Want to enjoy the view and the ambiance of your patio, deck, or balcony but you don’t want the prying eyes of passers-by as well as unwanted visitors? If so, then you may need to use an outdoor balcony privacy screen to separate your area from the rest of the house. Not only is this a good idea for privacy reasons, but it also adds value to your apartment. You can add the screens to your existing balcony or build a new one. Here are a few ideas for backyard apartment gardening that will help you get started.
Grommets – Installing a grommet outdoor balcony privacy screen can be a fun and economical project to undertake. If you live in an apartment building with several floors, then you might want to start with the bottom floor and work your way up. For the most part, all you need for a grommet-type fencing screen are outdoor garden grommets, a few nuts and bolts, and a washer and a couple of brass screws. You can make your own grommets by using heavy duty aluminum or galvanized steel tubing, but if you have access to materials such as aluminum or stainless steel pipes, then go for it! Some grommets, especially those with a hole in the middle, can be very tricky to install.
Fencing – A privacy fence is a great option for privacy, especially for balconies that are short, open, or difficult to build without a lot of work. The first step to building your own privacy fence is to assess the entire property. Make sure there aren’t any structural issues that would pose a problem with your new balcony deck, patio, or sunroom. It’s also a good idea to check out local building codes and do a little research on your own to learn about local building restrictions. If you have neighbors that might object to your new deck or sunroom, then this information will come in handy when trying to work out an easy installation schedule.
Decide what you’re going to fence with and select the colors, designs, and patterns that will best match your home, your personality, and your budget. Keep in mind that you can purchase a variety of different options to suit all of these different needs. Wood is the most popular material used for a balcony privacy screen, but vinyl, aluminum, and various other materials can also be purchased and installed for a more custom look. When deciding on the type of material you’re going to use, it’s important to know the different types of wood and their advantages and disadvantages.
Wood will last for many years while offering a beautiful appearance. It is easy to maintain, requires little maintenance, and looks great year round. However, there are different aspects to caring for your wood privacy screen, such as periodic re-finishing or applying stains to prevent splintering. In order to keep it looking its best, it’s important to pay close attention to the weather condition of your area.
Weather conditions will determine how often the grommets need to be replaced. If your particular area has very harsh weather, such as very hot or very cold temperatures, you may want to consider using a fiberglass or acrylic grommet rather than a wood one. Fiberglass is quite durable and lightweight, while acrylic is resistant to cracking and will not easily chip. Both are very easy to install and maintain, providing you with years of hassle-free protection from prying eyes.
If you are simply looking to add a functional piece to your backyard, you may opt for screen grommets without a bottom line. These are usually more affordable and easier to install, providing you with the screen material without worrying about maintaining the grommets or worrying about breakage. In most cases, all you need to do is fasten the bottom edge to your balcony railings, then secure the rest of the material to the frame using zip ties. The zip ties ensure that the grommet won’t move, even in windy conditions, while the top edge stays firmly in place. In addition, using zip ties will ensure that no one can get at the panels, eliminating the need to remove or replace them on a regular basis.
For individuals who like to spend time outdoors, an outdoor balcony privacy fence screen will provide the peace of mind that no other type of fence is able to offer. Without the frame to prevent unwanted viewable areas from being viewed, you have a free area for doing whatever you want, including strolling in the garden or taking in a movie. As long as the zip ties aren’t broken or removed, the privacy fence screen will be virtually maintenance free. It’s easy to install, easy to maintain and offers a high degree of security. With the right materials, a high quality screen and a simple installation process, you can enjoy the benefits for years to come.