Deck Screen
 You can use a deck privacy screen to block views from neighbors and even train vines to create a lush living wall. Most deck screens use a strong lattice material stapled between a 2x4 or 2x6 frame creating a screen panel. Because a sheet of lattice is 4' x 8' and it is difficult to cut and splice lattice it is usually best to set your support posts about 4' apart. You may even want to consider creating your own lattice out of 2x2 material using a jig. This is a lot of work but it looks incredible. Attach the 4x4 posts to the deck rim using (2) 1/2" bolts with washers. Finish the wall by attaching the panels between the posts using some wood screws. You may want to leave a 4" space across the bottom for a sweep space to allow you to easily remove snow, leaves, and debris from the deck. Because of how thin the lattice material is it will probably not qualify as a guard rail for your inspector unless you add a rail across the bottom or add some bracing to add strength. This is less of an issue if you are installing it on a low deck less than 30" above grade. Adding vines is a nice way to soften a screen. All vines want to grow straight up and get as tall as possible to reach more light. Vines planted at the base of a lattice panel will rapidly grow straight up the lattice panel until it reaches the top. As it continues to grow, you will have to prune back the excessive growth at the top. To prevent uneven foliage start training the vine as soon as it is planted. Untangle and open the shoots up and then weave the existing vine stems horizontally along the bottom portion of the lattice panel. As the vine begins to grow upward, force it to grow sideways by weaving it horizontally through the latticework. |
