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Create an Outdoor Privacy Screen

Project Overview

Create an Outdoor Privacy Screen

This hinged screen can conceal a multitude of outdoor eyesores, from your central-air unit to your composter, garbage bins and recycling boxes — even your lawn mower and collection of yard tools. Made from FSC wood and painted in the colour of your choice, it's simple to construct and, strategically placed, is not only useful but adds an elegant touch to your garden.

17 Steps

  1. The instructions given are for one panel
  2. Start by creating the outer frame
  3. Cut two 2x3s 42-1/4" long
  4. On the top piece, measure 1½"
  5. Now mark 2¾" for the first board
  1. Transfer these marks to the bottom piece
  2. Assemble the outer frame
  3. Drill 2 pilot holes
  4. Apply glue to the ends of the vertical pieces
  5. On the table saw, rip 5 ft lengths
  6. Once the outer frame has dried, apply glue
  7. Work your way across
  8. Fill any nail holes
  9. Cut 2 blocks of 2x3 1½" long
  10. Prime
  11. Take the panels to where you're going to install
  12. Attach the hinges (top, middle and bottom)
Show all steps »

Step 1

The instructions given are for one panel

The privacy screen requires at minimum 2 panels.

Step 2

Start by creating the outer frame

Cut two 2x3s 60" long. These will be the vertical uprights.

Step 3

Cut two 2x3s 42-1/4" long

These will be the top and bottom horizontal pieces.

Step 4

On the top piece, measure 1½"

from one end and mark that point. Then mark ¼" from that line and mark that point.

Step 5

Now mark 2¾" for the first board

Then 4¾" until you run out of board. These will mark the fin locations (8 in total). Mark the centre point of each of these lines and drill a pilot hole.

Step 6

Transfer these marks to the bottom piece

and drill the pilot holes as well. When assembling the rectangle, make sure you keep the sides of the top and bottom pieces together so they are both on the left-hand side of the frame.

Step 7

Assemble the outer frame

so that the vertical pieces fit inside the horizontal pieces.

Step 8

Drill 2 pilot holes

through the face of each board at both ends of the horizontal pieces.

Step 9

Apply glue to the ends of the vertical pieces

and create a rectangle by drilling through the face of the top and bottom pieces into the side pieces. Wipe away any excess glue and make sure the rectangle is square. Set aside and let the glue dry.

Step 10

On the table saw, rip 5 ft lengths

of 1x12 panels in half to give you 8 pieces that are 5 ft long and 6" wide. These will be the fins. If you want to get a head start on the painting, you can paint the fins now. Make sure you do not paint over the ends of the fins.

Step 11

Once the outer frame has dried, apply glue

to the ends of one of the fins. Slide it in the frame and angle it so that the centre of the fin aligns with the centre of the first fin line. Make sure the fin is on an angle and that the corners of the fin do not protrude past the face of the frame. Drill from the top and from the bottom.

Step 12

Work your way across

until all 8 fins have been installed.

Step 13

Fill any nail holes

with wood filler, let dry and then sand.

Step 14

Cut 2 blocks of 2x3 1½" long

and secure them to the bottom of the frame. These will be the feet.

Step 15

Prime

then paint.

Step 16

Take the panels to where you're going to install

them, as they can get very heavy and make it difficult to carry once the multiple panels are assembled together.

Step 17

Attach the hinges (top, middle and bottom)

so the screws are facing inwards, towards the item you're trying to hide.

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Project Details

Skill Level: Intermediate

Time: 5 hours

Before you start, read this »

Due to differing conditions, tools, and individual skills, The Home Depot® assumes no responsibility for any damages, injuries suffered, or losses incurred as a result of attempting to replicate any of the home improvement ideas portrayed in this website Before beginning any home improvement project, review it thoroughly to ensure you or your contractor can finish the project and if any doubts or questions remain, consult local experts or authorities. Because codes and regulations vary greatly, you always should check with authorities to ensure that your project complies with all applicable local codes and regulations. Always read and observe all of the safety precautions provided by any tool or equipment manufacturer, and follow all accepted safety procedures.

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