Deck Privacy Fences
Privacy fence and screen options for raised decks — railing-mounted screens, privacy walls, and freestanding panels designed for elevated outdoor spaces.
Material Cost
$10 – $55/linear ft
Recommended Materials
4 materials
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Recommended Materials
Composite privacy walls match composite decking — unified look, low maintenance.
Cedar panels and screens — lightweight, naturally rot-resistant for elevated decks.
Bamboo roll screens attach easily to deck railings for quick privacy.
Vinyl panels — durable and low-maintenance for deck-mounted privacy walls.
Raised decks present a unique privacy challenge — you're elevated above ground-level fences, exposed to second-story windows, and often visible from multiple angles. Standard ground fences don't help when you're 3–8 feet above them.
The main approaches to deck privacy are deck-mounted privacy walls (permanent or semi-permanent privacy panels attached to the deck railing or frame), railing-mounted privacy screens (fabric, reed, or bamboo screens that attach to existing deck railings), privacy lattice or trellis panels (lattice attached to deck posts with optional climbing plants), and freestanding deck privacy panels (weighted or bolted panels that stand on the deck surface).
Deck-mounted privacy walls are the most effective solution. These are essentially short fence sections (4–6 feet tall from the deck surface) built on top of the deck frame. They can match the deck railing style or contrast for visual interest. Common materials are composite boards (match composite decking for a unified look — $15–$30/ft installed), cedar or pressure-treated wood (the most affordable option — $10–$25/ft), and vinyl panels (low maintenance and available in many styles — $20–$40/ft).
Railing-mounted screens are the easiest DIY option. Bamboo or reed rolls ($1–$3/ft), outdoor fabric ($3–$8/ft), or privacy mesh ($2–$5/ft) attach to the inside of existing deck railings with zip ties, screws, or bungee cords. They provide 70–90% privacy depending on the material.
Wind is the biggest consideration for deck privacy. Decks are more exposed to wind than ground level, and solid privacy walls at deck height act as sails. For decks in windy areas, use semi-private designs (slatted panels, louvered screens) or flexible materials (fabric, reed) that move with the wind rather than fighting it. If building solid privacy walls on a deck, consult a structural engineer to ensure the deck framing can handle the additional wind load.
Published February 15, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Fence for Privacy?
Top Privacy Fence Options
The best privacy fence depends on your budget, maintenance preference, and aesthetic goals:
Best Overall: Vinyl Privacy Fence
Vinyl solid-panel fences at 6-8 feet provide complete privacy with zero maintenance. No painting, staining, or sealing — ever. They won't rot, warp, or attract insects. The higher upfront cost ($20-$40/ft) is offset by decades of maintenance-free life.
Best Value: Wood Privacy Fence
Pressure-treated wood privacy fences offer solid privacy at the lowest cost ($15-$35/ft). They can be painted or stained in any color and are easy to repair. The trade-off is maintenance — plan on staining every 2-3 years.
Best for Neighbors: Board-on-Board
Board-on-board fences provide privacy while looking attractive from both sides. The overlapping boards also allow airflow, which reduces wind damage.
Best Long-Term: Composite
Composite fences look like wood but last 25-35 years with no maintenance. The highest upfront cost ($25-$55/ft) but the best lifetime value.
Vinyl vs Wood Fence: Which Is Better?
Cost Comparison
Wood privacy fences cost $15-$35/ft installed, while vinyl runs $20-$40/ft. Wood is 25-40% cheaper upfront. However, wood requires staining ($1-$3/ft every 2-3 years), while vinyl needs only occasional hosing off.
Maintenance
Wood needs staining or sealing every 2-3 years, periodic board replacement, and annual inspection for rot and insect damage. Vinyl needs nothing beyond occasional cleaning with a garden hose — no painting, staining, or sealing ever.
Lifespan
Wood fences last 10-20 years with proper maintenance. Vinyl fences last 20-30 years with virtually no maintenance. Over a 30-year period, vinyl is often the cheaper option when you factor in wood maintenance and replacement costs.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose wood if you want the lowest upfront cost, prefer natural material, want to customize with paint or stain, or enjoy DIY maintenance. Choose vinyl if you want zero maintenance, prefer a longer lifespan, want consistent appearance over decades, or dislike yard work.