Deck Privacy Fence

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Updated: Apr. 10, 2023

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Overview: The advantages of a deck privacy screen

If you enjoy spending time on your deck but the neighborhood pest seems to pop over every time you step outside, this privacy fence project is for you. There are plenty of outdoor privacy screen ideas for decks out there but this one rises above the rest. It’s designed to gracefully replace sections of your existing railing and make your deck more private. It also blocks unsightly views, reduces outdoor noise and gives you shelter from the wind, making your deck a more comfortable spot on those breezy days that usually drive you inside.

The fence is made from construction-grade cedar in standard widths available at home centers, so little cutting is required. The equal panels formed by 2×4 upright posts create an appealing symmetry that will complement any railing. We built our fence to replace one whole side and one partial section of 2×2 spindles, which are typically screwed or nailed over the rim joists and rise to a 2×6 top railing.

The step-down design has a high section that flows into a lower section and then connects neatly to the original railing. This all adds up to an uninterrupted flow—the fence looks like it was meant to be there.

Step 1: Draw up your plan and buy the materials for a deck privacy screen

We realize that your deck won’t be exactly like ours, but you can refer to our measurements as you carefully lay out your own plan. The first step is to determine how you’ll tie in the new privacy fence with your existing railing (if different from ours). We simply cut our existing top railing (Photo 1) and then rejoined it to the side of the last upright post (B); see Fig. A, below.

The next step is to determine how many full-size panels you’ll need. Each panel is 14-3/4 in. wide, measured from the center of one post to the center of the next. The panel closest to the house will most likely be a different width (Photo 5).

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If you need a narrower panel, reduce the space between the posts and decrease the width of the slats. If you need the last panel to be a bit wider, increase the space between the posts and add a partial slat on the top and bottom. At the other end of the fence, the section that connects to the existing railing will be a full-size panel as long as you cut the original railing exactly as shown in Fig. A.

NOTE: To visually blend the privacy fence with your original deck, build it from the same type of wood. If your original wood railing has weathered (see the unweathered wood shown in Photo 4), you can wait for the new sections to weather (about two years) or you can use a deck cleaner to wash away the gray wood fibers.

You can do the entire project in one long weekend if you pick up the materials beforehand. If you have a circular saw, handsaw, sawhorses, square, tape measure, level, cordless drill and hammer, you’re all set.

Unlike the decking and the joists, where only one side needs to look good, your new fence must look good on all sides, so try to select the wood yourself. If you’re having the materials delivered, ask the lumberyard or home center if you can personally select each piece before delivery. Expect to pay extra for delivery.

Carefully dismantle the existing parts of the railing to make room for the new privacy fence. You may find it easier to saw the old railing into sections. Avoid marring the edges of your deck with hammers or pry bars and make sure to remove any exposed nails or screws.

You’ll be able to precut all the posts (A and B) as well as the rails (C). It’s best to cut the rest of the items in the Cutting List as you need them so you can get an exact fit. Wood thickness can vary slightly and affect the length of these pieces.

Step 2: Cut and set the posts for a deck privacy screen

Follow Photos 2 and 3 and Fig. A for details on how to space and fasten the fence posts. Keep in mind that you’ll need to fasten your fence to the house for stability. Plan ahead by making sure there’s a solid surface to screw into. If you have stucco or brick, you’ll need a concrete anchor to accept the screw.

Step 3: Fasten the upper and lower rails

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Photos 4 – 6 and Figure A show you how to position and fasten the rails to the posts.

Step 4: Cut and nail up the railing trim

Photos 7 and 8 show how to rip trim strips and nail them over the railing edges to cover up the joints.

Step 5: Install the slats

Photos 9 and 10 and Figure A show you how to install the slats on a deck privacy screen.

Step 6: Reinforce the rim joist and apply a finish

Photo 11 shows how to strengthen the rim joist so the fence above doesn’t sway and weaken.

Then apply the finishing touches. You can employ the fine art of doing nothing and let your new fence weather, or you can protect it with a clear deck sealer.

The clear sealer will keep the wood dry and prevent checking and cracking. If you use a deck cleaner to brighten your old deck, let it dry thoroughly before applying a sealer.

Additional Information

• Figure A Deck privacy screen
• Fence Cutting List

Required Tools for this Deck Privacy Screen Project

Have the necessary tools for this DIY project lined up before you start—you’ll save time and frustration.

• Circular saw
• Drill bit set
• Drill/driver – cordless
• Hammer
• Handsaw
• Level
• Pry bar
• Safety glasses
• Sawhorses
• Speed square
• Stepladder
• Tape measure

Required Materials for this Deck Privacy Screen Project

Avoid last-minute shopping trips by having all your materials ready ahead of time. Here’s a list.

• 3-1/2-in. galvanized screws
• 3-in. galvanized screws
• 4d galvanized nails
• 6d galvanized nails
• Lumber (see Cutting Lists)

Source: https://gardencourte.com
Categories: Outdoor