Build your own privacy screen with our easy DIY plans

A wooden privacy screen gives the deck, patio or balcony a calm, sheltered feel – and blocks the view without closing you in. Here you’ll find ready-made DIY plans for privacy screens in several styles. Follow the detailed instructions and tailor the screen to your spot: you can adjust height, width and length (keep in mind it affects the material need and dimensions). Every plan is a digital file with a complete material list and clear assembly instructions.

Horizontal or vertical slats?

The direction of the slats sets the whole look. Horizontal slats stretch the space and give a calm, modern feel; vertical slats draw the eye upward and feel a little crisper. For more coverage, choose a denser model with narrow gaps; for light and air, choose a more open one.

• Horizontal: narrow slats, wide slats, mix 1+1 and mix 1+3 for a pattern with varied slat widths.
• Vertical: narrow slats, vertical mix 1+1+1 and the classic screen with vertical slats.

Want a pattern that stands out?

For something beyond straight slats, there’s the herringbone privacy screen – the same function, but with a clear, decorative angle that becomes a feature in itself in the garden.

Privacy screen with a trellis and plants

Want the screen to go green? A trellis lets climbing plants take over in time and creates a living privacy screen. Our small planter box with trellis and large planting box with trellis combine planter and screen in one – freestanding, so you easily place them where the view needs breaking.

Freestanding or fixed?

Should the screen stand free or be built into the deck? If you’re planning a new deck, it pays to include the privacy screen from the start – integrate the posts into the deck’s joists and cut matching holes in the decking, so it turns out both neater and sturdier. If you already have a deck, you may need to dig new footings. If you’d rather skip digging, a freestanding model like the planter box with trellis is an easy option.

Privacy screen, partition or windbreak?

The words are often used for the same thing. A privacy screen mainly blocks the view, a partition divides a space and a windbreak takes the edge off the wind. A dense wooden screen fills several of these roles in practice – just choose the density and height by what matters most for your spot.

Which timber should I choose?

You have plenty of options. For painting straight away, choose untreated timber that you then prime and topcoat, or stain for outdoor use. The plans are easy to follow and include everything you need, from a complete material list to clear assembly instructions.

Frequently asked questions

Can I adjust the dimensions?
Yes. You can adjust height, width and length to your spot – just keep in mind it affects the material need and dimensions.

Do I need to dig footings?
If you build the screen into a new deck, the posts can be integrated into the structure. For an existing deck you may need to dig new footings, or choose a freestanding model.

Can the privacy screen be movable?
Yes – a freestanding model like the planter box with trellis can be placed wherever you want to block the view right now.

What’s included in the plan?
A digital file with a complete material list and clear step-by-step assembly instructions.

Find your DIY plan: choose a model below and you’ll get everything straight to your email after purchase.