Deck Privacy Ideas for an Intimate Outdoor Oasis

by  Lauren Lockett-Summers
Published: Jan 11, 2021
Deck Privacy Ideas for an Intimate Outdoor Oasis

Do you dream of evenings spent on your deck without the intrusion of neighbors or noises from nearby roads? Austex understands that everyone’s deck privacy needs are different. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of deck privacy ideas that work for all deck types. Whether you have a raised deck or you’re looking for a way to add privacy to your deck railing, we have an idea for you.

Even if your deck is small or you’re on a tight budget, you’re sure to find something that works on our list of deck privacy ideas. We’ve even included a few options that you may be able to complete yourself if you’re handy and comfortable with DIY projects.

Our ideas have been classified for your convenience, look out for the icons next to each idea if you’re looking for any of the following specific deck privacy ideas:

  • Perfect for a raised deck
  • Perfect for a deck railing
  • Perfect for a small deck
  • Affordable
  • DIY

1. Add a Wall

  • Perfect for a raised deck
  • Perfect for a small deck
Modern garden with lawn chairs, swimming pool and wooden deck with a wall for privacy
©Liliia / Adobe Stock

Depending on the current layout of your backyard, adding a wall may be the perfect solution for adding privacy. The most common fence for added privacy is a wood privacy fence. Not only can wood blend seamlessly with your deck, but you can also stain your wooden fence to the same color for a clean, consistent look. Wood fences are low maintenance and only require a reapplication of the stain every few years to keep your fence looking new. You can even add a bench to a vertical wall for extra seating on your deck.

2. Include Landscaping

  • Perfect for deck railing
  • Perfect for a small deck
Deck with a variety of plants for added privacy
©Garden Guru / Adobe Stock

You can customize your backyard space while improving privacy with landscaping. Use trees, shrubs, and other landscaping variations to add shade and privacy. Consider adding tall trees, like junipers or cypress trees, that won’t take up too much of your yard. Stagger taller trees with shrubs and bushes to create your outdoor oasis.

Deck privacy ideas using plants also can give your deck a lush, green feel. Keep in mind that some landscaping may take a few years to reach its maximum potential. However, if you plan to live in your home for years to come, it’s a worthwhile investment. You can always also install partially or fully grown trees for faster privacy.

3. Build a Patio Canopy

  • Perfect for a deck railing
  • Perfect for a small deck
  • Affordable
  • DIY
Patio canopy on raised deck next to a pool
©FrankBoston / Adobe Stock

Adding privacy to your deck also helps to maximize your shade. A patio canopy is a budget-friendly approach to improving your privacy. Patio canopies and awnings are often retractable, so you can adjust them depending on the level of sunlight or privacy you want. While porch canopies do a great job of adding shade and privacy, they can look a little bulky.

4. Install a Patio Cover or Pergola

  • Perfect for a raised deck
  • Perfect for a deck railing
Backyard deck with pergola
©Austex Fence and Deck

Patio covers and pergolas will match your deck the best and seamlessly blend in with the rest of your yard. Depending on the style you choose, however, it may limit your shade. Patio covers and pergolas often have slatted openings that let some sunlight in. You can add accessories if you want more privacy with an open-design pergola. Weave drop cloths or outdoor curtains through the tops of the pergola for a fun design that offers more shade and blocks out exterior noise.

You can even add lighting to your pergola for a functional outdoor space. Patio covers and pergolas also add value to your space. They often have a great return on investment, making them worth the initial cost.

5. Install Fencing

  • Perfect for a raised deck
  • Perfect for a small deck
Multi leveled composite deck foot off ground
©Austex Fence and Deck

A privacy fence around your deck or yard is one of the best ways to increase privacy. Austex offers a variety of fence types and designs, helping you choose the perfect amount of privacy. We recommend a wooden privacy fence for maximum privacy. We’d suggest a metal or iron fence if you want less obstructed views.

6. Use an Umbrella

  • Perfect for a raised deck
  • Perfect for a small deck
  • Affordable
  • DIY
Raised deck with matching umbrellas
©Austex Fence and Deck

Umbrellas are a great temporary solution to adding shade and privacy to your deck. They’re often cheap and don’t require in-depth installation. You can also easily move umbrellas to different parts of your deck as needed. However, umbrellas are the most limited option for shade when compared to patio canopies or pergolas.

7. Build a Lattice

  • Perfect for a raised deck
  • Perfect for a deck railing
Pergola over a pool with lattice panels for privacy
©Austex Fence and Deck

A lattice adds privacy to your deck and gives it a beautiful, modern look. Sometimes, you can add one as part of a pergola, but you can also add a lattice separately as a stand-alone privacy source. Lattices can be made of wood and can be customized in a variety of privacy fence styles and colors to complement your home’s exterior design.

Plus, you can add climbing vines and other landscaping to fill the lattice for additional privacy. You can also use a lattice to display your favorite flowers around your deck. It’s even possible to stain a lattice as you would a deck to preserve the wood or to match your deck’s current color. Stain your lattice to make it low-maintenance, deter premature decay, and instantly boost your home’s curb appeal.

8. Install Planters

  • Perfect for a raised deck
  • Perfect for a deck railing
  • Affordable
  • DIY
Private secluded outdoor oasis backyard setting with planters on deck
©Kristin / Adobe Stock

Large planters do a good job of increasing privacy. You can also add plants along the deck’s rails to block some of the space in between beams. Use tall planters for a vegetable garden and access to fresh tomatoes or cucumbers. It’s even possible to install planters at the bottom of a trellis for customized privacy and a DIY garden.

9. Build a Screen

  • Perfect for a deck railing
  • Perfect for a small deck
  • Affordable
  • DIY
White pergola on a wood deck with a fabric screen for privacy
©Austex Fence and Deck

It’s also possible to build a screen that either hangs from your pergola or roof or sits on your deck. You can build screens with all types of materials, including plastic, wood or fabric. Plastic and fabric screens are less permanent but a more cost-effective option. Wooden screens may require more DIY skills but tend to last longer and can be stained to match your deck.

10. Design a Zen Deck

  • Perfect for a raised deck
  • Perfect for a small deck
  • DIY
Morning sun in small backyard pond with deck
©MaZi / Adobe Stock

A Zen deck is a great way to add some positive energy to your backyard space. Design your own Zen deck with lush, green plants and flowing waterfalls. Water ladles are a staple in any Zen space and can minimize neighborhood noise.

You can even create a small Zen garden in one corner of your deck with some small stones and artifacts. Tall bamboo plants will give your deck some extra privacy while making you feel like you’re on vacation every time you step outdoors.

11. Install Breeze Blocks

  • Perfect for a deck railing
  • Affordable
  • DIY
White breeze block wall on a wooden deck behind two white couches a white coffee table and two planters and a rug
Photo by The Design Villa – More deck photos

Breeze blocks are lightweight bricks with an opening in the center. Creating a wall or half-wall using breeze blocks allows you to enjoy a refreshing Texas breeze while still giving you privacy. Breeze blocks also offer a vintage, rustic feel.

12. Add Panel Siding

  • Perfect for a deck railing
  • Perfect for a small deck
  • Affordable
  • DIY
Panel siding on a backyard for added privacy
©Jeremy Levine Design / Flickr

Panel siding is a relatively easy way to add privacy to your deck. It can also be cost-effective if you’re not yet ready to take a more permanent route. Decorative panels can add style to your outdoor space. Some decorative panels have laser-cut etches, which allow the breeze to get through, keeping your deck space comfortable all year long.

Lattice panels are also simple to work with and can help you create a privacy wall on your deck. Even better, if your panel siding is made of wood, you can stain it to match your deck’s color.

13. Hang Outdoor Curtains

  • Perfect for a deck railing
  • Perfect for a small deck
  • Affordable
  • DIY
Pergola with outdoor curtains next to a pool
©Austex Fence and Deck

Outdoor curtains are a low-cost, nonpermanent solution to adding privacy to your deck. You can also add outdoor curtains to an existing pergola for a beautiful outdoor space. Outdoor curtains are a great way to supplement the limited privacy of pergolas.

Drape them from the top of the pergola beams for a unique design while adding shade on hot Texas afternoons. Even adding a layer of outdoor fabric can give more privacy to your deck space. Outdoor drapery can give you the freedom to incorporate personalized colors or designs.

14. Add a Patio Roof

  • Perfect for a raised deck
  • Perfect for a small deck
Large arbor above deck with cafe lights
©Austex Fence and Deck

Adding a patio roof to your existing deck is possible, and doing so offers shade and privacy. Wooden roofs give your deck full shade, allowing you to enjoy it year-round.

A fully wooden roof on your deck also allows you to sit outdoors when it’s raining. You may even choose to run electricity through the ceiling to hang fans for an added breeze on your deck space.

15. Install a Single Deck Wall

  • Perfect for a raised deck
  • Perfect for a deck railing
  • Perfect for a small deck
Single wood wall on a deck for added privacy
©Austex Fence and Deck

A single deck wall still allows you to enjoy your outdoor space while giving you a little privacy. Installing a deck wall to block out a nearby house or road noise also gives you more privacy to enjoy your deck.

Some single deck walls will add an element of shade to your deck. Stain the deck wall to the same color as your existing deck for a seamless look that flows effortlessly. Use a slatted wall to easily hang plants or other decor.

16. Strategically Placed Outdoor Furniture

  • Perfect for a raised deck
  • Perfect for a small deck
  • DIY
Two beige swinging egg chairs with orange cushions
©Shane Lynes / Unsplash

Strategically placing outdoor furniture, like high-back chairs or swings, can block out some views. Add a swinging egg chair with the back facing your neighbors or the street for a private, comfortable place to relax. Outdoor appliances, like brick fireplaces or pizza ovens, can also add some privacy if you carefully plan their location.

17. Use Faux Landscaping

  • Perfect for a raised deck
  • Perfect for a deck railing
  • Affordable
  • DIY
Outdoor green grass artificial garden with long wooden bench wooden wall, backyard patio
©Creative Wonder / Adobe Stock

Faux landscaping is a great way to add privacy to your deck if you want something that’s low maintenance and doesn’t require waiting for the plants to grow. Some artificial plants are so realistic looking that guests may not even know the difference. Excellent faux landscaping materials to consider include silk or plastic.

18. Block Out Unwanted Noise

  • Affordable
  • DIY
Pool with a deck and flowing fountain
©H H / Pexels

Privacy isn’t just about blocking out unwanted sights. It’s also about reducing exterior noise so that you can enjoy a peaceful, quiet retreat. Landscaping is a great way to reduce exterior sounds. A flowing fountain is a perfect addition to your deck or pergola if you live near a busy road.

19. Consider Portable Privacy

  • Perfect for a raised deck
  • Perfect for a deck railing
  • Perfect for a small deck
  • Affordable
  • DIY
Black freestanding privacy screen with a leaf pattern placed behind a dark brown rattan couch with white cushion on a deck
©Hideaway Inc. / Unsplash

If you’re looking for a quick solution for privacy until you can come up with something long-term, portable privacy options may be a good idea. A freestanding privacy screen will add privacy to your deck. One of the best things about portable privacy is that you can move it around your deck space as needed.

20. Combine Multiple Privacy Ideas

  • Perfect for a raised deck
  • Perfect for a deck railing
  • Perfect for a small deck
  • Affordable
  • DIY
Garden wooden pergola over a cement walkway with lattice panels on both sides and wood benches inside
©Asetta / Adobe Stock

Combining multiple deck privacy ideas gives you a completely customized outdoor space that you’re sure to love. Austex recommends a deck with a pergola and trellis to maximize shade and privacy while also giving you a space you can design to match your preferences.

21. Create a Custom Deck and Pergola Design

  • Perfect for a raised deck
  • Perfect for a deck railing
  • Perfect for a small deck
Wooden pergola over two story deck with wooden railing
©Austex Fence and Deck

The best way to get the amount of shade and privacy you want is to build a custom deck or pergola specifically for your space. Austex works with Austin and Central Texas customers to design and install high-quality, long-lasting decks with attached or free-standing trellises or pergolas.

Don’t feel limited to just choosing one of these ideas! Feel free to mix and match as your space permits. Of course, if you’re ready to add a deck to your outdoor space, contact Austex today for your free quote.

Looking for patio privacy ideas? We have various ideas to improve the privacy of your patio space.

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