Feature Story

HOMEOWNERS CAN combine privacy and purpose with a deck board privacy wall.

Selling decking for privacy walls

As contractors, we always keep up with the latest tools and techniques, and as creative designers it is equally as important to keep up with trends in designs. We have recently seen an uptick in the number of requests we receive for privacy walls in the outdoor living spaces we create. Whether it be a large-scale trend or a customer simply seeing the special touches we add to our designs through our photos, privacy walls are high on customers’ wish lists. While privacy walls are functional as well as aesthetically pleasing, we strive to maintain the balance between a focal point that is not cumbersome and a shield from the elements that does not feel overpowering.

As we began incorporating privacy walls into designs, we made the decision to use the same product for building vertically that we were already using to build with horizontally. This provides consistency that helps tie the outdoor living space together by using the same material on the deck and the privacy wall, rather than attempting to color match different products together.

We intentionally chose a product for our deck designs that is not only incredibly durable, but also has many options for colors and width, so it was an easy choice to also go with Deckorators composite decking for our privacy walls. Deckorators offers a wide range of options including varied-plank widths and picture frame board which allows us to get very detailed with our designs and inlays. A variety of color options and woodgrain finishes make it easy to create customized style, but the products also look great all on their own. With Deckorators composite decking, we also do not have to worry about things like expansion and contraction or how it will hold up in the weather, which makes it a great product to work with.

Keep an open space

The most intricate part of building a privacy wall will be the design if you choose to incorporate one. This

INLAYS and picture frame boards add a modern feel to an outdoor living space. CREATE a custom design stamp with unique features and decor.

vertical element is a great way to draw the eye up, while maintaining an airiness in the space. Make sure to be mindful of how open you want the space to feel. It’s important to strike a balance between a space that feels private but not closed off or closed in. Of course, different homeowners have different goals, but the ideal privacy wall should feel open and airy while still separating the space from neighbors and noise.

Level up your deck design

Use outdoor living designs as an opportunity to leave a personal stamp on a project. Each one of my designs is custom made for each customer to flow with their home and project and will not be reused again. This is a great way to level up a project and an opportunity to get your creative juices flowing. Using decking boards is a great way to upgrade from the traditional lattice look to a more up to date tailor-made option that both contractors and homeowners can appreciate.

Privacy and purpose

Not only are custom privacy walls beautiful to look at and effective as physical barriers from wind or neighbors, but they can also have another very practical use. They are great for hiding any pesky wires for things like lighting, outdoor TVs, or outdoor refrigerators. Many homeowners dislike having to run extension cords all over their brand-new beautiful decks

1. Start by anchoring 4x4 posts into your deck framing and install just as you would on the deck floor. 2. Install additional blocking for a custom design or inlay. Keep in mind this will be more susceptible to the wind when fastening to the framing. 3. Complete the look with colormatched fastener plugs.

or patios, and with some planning and intentional design a privacy wall can be the perfect hiding spot or solution to unwieldy electrical cords.

Using privacy walls correctly can be a great way to keep some of that indoor intimate feel, while still being able to enjoy outdoor spaces. They can also be a great way to showcase your craftsmanship and give your customers the “wow factor” that will set their outdoor living space apart.

How to...

Building a custom privacy wall with deck boards is very simple.

– Sean Collinsgru founded Premier Outdoor Living, LLC, Palmyra, N.J., in 2015 as a design-build firm that specializes in creating unique outdoor living spaces throughout Southern New Jersey.