Home Garden

Decking & Privacy Panels

Decks provide valuable square footage to your home while giving you an outdoor area for entertaining, but their open nature can quickly strip you of your privacy. Several privacy panels are available that will enhance the look of your deck, while providing you and your guests the privacy you need to relax outdoors.

  1. Lattice

    • Strategically place lattice panels around your deck. You can surround the entire deck or isolate certain areas, like around a hot tub. Pre-assembled lattice panels are available in several types of wood, including cedar and redwood. As an alternative, make your own. Cut sheets of panel to the desired size and add wooden molding around the edges to make your own lattice panels. Paint or stain the panels to match the wood on your deck.

    Room Dividers

    • Many room dividers are made from materials that can withstand the elements. Wood and metal room dividers can provide you with extra privacy on your deck without becoming damaged from outdoor exposure. A variety of styles are available, including screens made from trellises, bamboo, vinyl or Japanese shoji screens. Screens may connect two to four panels and be either short, medium or tall in size, so you can pick the size that best suits your needs and provides the desired amount of privacy.

    Fence

    • Add privacy to your deck by erecting a wooden fence around the side of your deck. Connect boards directly to your deck's railing and nail in place. Another option is to add a fence made from willow sticks. This type of fence will provide you with privacy while allowing a small amount of light through the sticks. Bamboo is another natural option for a privacy-inducing fence.

    Curtains

    • Hang outdoor curtains from your pergola roof to create your own privacy panels or erect two posts at the corners of the area you want to cover and hang a curtain rod in between the posts. Use white curtains to keep the light and bright feeling or use patterned panels to add charm to your deck. Mosquito netting or tulle can provide a soft look, while providing some privacy; silk fabrics provide a luxurious feel.