Creative Deck Privacy Ideas You’ll Love

With summer finally, here, we find ourselves using our decks a lot more. We might be entertaining, relaxing, or taking in nature, but sometimes we want a little privacy to partake in our favorite activities. Here are some unique and stylish ideas to help you enjoy your deck, patio, and backyard space without any disturbances.

Why Privacy is Important on a Deck

You might think it’s not a big deal if neighbors see you eating, sunning, or reading in your outdoor area, but having extra privacy is worth it. Occasionally we want to hide what we do from prying eyes, whether sunbathing, swimming, having an intimate conversation, or just meditating. All of these warrant a few backyard privacy ideas. We’re here to inspire creativity!

Curtain Call

Outdoor curtains can certainly be useful in providing both privacy and shade. If your outdoor patio is under a raised deck, you have a perfect opportunity to hang curtains. Make sure they’re made of durable, weather-resistant fabric. The curtains can be opaque and/or sheer, patterned, or neutral colors, depending on your needs and preference.

A Building as a Barrier

How is your deck or patio situated? Is it near your house? Using your house as an established barrier to shield you from your neighbors’ gaze is possible. If you’re in the deck-planning stages, it’s a worthwhile consideration. Design your patio or backyard deck with this in mind.

Planter Privacy

This is one of our favorite décor ideas – easy, beautiful, and elevates air quality! Use potted plants and planter boxes around your deck or patio. You could additionally make a container garden with vegetable-bearing plants. The greenery creates oxygen, attracts pollinators, and it can actually be a sound barrier. This is advantageous in more ways than one!

Living Wall

A living wall is also known as a vertical garden. Use a living wall inside or outside. Its plants are usually vines, and the base of the plant wall is a trellis. Plants will climb and grow to produce added privacy. Living privacy walls improve air quality and can extend beneficial moisture to the air. This focal point is an attractive and sustainable way to enhance deck privacy.

Decorative Wall

A decorative wall, such as decorative panels or wood slats, is an innovative option. There are many styles from which to choose, and the walls can be custom-built around your existing deck to complement its material and size. Depending on your wants and needs, this can be a financially sound option. Also, use these panels as a temporary or permanent fixture.

Absolutely an Awning!

Awnings are making a comeback! You may think of an awning or overhang as something old-fashioned with dingy stripes, but there are many awnings out there. Different customizable sizes exist, so you can find one to fit your outdoor area. Some are retractable, which allows for greater flexibility.

Under the Umbrella…

…sitting on the deck! This almost sounds like a song. A large patio umbrella is a terrific idea to enhance your deck, patio, or balcony privacy. Trendy umbrellas add a pop of color while providing much-needed shade from the sun’s UV rays. Opt for a big, colorful umbrella in a sturdy outdoor fabric that’s easy to clean. You could also add string lights to the underside of the umbrella for augmented illumination.

Shade Sail

Another consideration would be to install a shade sail. They may be either vertical or horizontal or placed at an angle. Shade sails are relatively easy to set up, are quite budget-friendly, and add some panache to your patio or deck. Shade sails are fantastic at keeping your favorite activities and patio pastimes private.

Pergola for Privacy

A popular deck privacy idea is a pergola. What is a pergola? A pergola is a structure, usually made of wood. It will provide some shade and privacy to your deck, patio, or backyard. We like pergolas that are used in conjunction with a retractable canopy. Changing how much sunlight you would like to shine on your deck or backyard is possible by adjusting the canopy or retractable covering.

The Great Gazebo

A gazebo is a freestanding structure, often round, that typically includes a seating area. Some gazebos are screened-in for added protection against harsh weather, bugs, and increased seclusion. Gazebos are normally made of wood, but other materials may be used to make this special shelter work.

Fencing Options

Frequently when you think about privacy, one of the first things you might contemplate would be a fence. The options for fencing types are seemingly endless – whether a PVC or a wood fence. Using a fence to surround your backyard, patio, or deck is an excellent choice to keep activities hidden. Additionally, placing your fencing near your patio area is particularly useful in creating a sound and sight barrier.

Extended Railings

A potential deck or patio privacy option is installing or extending its railings. You will likely have railings on a raised deck, so why not change them so they’re more solid? You could also increase their height. This can be done in several ways, either by adding material, like lattice, to the height or changing the railing’s composition so it’s less see-through.

Latticework

Conceal your outdoor living space by using lattice panels. Latticework is generally made of wood and painted to match the color of your deck, patio, or backyard area needs. Not only is lattice suitable for the underneath of your deck, but it’s perfect for building walls. You can hang lights or plant some trailing plants. How about a grapevine?

Water Feature or Fountain

An option that works well in maintaining both peace and a private environment is a water feature. Positioning an object such as a fountain or perhaps a small koi pond with some rocks around it will not only set a boundary near your patio or deck but adds beauty. It will make the ecosystem thrive. The strategic placement of stones and rocks will give you increased backyard privacy.

Stone or Brick Wall

A DIY project that is relatively easy and fun to do is to build a brick wall. You could use pavers, stones, and fieldstone to construct a rock berm between you and your neighbors. The stones are available in many colors, sizes, and textures. They’re a stylish yet simple way to maintain some boundaries in your outdoor living space. Use the remaining bricks and stone to build a fire pit.

Try Some Trees

What’s one of the most sustainable ways to create a barrier? It happens to be one of the prettiest and most natural ways. Utilize some of your trees in your backyard as nature’s block to close off your patio, porch, or deck. If you have a tree with its lower branches set high off the ground, place some smaller plants or stones around it to create a border.

Hedge-fun

Another nature-made alternative to consider is bushes. Bushes, hedges, or thick plants can be a great way to attain seclusion. Landscape your yard with plants like boxwoods and dense plants such as bamboo. These are ideal for camouflaging your backyard deck. Before planting bamboo, homeowners should research it, as it can be a fast-growing rhizome.

Screen It In

For second-story decks, you have an excellent option. You can screen in your deck’s underside, creating a screened-in porch or patio. An outdoor privacy screen will go far in shielding your activities, and it will keep insects away. A privacy screen also helps insulate from the elements. This is ideal for designing an outdoor living room.

Sunroom Sensations

A major home improvement possibility is to enclose your deck area. Build a sunroom or four-seasons room. Gather information and estimates from several reputable local contractors to assist you. A project like a sunroom will allow you to enjoy the outdoors year-round. It adds value to your house and fun to your life!

How to Choose the Best Privacy Solution for Your Deck

There are definitely a lot of choices to make. From shade sails to landscaping, fountains to sunrooms, changing your outdoor space depends on the level of creativity, construction, and type of makeover you are comfortable doing. You could combine several of these suggestions to establish your perfect private paradise.