Privacy screens
Privacy Screens for Decks and Patios in Toronto and the GTA
Block the neighbour's view where you actually sit. Wood, horizontal board, composite and aluminum screens built to local height and length rules.
Where they help
Privacy without fencing the whole yard
- Semi-detached and townhouse decks with a shared side
- Hot tub and seating areas
- Raised decks that look into a neighbour's yard
- Hiding air conditioners, bins and storage
- Adding a windbreak on an exposed deck
Height
Many cities set a separate privacy screen height, sometimes taller than a fence.
Length
Some cities cap the total length of screens on a lot.
Setbacks
Screens may need to sit back from lot lines and streets.
On decks
Screens on decks often have a lower limit measured from the deck surface.
Privacy screen questions
How tall can a privacy screen be?
Each city sets its own limits, and they're often different from fence limits. For example, Caledon allows privacy screens up to 3 m (2 m on a deck) and Pickering up to 2.6 m, both with length limits. We check the bylaw for your address.
Is a privacy screen the same as a fence?
Not usually. A privacy screen is a shorter wall near a deck or patio, while a fence runs along a lot line. Many cities regulate them separately.
Can a privacy screen go on my deck?
Yes, when the deck frame is built to carry the extra wind load. The posts need to be tied into the frame properly.
What materials work for privacy screens?
Cedar, pressure-treated wood, horizontal boards, composite and aluminum systems all work. We match the screen to your deck or fence.
Need more privacy?
Send a photo from where you sit and show us what you want to block.