Privacy Fence – How to DIY for less!

Like most people, I didn’t get a ton done in 2020, but one project I was able to finish was this easy little DIY wood privacy fence that made a huge difference in our front yard.  I just couldn’t take looking at the lopsided trash cans anymore.  

First things first

First, I wanted to lay some cement underneath.  Because trash cans generally contain things dogs want to eat, our dogs were constantly digging the dirt underneath.  Which is why the trash cans always appeared lopsided and sometimes they would even fall down, which caused all kind of other problems. 

So, we laid a concrete slab down first.  I framed it out with some 2x4s an then went ahead and put the 3 corner posts in so that they would be cemented in. I used 4x4s for the corners.  The ground had a slope to it, so I kept the slope so that water would run down and away from the outdoor heating and air unit.

I used long boards across the top to make sure the posts were at the same height and the tops were all level. Because the ground was slopped, this seemed like the easiest way to get the tops level.

And I added a fun little memory for us.

Next up

Next up, it was time to add the slats. I used 1x6s starting at the top of first side. I cut the 2×6 to size and then drilled pocket holes into both ends. Then I lined top board up with the top of the posts and attached them using 2 1/2″ pocket hole screws.

On the second side, I started at the bottom and lined each board up with the first side as I went. It was easier to put a shim in between so there would be something to hold the board. I probably could’ve done this one the first side, but I was afraid the top wouldn’t line up right if my math was off.

I measured down from each board 3/4″ for the gap. You could make this any width you want, that’s just what I did. It hides the trash cans well but gives a little interest. I measured for each board individually as I went, instead of doing them all at once. There was a slight lean in one of my posts and I wanted to make sure each slat fit properly.

The boards for the slats were bowing out once I got them all attached. This made the whole look of the fence a little “off”. So, I cut a 1×6 for each side and made it a little shorter than the overall fence height. Then I just screwed it in, anchoring it at the bottom agains the new concrete.

Finishing touches

Once the concrete and building was all done it was time for paint!

I stained every thing first in Valspar Exterior Semi-Transparent Stain in Simply Cedar, then went over the posts and top and bottom edges in Valspar Exterior Solid Stain in Darkest Night.

That’s it. Really truly, and easy little wood privacy fence that made a world of difference! You can see at the bottom that the ground is slopped away from the house, but the boards are all level. This hides our trash cans and makes the whole outdoor space a little nicer!

That’s about it. Sound off below if you have any questions and thanks so much for stopping by.

-April

DIY Wood Privacy Fence – Pin for Later!