Turn Your Backyard Into a Private Retreat
A beautiful deck is great — until it feels like you’re sitting in a fishbowl. If your backyard is a little too exposed for your comfort, a deck privacy wall can change everything. With the right design, you can carve out a space that feels peaceful, protected, and actually yours — without building a full fortress or alienating the neighbors.
Whether you’re after a subtle privacy screen for your deck or a full blown privacy wall, below are some smart ideas (and real-world examples) to help you build your personal backyard escape.
Why Add a Privacy Wall to Your Deck?
Obviously, a deck privacy wall gives you a little more breathing room to relax, spend time with family, and enjoy your space without worrying about who’s watching. But aside from that, the right privacy wall can also help block sun glare as it drops lower in the sky, cut down wind, and make your deck more comfortable through more seasons / conditions.
6 Deck Privacy Walls We’ve Built in Madison (and Why Our Clients Love Them)
Whether it’s blocking a view, softening the wind, or adding a little backyard style, every client’s needs are different — and so is every deck. We help you find the right solution that fits your space, your style, and your budget. Here are a few custom privacy walls we’ve built in Madison, WI.
1. Custom Louvred Cedar Slat Wall (Adjustable Privacy)
Want options? This wall gives you privacy when you want it — and an open, breezy feel when you don’t. Just slide the slats and set the mood. It’s like having window blinds for your deck.
Pros:
- Opens and closes for ultimate flexibility
- Instantly shifts from open and airy to fully private
- Adds a high-end, custom look to the deck
Considerations:
- Cedar needs regular maintenance (cleaning, staining/sealing)
- Higher upfront investment
2. Vertical Cedar Privacy Fence
If you’re serious about full privacy, this solid cedar wall gets it done. Clean, classic, and built to make your deck feel like a true escape. If your neighbor’s trampoline is feeling way too close (or in the case of this client, you have a shared building) — this is your move.
Pros:
- Maximum privacy — great for side-by-side neighbors
- Classic, timeless cedar look
Considerations:
- Can feel a little “walled in” if overused
- Requires upkeep (typical for real wood outdoors)
3. Custom PVC Lattice Privacy Panels
Need separation without feeling boxed in? PVC lattice panels give you privacy and airflow — with zero maintenance headaches. A win-win.
Pros:
- Maintenance-free (PVC only needs occasional washdowns)
- Lets light and breeze through while blocking direct sight lines
- Seamless look if lattice is already used to provide coverage under the deck
Considerations:
- Less “solid wall” feeling if maximum privacy is needed
4. Wood Privacy Screens with Black PVC Lattice
These screens create smart privacy right where you need it most — without closing off your whole deck. Plus, the wood-and-lattice combo looks sharp. The best of both worlds: warmth of wood, durability of PVC.
Pros:
- Adds privacy without making the deck feel boxed in
- Blends traditional wood with sleek black accents
Considerations:
- Wood will need future maintenance
- Slightly trickier to refinish because of the mixed materials
5. Horizontal Cedar Privacy Wall
Horizontal boards offer privacy with a little creative bonus. Hang plants, string lights, or even set up a backyard movie night — it’s a wall that works harder. The Pinterest-worthy wall that’s actually useful, not just pretty.
Pros:
- Privacy + style — feels modern, not bulky
- Slats can double as a vertical garden or projector screen
Considerations:
- Gaps between slats provide partial (not total) privacy
- Ongoing wood maintenance is a must
6. Sunbelly Black Patterned Privacy Panels
These aluminum panels pull double duty — blocking views (or in this case, separating two unique outdoor spaces) while giving your deck a bold, custom look. Easy to clean, tough to miss. These panels are like adding a piece of outdoor art to your deck.
Pros:
- Ultra-low maintenance (powder-coated aluminum)
- Available in multiple designs for a customized look
- Pairs perfectly with black railings for a sleek vibe
Considerations:
- Not adjustable once installed — fixed pattern and opacity
Natural Deck Privacy Wall Ideas
Not every privacy fix has to be a built structure. A few natural options include:
- Columnar evergreens (like ‘Emerald Green’ arborvitae): Grow tall and narrow, great for tight spaces.
- Dogwood shrubs: Beautiful and full, but grow fast and will need regular trimming to stay deck-friendly.
- Climbing vines on a trellis: Clematis, climbing hydrangea, and other vertical growers can soften a deck edge naturally. Just be careful any vines you plant don’t take over your house because they can cause a lot of problems.
- Tall potted grasses: Good for moveable, non-permanent privacy.
Pro tip: Talk to a landscaper about plant selection and placement. You’ll want to make sure roots, moisture, and rapid growth don’t cause headaches or major issues to your foundation later.
What to Know Before Adding a Privacy Wall to Your Deck
- Permits/HOAs: Most small privacy walls are fine by city standards, but HOAs can be stricter. It’s up to you as the homeowner to check neighborhood rules.
- Privacy vs. Openness: Think about whether you want total separation or just a softer screen.
- Maintenance Needs: Wood = gorgeous, but it needs care. PVC/aluminum = lower maintenance but higher upfront cost.
- Future Flexibility: Adjustable designs (like louvres) let you adapt with the seasons and situations.
We Build Custom Decks – Privacy Walls Included
We don’t just show up and slap a wall on an old deck. Our privacy walls are part of the decks we design and build from the ground up — so everything flows together structurally and visually.
If you’re dreaming about a deck that’s private, comfortable, and built to fit your life, let’s talk.
Deck Privacy Wall FAQs
Maybe — it depends how the deck was built and if it can handle the load. We’re happy to take a look.
In most areas, small deck privacy walls don’t require a separate permit — but if your project already includes a new deck build (like ours usually do), permits are part of the package. That said, it’s always best to touch base with your municipality to be sure. Homeowners in HOA neighborhoods should also check neighborhood specific guidelines.
Typically, privacy walls are around 4–6 feet tall. Local building codes or HOA rules might limit the height, so it’s always smart to double-check before building.
Powder-coated aluminum panels or PVC lattice are your best bet. They hold up against Wisconsin weather and only need occasional washing — no staining, sealing, or repainting needed.
