Our patio is one of our most-used spaces during spring, summer, and fall. It’s where we eat, do crafts, have bonfires, and relax while the kids play in the backyard. Because we spend so much time out there, I wanted to make it feel a little more private and cozy. After searching online for the perfect privacy wall or privacy screen for our patio, I decided to create my own — a more budget-friendly solution that fits perfectly on our patio or a deck.
This DIY easy patio privacy wall is a simple, affordable project that transforms the space into a warm, inviting retreat. Using cedar planter boxes and faux arborvitaes, I built a beautiful, low-maintenance outdoor privacy screen that adds year-round greenery and a homey touch to our backyard.
Why Add a Patio Privacy Wall?
A patio privacy wall can make such a big difference in how your outdoor space feels. It not only blocks unwanted views but also defines the space, creating a calm and intimate setting for your family to enjoy. Whether you have nearby neighbors or just want to carve out a little corner of peace, a DIY privacy screen adds both function and charm to your backyard.
What I Used for My Outdoor Privacy Screen
I wanted something natural-looking, durable, and easy to maintain. Here’s what I used for my setup:
- 2 cedar planter boxes – from Home Depot. I chose the larger planter boxes that extended 72″ inches in height.
- 4 faux arborvitaes – We chose 5 feet tall to fill the trellis height and give us more privacy. There are several other height options available at Walmart.
Cedar is naturally weather-resistant and adds a warm, natural look that pairs beautifully with greenery. The faux arborvitaes were the perfect choice for height, color, and zero upkeep — no watering, trimming, or replacing seasonally. Together, they create a clean, modern outdoor privacy screen that looks fresh year-round.
How I Built My DIY Patio Privacy Wall
1. Measure the Space
Start by measuring the section of your patio where you’d like the privacy wall. I wanted mine along one the side edge of our patio to create a natural divider between our the rest of the yard. Two boxes gave us almost 6 ft in width for the wall.
2. Arrange the Cedar Planter Boxes
Next, I positioned the two cedar planter boxes side by side along the patio edge. You can adjust the spacing depending on how solid you want the wall to feel — closer together for a full wall effect or slightly apart for a lighter look. I love these planter boxes because they are on wheels, so I can easily move the wall based on where we are sitting or our shade needs. The wheels also lock which is a great feature. The lattice back of each box also has great potential for growing vines for even more privacy.
3. Add the Faux Arborvitaes
Each planter box easily holds two 5-foot faux arborvitaes, giving me four total. My next step will be securing them with a faux ledge that I will then top with decorative rocks or mulch for stability and weight. Right away, these arborvitaes added height, greenery, and instant privacy.
4. Adjust and Secure
Once everything was in place, I fluffed out the branches for a more natural shape and spaced them as needed. These boxes could fit 3 arborvitaes across in each, but budget-wise, two in each was what we needed.
5. Add Finishing Touches
To complete the look, I am going to wrap string lights along the wall and add a few small flower pots in front of the planters. Those extra touches make the whole space feel warm and welcoming — especially at night.
The Final Look
This DIY patio privacy wall completely changed the vibe of our backyard. It feels so much more like an outdoor room now — cozy, private, and relaxing. The outdoor privacy screen adds just the right amount of separation without making the space feel closed in, and the faux greenery keeps everything looking lush and polished all year long.
East Third Street Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a simple, affordable way to create more privacy and comfort outdoors, this DIY privacy screen is the perfect weekend project. With cedar planter boxes and faux arborvitaes, you can easily design a beautiful patio privacy wall that gives your backyard that peaceful, tucked-away feel — without a lot of work or maintenance. Want more great patio update ideas – check out our favorite list here!
