What Can I Put on My Deck for Privacy?

Spending time on your raised deck - whether reading, eating with family, or socializing with friends - is a perfect way to relax and enjoy the fresh air, though the one thing that can get in the way of this is prying neighbors.

Even if this isn’t the case for you, raised decks can still feel exposed and lacking in privacy. Thankfully, there’s several easy fixes for this. In this article, we’ll be taking you through all of the things you can do to provide more privacy to your decking area.

Bamboo Fencing

Bamboo fencing is widely available - both faux and real - and can be easily unrolled and installed around your decking to provide privacy.

This bamboo fence is made of sustainable Anji Mountain Tonkin Bamboo, so it’s a strong and durable option for your deck. You’ll just need to treat it with a wood sealant for UV protection and to improve its resistance against general wear and tear.

Rolls of bamboo are a great way to add an exotic flare to your garden, or you can opt for any other kind of willow or reed fencing which will provide a similar effect.

Artificial Hedges or Ivy

Artificial hedges or ivy is also a great option, and provides a splash of green to your outdoor area, too. This on-trend option can be attached to your decking fence using zip ties or tape, and comes in a range of sizes to suit the size of your space.

The densely packed leaves will provide blockage from harsh sunlight as well as prying neighbors, but they still allow the outdoor air to flow through thanks to the open net back. This option from Amazon features durable, fade-resistant plastic and polyester leaves that are surprisingly realistic and are easy to clean.

Freestanding Screen

If you don’t have a fence to attach screens to, or you simply need a short-term fix that you can easily move around, why not opt for a freestanding privacy screen?

This elegant brown screen from Amazon has 4 panels and can be arranged in different configurations to suit your needs. Set up is quick and easy, and the weather-resistant resin provides excellent durability for years of use. You can also easily fold it up and move it, or pack it away when not in use.

Fabric Privacy Screens

Fabric privacy screens can be easily attached to your existing fencing to provide extra privacy. This option from Coolaroo not only provides protection from prying eyes but also blocks up to 90% of UV rays.

Better still, the knitted High-Density Polyethylene allows heat and humidity to rise through the fabric while reducing ambient air temperatures up to 33%.

The screens come in a range of color choices and are specially formulated to be resistant to stains, fading, mold, and mildew. They’re also weather-resistant and are super easy to clean - simply hose the fabric off with water.

Privacy Lattice

You can also shield your deck using lattice - either plastic or wooden. These will require effort to install, and the wooden lattice will require staining to ensure it can resist the weather. If you opt for a plastic alternative, ensure that it’s made from weather-resistant material.

You can even grow plants and allow them to climb up the lattice, which provides both privacy and aesthetic appeal to your outdoor area.

Privacy Screen Planter

Want a product that allows you to showcase stunning plants, while also providing a little bit of privacy? There are some great 2-in-1 screens/planters on Amazon, and these are ideal if you don’t require fencing or a blockage that goes all the way around your decking.

This option from Sunnydaze even has hooks on the side to add lanterns or hanging baskets, and in the planter below you can add either real or artificial plants - either a large rectangular planter or several smaller ones.

RYB HOME Outdoor Patio Curtain

If you don’t have fencing to attach a privacy screen to but you have a pergola, why not add some outdoor patio curtains? These ones from RYB Home are specially treated to block out light and provide waterproof protection, and they’re also thermally insulated to balance the summer heat and winter cold.

Add Real Plants to Your Deck

If you’ve got a small area to work with and you’re in desperate need of adding some privacy to your deck, plants can be a great way to add some greenery to your outdoor space while also offering privacy.

Think hanging baskets, planters, and climbing and trailing plants, and you’ve got yourself a living wall without any need for planning permission. If you don’t want to have to plant or maintain real plants, there are some great artificial options on the market today that look surprisingly realistic.

If You’re Installing a Fence

If you’re in the process of having your decking built, or are planning to do so in the future, it’s definitely worth factoring in privacy when you’re drawing up your plans.

There are plenty of options online, and a tonne of creative pictures to take inspiration from on Instagram and Pinterest.

If you’re hoping to build a fence around your current decking, this should take you a few days and is fairly simple to do if you’ve worked on similar projects before. Here’s a great tutorial to check out.

Final Say

While your deck is a great place to relax, it’s less great when a neighbor pops their head over the fence every time you step out to enjoy the sun.

Luckily, there are plenty of ways to solve this issue - whether you’re looking for a full-on privacy wall or some gentle screening, there are lots of permanent and temporary solutions to choose from.