Hey DIY community! I'm thrilled to share a massive milestone from my latest home project: I've successfully built my low-level decking!
I opted for the sleek Ecodeck Designer Series Panels and used the 3mm Quick Fix Kit for the installation, and I'm really happy with the result. Huge thanks to a previous post I saw here (or online!) that gave me some brilliant insights for the planning phase—it made all the difference!
Now, I'm already on to the next challenge: finding the perfect, cost-effective solution for screening or hiding the existing fence that runs across the deck.
I've been looking at a few options, including the gorgeous but pricey Ecodeck Castelled Panels and some more budget-friendly fiber cement panels. The Ecodeck panels are tempting, but let's be honest, I've already invested a decent amount into the decking itself! 😉
I'm hoping to tap into your collective DIY wisdom! Do any of you have suggestions for similar, good-looking, but more budget-conscious fence screening alternatives? I'm open to all ideas!
What did you use to finish your deck perimeters or hide a fence? Drop your recommendations below!
Looks great @j_nilesh, congratulations on your deck so far. I am excited to see what comes next!
When you say you are looking for screening options for the fence, would that be the colorbond fence at the back of the deck in your image?
If so, we need to consider how it would be attached because colorbond fence posts are not typically capable of supporting a heap of additional weight, so you may need to install additional framing and potentially even additional posts to support the screening, depending on its weight and installation requirements.
There are a variety of options for screening, such as hardwood screening, aluminium screening or decorative metal or plastic screen panels. Each has its own benefits and a unique look.
You could also use fibre cement options, but they weigh a fair bit, and they will each have installation requirements to consider. If you wanted to use a fibre cement option, make sure you check their installation guide as it will give you details about what is required for their installation.
Then there are natural options like @royq's Training climbers to screen a fence, which used star jasmine and wire to create a beautiful natural screen. This might be a way to create a beautiful backdrop for your deck at a relatively low cost.
You might like to check out our Top 10 most popular screening projects for further inspiration.
Also, allow me to tag @Dave-1, @Nailbag and @LizzieCro to see if they have any ideas.
Jacob
Good Evening @j_nilesh
Thats a nice looking deck
Have you had your first party on it yet? ![]()
Now for screening it might be a little hard as your deck looks like it goes right to the fence line?
I am hopping that you have a beam support across the rear parts next to both fencelines?
Using HanDIY Products 10 x 10 x 10cm Post Support U Bracket And Flat Plate and staying in line with your cross supports I would bolt these down. I would also put posts every 800mm to 1000mm ish apart. As you have two fence lines you want to cover (taking a guess) that works to your advantage. You will have a right angle join between the two screens. You can make these sections solid which will also help re-enforce the screen.
With the several posts I would install three rails, top, bottom and middle and then install thinner verical slats over these.
So it will end up looking along these lines.
Dave
Hi @j_nilesh
Your off to a very impressive start with that deck so, a complimentary outer screening needs to be applied.
I would be looking for a lighter coloured feel so not to be boxed in by the relativeliy narrow space. And one that extended higher to be both uniform in height and block hat house on the side. It's important that the feature wall is free-standing of the boundary fence to avoid future issues there.
I'm not sure where the exact project originates from within the community but I really like this style, which I think will complement your impressive deck. Though rather than a continuous panel all round the same, break it up in 3rds for example. This is a clean but effective feature that would impress without over-stating allowing any furniture or plants to be the feature.
Nailbag
Thanks for the advise and connecting with community members..
Here is the complete deck picture
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