Adding a Privacy Screen to Your Deck
If you have an existing deck – or are planning a new deck – you might be considering adding the design and functionality of a privacy screen.
At Hickory Dickory Decks, we get a lot of inquiries from customers about adding a privacy screen to an existing deck or to a new deck that we are designing for them.
And while it is certainly possible to add a privacy screen to an existing deck, it may be a complicated endeavour.
Why may it be difficult to add a privacy screen?
When you think of putting up a privacy screen on a deck, you may think that means simply erecting a wall on one side of the deck. But to ensure that the deck and screen still comply with building code, there is a little more to it than that.
To ensure everything is built in compliance with your local building code, adding a privacy screen to an existing deck usually means removing the deck floor, trim, and skirt so that the screen can be properly installed.
In some cases, it may be more cost-effective to install the screen directly into the ground with concrete footings just outside of the deck footprint.
If I’m planning a deck, should I include the privacy screen right away?
If you are building a new deck and think you will want a privacy screen, the construction is more straightforward if you add the privacy screen right away. The cost to add a privacy screen to an existing deck will be higher than constructing it with the original deck build.
If you are considering your options, we would be happy to provide you with quotes for the deck, both with and without a privacy screen, to help you make your decision.
What if I want to add a privacy screen in the future?
If you are currently building a deck and think you might want to get a privacy screen in the future, you should let us know. That will allow us to install the proper framing into the deck beforehand, making the installation of the privacy screen easier when you are ready to do so.
Adding a privacy screen to your deck can increase the amount of enjoyment you get from it, but if it doesn’t fit in your budget today, you can plan to add that at a later date. If you have any questions about privacy screens, we’d be happy to help!
