How can I make a cheap privacy screen?

A cheap privacy screen might be a wood fence with 4x4 posts, two or three 2x4 back rails, and 1x4 or 1x6 pickets on one side. However, this type of screen is only cheap at the outset. Once future maintenance (painting or staining and replacement of broken or rotting materials) is taken into consideration, even the most basic wood screen may not be cheap anymore. There are styles of vinyl fencing that can be relatively inexpensive, but a good quality screen is not necessarily that much more expensive. An entire backyard in a typical neighborhood can be fenced for less than the cost of a new vehicle. Consumers sometimes make the mistake of saving money upfront on a cheap screen not considering that they will have to live with their decision for many years.

 A wood screen typically will not make it to a decade before significant repairs will be required and a vinyl screen may prove to be much less appealing as the consumer continues to improve their property. Although a Trex fence is initially more expensive than most wood or vinyl fences it is definitely the better investment and value for the long term. 

Check out Trex vs Other Products for a more in-depth comparison of the different fencing materials out there that can be used as a privacy screen.

Trex Fencing is considered a DIY product, and thus is designed to be intuitive in how it is installed. More details for installing Trex Fencing can be found by referring to our Installation Resources, but the general idea is pretty simple:

1.Posts are installed first, similar to any fencing project. For a 6 foot high fence, we generally recommend burying our 9 foot posts at least 30 inches into the ground. Care should be taken to ensure that posts are level and evenly spaced. For reference, Trex Seclusions fence sections should be 8 feet wide on center of the posts. Concrete is used to secure the posts in place.

2. Brackets are then installed on each posts (one on the top, one on the bottom). These will support the top and bottom rails.

3. Our aluminum bottom rails provide strength to the fence to protect it from sagging. Composite bottom rail covers are sleeved over the aluminum, and the rail is then placed over the bottom brackets.

4. The first and last pickets are screwed to the posts, and then the rest of the pickets interlock together to finish the section.

5. The top rail is then cut to length and secured over the pickets.

6. Post caps are then installed. We offer three designs; Flat cap, Pyramid cap, or Crown cap. 

As easy as that, you can install a privacy screen that will look great and serve its function superbly for years to come.