How to Build a Privacy Screen on Your Patio

If you feel as if you’re living in a fish bowl when you’re lounging on the patio, we’ve got the solution.

What Is a Patio Privacy Screen?

A patio privacy screen is exactly what it sounds like; it’s a means of separating the otherwise wide open space in your outdoor area, giving you a little shelter from the neighbors or even your own home.

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This simple, airy outdoor patio privacy screen will block all but the most persistent prying eyes. It’ll even block heavy wind, but it’s open enough to allow light and cooling breezes through, so you won’t get that hemmed-in feeling you’d get from a solid wall or fence. Our privacy screen is 12 ft. long and about 7 ft. tall at the highest point. But you can adapt the length or height to your own needs or even mount a similar design on an existing deck (see “Deck-Mounted Privacy Screen.”).

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These plans follow a foolproof layout technique using the horizontal rails to guide the post positioning and screen assembly. With this simple system, a robust novice can build this project. You can easily adapt it to any screen size.

We’ll also show you a new technique for setting solid, rot-resistant posts using dry concrete. And we’ll demonstrate a simple method for making the curved, three-board top using spacing blocks and scribing the curves with one of the top boards. To build your own screen, you’ll need a circular saw, a screw gun and a sharp chisel, as well as a “clamshell” posthole digger and a 2- or 4-ft. level for digging the four postholes and plumbing the posts.

Selecting Materials for Your Privacy Screen

We chose to build our screen from rough sawn cedar because we wanted its decay-resistant qualities and rough look. Materials costs can vary, but you can spend less by substituting smooth-faced cedar, treated wood or even conventional framing lumber. Whatever you choose, use treated wood for post parts that are in the ground so you won’t ever have to worry about rot.

When you’re selecting your lumber for the top cap pieces, pay special attention to get sound 3/4-in.boards for the top cap pieces—no cracks, splits or large knots. When you’re bending the boards, knots or cracks may cause them to break under the stress (Photo 10).

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Screws are the best way to put together a strong, durable screen. But read the box to make sure you select ones that are designed for decks. Other fasteners may corrode and leave ugly “bleed” marks on the wood after a short time.

Secure Building Permits and Call Before You Dig

The chances are remote, but your locality might require a permit, so check with local officials before starting construction. If you’re part of an HOA, it’s a good idea to double check the rules for fences and building for your neighbored association too. Don’t skip this step or you may end up restaining or even tearing down your new screen.

Be sure to call to have the underground cables and gas lines marked before you dig any post holes. Most states have a single toll free number you can call to get all the utilities marked. You can ask the building department for the number, or call the nationwide Dig Safe hotline at 811. Mark the screen’s position on the ground with spray paint or stakes before the crew comes. Call ahead of time; it generally takes two to three days to have utilities marked.

Figure A: Privacy Screen plans

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