Dad’s DIY Lattice Privacy Screen
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Today, I’m showing you how easy it is to build a DIY lattice privacy screen that’s both functional and decorative. Whether you’re sprucing up a patio, deck, or any outdoor space, this simple project adds instant charm. We used lattice fence panels to create a stylish privacy screen that not only hides our ugly AC units but also makes the perfect backdrop for flowers and patio furniture.
How To Build A Lattice Privacy Screen
Lattice privacy screens can vary from free standing, lattice trellis for climbing plants or a full patio privacy wall.
A wood lattice fence is an option if you don’t mind keeping up with painting it but for me, I prefer vinyl lattice as it’s maintenance free.
Step 1 – Build Lattice Frame
First, paint your “frame” before assembling the lattice.
We used 1×4 pine as our frame that I painted white prior to starting the project.
We needed to make 3 lattice vinyl fence privacy screens so we started with the 8′ section first.
We used 8 x 1 – 5/8″ screws to create the lattice patio screen and used 10 x 3″ screws to attach the privacy screen to the existing post on the patio.
Next, I painted the 1×4’s before we assembled the privacy screen
Step 2 – Create a Lattice Panel
For this part of the project, you are going to make framed lattice panels.
You are essentially going to sandwich the lattice fence panel between your frame (the wood) creating a lattice panel.
Layout your frame (1×4 pine pieces cut to size), place your lattice on top and then add 1×4’s again on top of your lattice.
You will basically be cutting 2 pieces of 1×4’s for each side.
Use your stainless steel 1 5/8″ (or whatever size you choose) to attach the pine to the lattice. Remember, screw from the “inside” out.
You want the side that you will see to be pretty, you do not want to be looking at screws!
Look at my cute dad, he thinks I’m crazy :).
Don’t be shy with your screws either and be sure to stagger them to prevent them from warping.
Note how we staggered the screws.
We ended up making 3 free standing lattice privacy screens to hide the air conditioner units so the next one, required cutting.
If you have a deck or patio that faces a grumpy neighbor, you could definitely make one of these DIY privacy screens and just cut your frame and lattice to the size you need.
Adding a lattice privacy screen to existing deck railing is a great idea to hide a neighbors yard and provide privacy on your own deck.
This is an inexpensive way to get privacy easily and quickly!
We used the same steps to create the other two lattice privacy panels.
Step 3 – hang lattice screen & mount to posts
We attached the end pieces to the large 8′ piece using the 3″ screws.
We also attached the small part (see below) to the existing post on the patio for stability.
When hanging your lattice screen, note that the screws are facing inward.
Much better, don’t you think?
Finally, a beautiful patio with hidden air conditioner units!
If you are looking for a fun inexpensive way to decorate your patio with a lattice background, visit the post I recently shared about how we grow hydrangeas in pots!
Lattice Privacy Screen Ideas
Related: See 12 Brilliant Lattice Screen Ideas In Tiny Yards
Trellis Lattice Privacy Screen
A combination trellis and privacy screen is a great way to create a boundary between a walkway and patio as shown below.
I love how this lattice privacy fence above was a nice backdrop for flowers and planters.
This option below also would be perfect for deck as lattice on a deck provides a spot for flowers, outdoor decoration and of course, privacy from neighbors.
Better Home and Gardens
Free Standing Lattice Privacy Screen
Our free standing privacy screen to hide our trash can is a very simple and quick DIY project that we built in an afternoon.
Deck Lattice Screen
Here is an example of how to use lattice attached to the lower part of a porch deck to hide the dirt and unfinished part of a stairway.
Decks with privacy lattice are also popular if you have homes or apartments very close together.
A lattice screen attached to the top of the deck rail is a great way to create privacy between spaces.
DIY Lattice Fence
Depending on what you are trying to contain or block, you could use this same privacy screen tutorial to make a lattice fence.
Consider pressure treated wood as it will not rot.
Simply dig post holes, install fence posts and attach your lattice privacy screens to the posts.
Need a printable version of the instructions? Print them below.
DIY Lattice Privacy Screen
Materials
- 1. 1x4 pine as our frame - paint your frame prior (we used white paint)
- 2. PVC plastic lattice - purchase the size you need or larger and cut to fit
- 3. 8 x 1 - 5/8" screws to create the lattice patio screen and used 10 x 3" screws to attach the privacy screen to the existing post on the patio.
- 4. 3" screws
Tools
- saw, hammer, power screwdriver, drill, measuring tape
Instructions
Our DIY Lattice Fence Installation Process:
- First, paint your "frame" before assembling the lattice. We used 1x4 pine as our frame that I painted white prior to starting the project. We needed to make 3 lattice vinyl fence privacy screens so we started with the 8' section first.
- We purchased plastic/PVC lattice from Home Depot (you can now order online!) OR you can get this Stylish vinyl brand from Lowes (order online!) You will need to use stainless steel screws so they do not rust.
- We used 8 x 1 - 5/8" screws to create the lattice patio screen and used 10 x 3" screws to attach the privacy screen to the existing post on the patio. Next step, I painted the 1x4's before we assembled the privacy screen
- You are essentially going to sandwich the lattice screen between your frame creating a lattice panel. Layout your frame (1x4 pine pieces cut to size), place your lattice on top and then add 1x4's again on top of your lattice.
- You will basically be cutting 2 pieces of 1x4's for each side. Use your stainless steel 1 5/8" (or whatever size you choose) to attach the pine to the lattice. Remember, screw from the "inside" out. We used the same steps to create the other two lattice privacy panels.
- Next, we attached the end pieces to the large 8' piece using the 3" screws. We also attached the small part (see below) to the existing post on the patio for stability.
Notes
This tutorial is for 3 side lattice privacy screen . You can use these same steps to create any size privacy screen based on your needs.
Meet Jessica
What started as a hobby, Jessica’s blog now has millions of people visit yearly and while many of the projects and posts look and sound perfect, life hasn’t always been easy. Read Jessica’s story and how overcoming death, divorce and dementia was one of her biggest life lessons to date.
Your lattice screen looks great! In fact, you whole patio looks amazing!
Thank you Kristi! Hope you are enjoying your summer 🙂
Jessica-you just made my day! This is a great project and please thank your Dad for giving away his “secrets” and thank you for giving such a thorough breakdown! We have {ahem} neighbors I could do without seeing and are putting in a pool next week so this project is totally on my to-do list now! Thanks again!
Melissa
Thank you Melissa 🙂 Good luck with those neighbors!
Wow! First of all, let me just gripe about builders and why they think it’s okay to just plop those horrific (but necessary things) right in the middle of everything!
Second of all – that turned out AWESOME! What a beautiful space you made for your Mom! I’ve seen people butcher “lattice privacy screens” before but you guys did great. Your Dad cracks me up!
On my way over to Sand and Sisal now!
Thanks for the tutorial!
Ha ha , thank you! 🙂
This looks great! We built a lattice covering for under our house last year and we were not smart enough to buy the pre-painted version. I’m glad you did because that stuff is NO FUN to paint.
No kidding, oh that must have stunk painting it! 🙂
That patio turned out awesome! And I love this screen! Definitely going to have to get my husband to help me make one for our unit outside!
Thank you Ashley!
It looks lovely! Tell your Dad all these people he doesn;t know appreciate him!
Thanks Jen!
Such an attractive patio solution! Your tutorial inspires me to camouflage a heat pump that is located right off the deck. Would you be able to tell how the planters are secured on top? What an attractive and functional idea you and Dad created. Thank you!
Hi Sonia, you can screw the containers from the inside (of the container) right to the top of your wooden lattice piece. Just use stainless steel screws so they don’t rust. You may want to use those containers that have the water catch at the bottom b/c they usually come off of the bottom of the planter so you could screw the water catch to the top and then place your planter inside. Hope that made sense 🙂
Please tell your father I say ” Thank you!” for sharing his secrets. I put together the first of two 8’x6′ screens on Friday and mounted it in place today. It looks great and my neighbor even came out to say so. I’m using them to screen off a small area of the yard where we keep our composters.
That is great Matt! I will pass it along to my dad 🙂
Do you mind me asking about the slats for the lattice? What did you use for them? It doesn’t look like regular 1 x 4’s from here.
thanks in advance.
Hi Deb, we used 1×4’s for the frame on the lattice. Is that what you are talking about or are you talking about the existing posts on the patio that we attached the lattice frame to?
I meant in the lattice itself. The 1×4’s I have seen are thicker, like 3/4″ and I was wondering if those are what you used, or did you use something from the trim section that is thinner.
Thanks in advance.
Hi Deb! We bought the lattice already assembled in a big 4′ x 8′ sheet. It’s vinyl lattice sheets.
Thanks. I see now how you did it.
Tell your Dad this was a great find and we really appreciate him sharing! Some daughters don’t have Dad’s nearby for yard makeovers! So we’ll “borrow” yours through the magic of the internet.
🙂
thanks for posting this..and say thanks to DADS too…. he is helping me get my hubby motivated !
ha thank you! 🙂
Is this just free standing? What keeps it from falling over? Im in Florida and we get some winds that would throw that across the yard! LOL! Just wondering what he attached it to
No, it’s screwed to one of the existing support posts for the roof. You can see it in the pictures if you look close 🙂 You would definitely need to screw the privacy screen to something to keep it from falling over. It’s big!
Love this project…NO MITER CUTS…It seems most bloggers have a carpenter for a husband..So although the projects are GREAT..we can’t RECREATE this is so do~able for everyone…Thanks!
No miter cuts on this one 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
Tell your Dad he is super cute;-) he reminds me of my Dad. Just found your site and I love it! Thank you for sharing your creations!
MY HUSBAND AND ME DID IT WITHOUT LOOKING AT YOUR DADS SECRETS
🙂
hehe 🙂
Just wanted to say thank you for posting. I’ve been looking at purchasing vinyl fencing to hide our wood pile and garabge cans and your fence project is not only cheaper but better looking. Great looking patio as well.
Thank you , glad you like it!
What a fabulous project – and so budget-friendly. Thank you for the inspiration. I’ve posted this to Pinterest/homedepot on the “Garden Party” pinboard.
Thank you Renee! Glad you like it and thanks for pinning 🙂
Hi, Jessica. Love your idea and tutorial. Your Dad is a cutey! Thanks to both of you for tutorial. It is exactly what I am looking for, for the west side of my front porch. Nice wind breaker and nice to put some morning glories on. And the price of the project fits my pocket book just right. Have a great time in the new patio area!!
Thank you Patti!
Thanks for this tutorial! Two quick questions for Dad:
1. Can you explain how you connected the corner? Brackets or just screws?
2. I need to do this but need 3 panels horizontally (you had just one). How do I connect each panel to one another?
Thanks ‘Daddio’!
Hanna
We used screws but you could use corner/L brackets. Just make sure they are for outdoors and will not rust over time 🙂 Good luck!
You are so lucky that your dad is around !!!!! My dad was just like him. Your privacy screen came out beautiful.
Thank you Susan 🙂
This looks great…We have a 35×15 chain link dog kennel that I have been trying for so long to think of something creative and attractive to conceal it with. I think I just found the perfect idea for it. Thank you for posting this. Let your dad know he just helped you help another family!
Thank you for the step by step … very helpful. I too have “those neighbors” and maybe this might help my plight (waking up with garbage in my front yard). I will be building 6 of these and maybe they will get a hint.
You are hilarious! 🙂
This looks great, and you’ve made it so easy! My only question is: how do you prevent it from blowing over? is it attached to the ground or the house somehow, or is it freestanding? thanks in advance for your time!
Thank you Jennifer! The side posts are screwed to the wooden columns (that holds up the roof). It would definitely blow over if it wasn’t attached to something.You can always use cement screws (for outside) if you need to attach it to a cement patio:)
Thank you so much for the GREAT ideas love the pictures of your dad an projects . I use to work with my dad on projects so this hit home for sure !
That is great Katey you have done stuff with your dad. Great memories for sure 🙂
Wonderful tutorial and very clean photos. They help alot. I going to try making a small fence this summer. Thanks So Much! Delvalouisia
My son and I are going to attempt nstalling privacy lattice on our carport,(upper). Need any help you can give. Reetee
I was wondering how you all get along. Do any members of the 4 generations clash??? We have 3 generations in my house and the grandpa and the dad clash alot.
For the most part we all get along. My husband works over 70 hours a week so he is barely home and if anyone clashes, it’s me and my grandfather. We have moments where we butt heads but mostly, it’s ok 😉
Does your Dad have a tuitorial on how to build that plant stand on the patio? I need this privacy screen on my patio..as my neighbor’s shrubbery sheds on my patio all the time and makes such a mess.
Jessica-thanks for this tutorial!I’ve been thinking about this type of project and now I don’t have to reinvent the wheel:)
Thank you for this tutorial! My husband and I were able to use your project as inspiration for our own backyard, and shared your tutorial on our blog! Check it out! https://amberwegener.wordpress.com/2016/08/16/fun-diy-backyard-weekend-projects/#more-278
Your screen came out great Amber!!!! So happy you liked our tutorial 🙂
So how do I get the lattice screen to stay up? I’m going to try to build it to block out my neighbors who are loud and hoarders.
Great tutorial Jessica. As I write this comment the guys are here installing a new AC unit and I needed a way to protect it from my male dog that killed our last AC unit by lifting his leg on it all the time. You idea is exactly what I need to hide and protect my air conditioner. Thanks for great tutorial, yours came out great!
Oh no! Yes male dogs wreck tons of things with their leg and pee 🙁 Good luck and we love our barrier, we have since added window boxes filled with flowers to it 😉
There are SO many ads on this page that the article is literally unreadable on mobile 🙁
oh no!! I am sorry. I will look into that.
This came at the perfect time! I was asking my son about putting something up at the end of my patio to block my view of my neighbors. This is just what I wanted. Thank you so much. Tell your dad he was a big help and a lot of us out here wish we had such a great handy fella around.???? Hugs,
That is great Sandi! 🙂 Stay safe and healthy!
What are your thoughts on the pvc trim so the wood doesn’t need painted? We bought it to attempt a privacy screen on the side of our deck to block our neighbor’s windows but now I am worried it may bend or sag since pvc is a bit flexible and the screen will be a bit tall. Our deck railings are white vinyl so we have to zip tie the screen to hold it to the deck rail. Thanks!!!
We have used PVC trim before on other projects and loved it.
This looks really good and gives your mom a great place to relax without looking at AC units or garbage cans. Your dad is so funny! And it’s great that he can help you sometime.
Thank you . haah yes my dad makes me laugh 🙂