A DIY Wood Screen That'll Help Turn Your Front Porch Into An Outdoor Oasis

Do you have a front porch you'd like to use a lot more but don't because it lacks privacy? You're in luck: There's an easy and affordable solution that doesn't require hiring a contractor or spending a fortune on tools and materials. With just a few cedar fence pickets, spare lumber, and a hammer or nail gun, you can build an attached DIY wood privacy screen for your porch in just a few hours that will transform your outdoor space into a private, comfortable oasis for relaxing or entertaining. To top it off, you don't even need extensive building skills. 

Fence slats are a great choice for this project because they're affordable (generally under $5 per picket), available at most home improvement stores, and are versatile and simple to work with. For best results, choose pickets made from cedar or pressure-treated wood because they are naturally weather-resistant, but you could use pine also. This easy project involves first attaching two to three vertical supports, such as 2x4s or 2x6s, to the porch railing, such that they extend from floor to ceiling of your porch. For added stability, consider including a third post in the middle to help support the structure, especially if your porch is longer than 6 or 8 feet. 

To simplify your project, you could ask your local hardware store to cut the posts to size for you (though it will add a little to the cost of the project). It's best to either paint or stain all the wood before you put it up, then touch it up as needed later. If you buy pre-stained fence pickets, you will have less to paint or stain, allowing you to get the desired result more quickly.

Secure your vertical supports to the railing (or to the floor and ceiling of your porch) with wood screws or metal brackets, then add the pickets. Start at the bottom and work your way up, positioning each picket horizontally. Use a level before securing each one to the two posts with wood screws.This method will ensure a clean, polished appearance and prevent uneven gaps as you go. A power drill will make this process quicker and less arduous. 

You can space pickets evenly — using a piece of scrap wood as a spacer — to create a modern look, or place them closer together for maximum privacy (you still want some space between pickets to let light in). Likewise, you can run the pickets halfway or all the way up for different effects. Either way, your new screen will offer a sense of seclusion and transform your porch into a more comfortable, functional space. (if you have an HOA, check the rules before beginning this project).

To boost the comfort level of your porch, consider adding outdoor chairs or a loveseat with plushy cushions and perhaps an area rug or throw blanket for warmth using the best colors for your outdoor space — such as browns or greens for a natural, easy-going feel or dark charcoal for a modern touch. Incorporate a few potted plants or hanging baskets to bring lush greenery and calmness into your outdoor living area. To enhance your porch's aesthetic, you could create an eye-catching planter using colorful pieces of tile or glass, creating a stunning mosaic for a vibrant and personalized touch.