How to Build a Privacy Screen for an Outdoor Space
Do you have a space outside your home that you wish was a bit more private? Privacy screens not only create a much-needed barrier, but they’re also great for adding some style. Learn how to build a privacy screen for an outdoor space in this Lowe’s video:
A privacy screen is not a full-length fence but a partition that blocks off a portion of your yard.
Determine the location for your privacy screen. Is it going into the ground or on a deck, or will it be part of a patio? What you’re attaching it to will determine part of your design and the materials you will need. In this video, the privacy screen will be put in front of the pool filter (not something you really want to look at).
Take the measurements for the privacy screen, then create a materials list. The project featured in this video requires: three 4x4x8 pressure treated lumber posts, 1x6x8s for horizontal slats, stainless steel screws, 6-inch FastenMaster HeadLOKS, one box of stainless steel ring shanked nails, two bags of gravel, four 50-lb bags of fast-setting concrete, and several gallons of water.
Digging Footers
Determine where the footers will be placed and mark them with marking paint. NOTE: Any time you’re putting up any sort of permanent structure, check with your local building codes and zoning and see if you have to pull a permit. Also, call 811 to make sure you’re not messing with any utilities.
The size of the hole will be three times the size of the post. A 4×4 requires a 12-inch hole. Keep some plastic on hand to protect your lawn and move any excess dirt. When using a post hole digger, keep the handles together, then spread them apart to let them grab all the dirt. Bring it out, and then put the handle back together to release the dirt. If you live in a colder climate, make sure your hole goes six inches below the frost line to keep underlying frozen water from pushing the post out of the ground.
Once the hole is dug, add 4 inches of crushed stone or gravel to the bottom of the hole. This will help with drainage around the post and provide a solid level surface for the post to sit on.
Determine how much of the top of the post needs to be trimmed off so it’s the exact height you want the privacy screen to be.
Prepping the Posts
Set up a workstation with a level surface. Wear a respiratory mask and safety goggles. Measure and cut the posts using a Speed Square and a circular saw.
Framing It Up
Attach all of the posts together using 6-inch fasteners.
Cut the slats down to size, then attach them to the framework uing a hammer and ring shank nails.
Installation
Install the framework down into the post holes and ensure it’s level and plumb. Attach temporary braces to the front and sides of the privacy screen to hold it securely in place, then pour in fast-setting concrete, then add water on top, stopping about 4-6 inches from the top of the hole. Remove the temporary braces and backfill the dirt around the holes.
