Patio Privacy Screening

When living in suburbia privacy is everything and not always easy to create. Here are some suggestions for patio privacy screening. There are several vinyl type structures available at most home improvement stores. They come as planters with tall lattice work or benches with the same lattice work. If placed side by side they provide a nice wall that can be further enhanced with any type of tall plantings. The cost of these structures is reasonable and they offer flexibility since they are easily moved from one location to the next.

Plantings are another alternative for privacy, they are also effective at muffling noise. A well placed row of evergreens with another row of showy bushes placed in front of them, provides a dense, attractive and sound dampening screen.

Actual fences are often used in the burbs as a source of providing full yard privacy. We found a fence was not enough since our neighbors patio was well elevated and looked down on us. For our needs we built a cedar lattice wall 8 foot tall equal to 2 fence panels. We doubled the lattice thickness to further screen and then planted tall hedges in front of them.

Lattice can also be added to the side of a pergola or gazebo. This not only strengthens the structure but also looks attractive. Trellis has also been used quite effectively especially when vines are planted which engulf the trellis. A form of a lean-to could also work very well. These structures can be built with wood, bamboo, straw or a combination of all three.

First decide how much privacy is required and then decide on the structure and where to place it. Be sure to check with local building codes if placing any type of permanent structure. Patio privacy screening can be achieved with a little thought and creativity.