to meet several criteria:

• Be built entirely from scratch, not using any existing damaged structure

• Sit on top of the CMU block wall without compromising the structural integrity

• Use a fully wooden frame mounted on

metal foundation post bases with built-in drainage

• Combine new boards with reclaimed boards from another part of the property

• Provide a tight, closed, non-transparent surface

• Maintain a perfectly straight top line over a long distance

• Work around trees and vegetation without damage

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Why Metal Post Bases with Drainage Are Essential

Traditional methods often involve placing wooden posts directly onto concrete or walls. This leads to:

• trapped moisture

• rot at the base

• instability after a few years

For this project, we used foundation-grade metal post bases (often called “metal cups” or “metal post brackets”) with drainage holes, which provide:

• Proper ventilation under the wood

• Water runoff through drainage openings

• No moisture buildup

• A clean separation between wood and concrete

• Strong anchoring into the CMU wall

• Long-term resistance to wind and lateral loads

Because the fence is tall and located within a narrow corridor between buildings, wind pressure is much stronger than in an open yard. The metal bases help the frame remain solid and secure for many years.

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Construction Process

1. Removal of old boards on another part of the property

Before starting this fence line, we dismantled an old fence on the opposite side of the yard.

We sorted the boards and kept only the strongest, cleanest, and structurally sound pieces for reuse.

Reusing high-quality boards allowed us to:

• reduce material waste

• save the client money

• maintain color consistency with the rest of the property

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2. Preparation and layout on the CMU wall

We marked:

• the future fence height

• spacing of the metal post bases

• the alignment of the top line

• areas where trees and roots needed to be protected

• sections of the wall with minor height variations

Accurate layout is crucial for a long, visually straight fence.

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3. Installation of foundation metal post bases

Each post base was securely anchored to the CMU wall with structural anchors.

Features of the bases used:

• raised design to prevent moisture contact

• drainage holes for proper water runoff

• multidirectional attachment points

• structural rigidity

• long-term resistance to outdoor conditions

This created a perfect foundation for the wooden frame.

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4. Building the wooden frame

We constructed a full structural frame using:

• vertical wooden posts

• horizontal rails (top, middle, bottom)

• reinforced fastening hardware

Everything was installed level, plumb, and locked firmly into the post bases.

The resulting frame is strong, stable, and engineered for both wind load and weight distribution.

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5. Installing the boards: new + reclaimed material

We used two categories of boards:

New boards

Installed in the most visible and open areas to create a clean, modern appearance.

Boards reused from another side of the property

Chosen carefully for:

• structural integrity

• matching thickness

• compatible appearance

These boards were installed on sections closer to trees and shaded areas, where natural aging blends beautifully with the environment.

All boards were installed tight together, with no gaps, ensuring full privacy.

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6. Final leveling and inspection

We verified:

• Straight, continuous top line

• Tight alignment across all sections

• No movement or flex in the frame

• Secure attachment of every board

• Proper drainage and ventilation under the posts

The finished fence looks uniform, clean, and architecturally aligned with the rest of the property.

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Final Results

The homeowner received:

✔ A brand-new high privacy fence

✔ Full visual separation from the apartment parking lot

✔ A strong wooden frame supported by foundation metal post bases with drainage

✔ A mix of new and reclaimed boards for both economy and aesthetics

✔ A straight, visually appealing fence line

✔ Long-term resistance to moisture and wind

✔ Minimal maintenance requirements

✔ A calm, private, enclosed environment

The space feels dramatically more comfortable and protected.

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Why This Solution Is Ideal for Los Angeles

• Tight spacing between residential buildings

• Frequent use of CMU walls as property dividers

• Strong winds in narrow corridors

• High lumber prices (reusing quality wood helps reduce cost)

• A growing need for privacy in dense areas

A wooden frame on metal post bases is one of the most durable and cost-efficient ways to build a tall privacy extension.

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Conclusion

This project demonstrates how to build a strong, tall, long-lasting privacy fence on top of an existing CMU wall—using a fully wooden frame, foundation metal post bases with drainage, and a combination of new and reclaimed boards.

The result is a fence that:

• looks clean and modern

• blocks unwanted views

• increases privacy

• adds value to the property

• stays strong for many years

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Need a similar fence built on your CMU wall?

Send photos — I’ll review them for free and propose the best solution.

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