Owner-operated · Homeowner guide
What are my options for adding privacy to my deck?Homeowner guide · Georgia decks
What are my options for adding privacy to my deck? You can add privacy to your deck using wood privacy screens, lattice panels, or a pergola with curtains. Many folks also use tall potted plants for a natural look. Just be sure to check your local rules and ensure the structure can handle the wind load before you start building.
Free estimate · opens your texting app · no forms needed
Get a fast estimate
★★★★★ 31 Google reviews as of Nov 2026 — “Great workmanship, fair pricing, and excellent customer service.” Read reviews
- Free written estimate within one day
- General liability coverage
- Crews with 10+ years of combined experience
- Owner on every job
- Text us (470) 863-3707
Homeowner guide
What are my options for adding privacy to my deck?
If you feel like the whole neighborhood can see you while you are grilling or relaxing, you are not alone. Most decks in Canton are built close together, and a little bit of screening goes a long way. The goal is to block the view without making your deck feel like a closed-in box.
- The owner comes to the visit and writes the estimate himself
- Crews with 10+ years of combined experience
- Insured (general liability)
- Rated 5.0 on Google across 31 reviews as of Nov 2026
- Photos from our own jobs, not stock images
Guide
Using Privacy Screens and Lattice
Privacy screens are the most direct way to block a line of sight. You can go with solid wood slats for total privacy or use lattice for a more open feel. Lattice lets some light and air through, which keeps the deck from feeling too dark.
- Solid cedar planks for a wall effect
- Lattice panels for a softer screen
- Horizontal slats for a modern look
- Vertical pickets for a traditional fence style
The trick is to place these where you actually need them, like near the seating area, rather than wrapping the whole deck.
Guide
Adding a Pergola for Overhead Cover
A pergola does not give you full privacy on its own, but it creates a frame that you can work with. Once the beams are up, you have a place to hang outdoor curtains or grow climbing vines. It adds a sense of enclosure that makes the space feel more like an outdoor room.
- Heavy timber beams for a sturdy look
- Outdoor fabric curtains for flexible privacy
- Slatted tops to break up the sun
- Integrated hooks for hanging plants
This is a great choice if you want something that looks high-end while still giving you a place to hide away.
How it works
Five steps. No surprises.
Call, text, or send the form
Tell us what is going on: a new deck, a repair, or “not sure yet.” We reply the same day.
Free on-site visit
Breno looks at the deck or the yard himself, measures, and goes over your options with you.
Written estimate
Scope, materials and price come in writing, so you know the plan before anything starts.
Schedule and permits
We agree on a start date and confirm any city, county or HOA requirement for your address first.
Build and final walk-through
Breno is on the job, and we go over the finished work with you before we call it done.
Real B&T work
Photos from real jobs
Real photos from B&T projects in North Georgia.
Guide
Using Plants for a Natural Buffer
If you do not want to build more walls, plants are a smart bet. Large pots with tall grasses or evergreen shrubs can create a living wall that changes with the seasons. This is often the easiest way to add privacy without needing a permanent construction project.
- Tall potted bamboo for fast growth
- Evergreen shrubs for year-round cover
- Potted arborvitae for a thick screen
- Climbing jasmine on a trellis
Just remember that plants need water and light, so place them where they will actually survive.
Guide
Understanding Wind Load and Safety
When you put up a solid wall on a deck, you are essentially building a sail. During a heavy storm, the wind hits that wall and pushes against your deck structure. This is called wind load, and if you ignore it, you risk damaging your deck or pulling posts out of the ground.
- Leave small gaps between slats to let air through
- Use heavy-duty fasteners for all screens
- Ensure posts are set deep and secure
- Avoid solid walls in high-wind areas
We always look at how a screen will catch the wind before we suggest a design.
Guide
Checking HOA and Neighbor Rules
Before you buy a single board, check with your homeowner association. Many neighborhoods in our area have strict rules about how high a screen can be or what materials you can use. You do not want to build a beautiful wall only to have the HOA tell you to tear it down.
- Review your neighborhood bylaws
- Check height restrictions for fences and screens
- Confirm approved wood stains or paint colors
- Talk to your neighbors about sight lines
It is also a good move to chat with your neighbor so they do not feel like you are intentionally blocking their view.
Guide
How to Attach Structures Safely
You cannot just lean a screen against a railing and hope for the best. Everything needs to be tied into the main structure of the deck or set into the ground with proper footings. If you attach a screen to the railing, make sure the railing is strong enough to hold the extra weight.
- Bolt posts directly to the deck joists
- Use galvanized hardware to prevent rust
- Install independent posts for heavy screens
- Use structural screws instead of simple nails
Doing it right the first time means you will not be fixing a leaning wall in a few years.
Get a fast estimate
Guide
Planning Your Private Retreat
Adding privacy is about balance. You want to block the neighbors, but you still want to enjoy the breeze and the sunlight. Whether you go with a sturdy wood screen or a few well-placed planters, the key is to plan for the wind and the rules of your street.
Guide
Get a Free Deck Health Check
Not sure where your project stands? B&T Properties will take a look and tell you plainly what we see, with no pressure. Text us at 470-863-3707 to schedule your Free Deck Health Check, and we will walk the job with you and explain your options.
Local notes
Around Canton and Woodstock and nearby
Canton. Canton is the Cherokee County seat, a city where the historic downtown sits a few minutes from master-planned communities such as BridgeMill, Great Sky and River Green. That mix of older in-town streets and newer subdivisions means the decks we see range from decades-old wood to recent builder-grade installs. Communities in the area include BridgeMill, Great Sky, Laurel Canyon, River Green.
Woodstock. Several Woodstock communities, including master-planned areas like Towne Lake, operate with HOA covenants that can cover decks and screened structures. Share your HOA name with us early and we will build the approval step into the schedule. Communities in the area include Towne Lake, Eagle Watch, Wyngate, Bradshaw Farm.
Holly Springs. Large planned communities like Harmony on the Lakes operate with their own governing rules, and many Holly Springs neighborhoods have an HOA that reviews exterior additions. Tell us yours and we will plan the approval around it. Communities in the area include Harmony on the Lakes, downtown Holly Springs.
Straight answers
Common questions
How high can I make my privacy screen?
Most local rules allow for a few feet, but you should check your specific neighborhood guidelines. We usually suggest a height that blocks the view from the ground without feeling oppressive.
Will a privacy screen make my deck too hot?
Solid walls can block the breeze, which might make it feel warmer. Using slats or lattice allows air to flow through while still keeping you hidden.
Do I need to dig holes for a privacy screen?
It depends on the design. Some screens attach to the deck frame, but heavier walls need their own posts set in the ground for stability.
What is the best wood for outdoor screens?
Cedar and pressure-treated pine are the most common choices. Cedar looks better and resists rot naturally, while treated pine is a practical, sturdy option.
How often should I stain my privacy screens?
You should generally apply a fresh coat of stain or sealant once every few years. This keeps the wood from graying and protects it from the Georgia rain.
Verified Google reviews
What the neighbors are saying
These are verified Google reviews from B&T customers.
★★★★★
“Breno did an excellent job repairing my home. He was professional, reliable, and paid close attention to every detail. The quality of his work exceeded my expectations…”
★★★★★
“Outstanding service! Breno is knowledgeable, honest, and takes pride in his work. It's hard to find a company this reliable these days.”
Who’s doing the work
About B&T Properties
Owner-operated by Breno. Collectively, our team brings 10+ years of deck-building experience, and B&T Properties carries General Liability insurance. Serving Canton and the rest of Cherokee County.
Upgrades
Add-ons to consider
Thinking beyond the basics? Mention any of these at your free estimate and Breno will go over what makes sense for your home.
Lighting
Stair and post lights that make evenings outside safer and nicer.
Multi-level layouts
Step down a sloped yard with separate levels for dining and lounging.
Stairs and landings
A better way down to the yard, with extra width, a landing or a second flight.
Cover or screens
A roof or a screened section for shade and bug-free evenings.
Service area
Cities we serve
Written warranty
1-year workmanship warranty
For 12 months after we finish, B&T Properties stands behind its labor in writing. A problem traced to how we built or repaired it is corrected at no cost. Excluded: defective materials, age-related wear, weather events, improper use, missing maintenance, and anyone else’s repairs. Put your claim in writing.
Free written estimate
Ask Breno about your deck — free and in writing.
No call center, no sales rep — the person who answers is the person who does the work.