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Hello,
I have a patio area that I would like to make some changes to for more privacy. In the photos you can see that the side is wide open to passersby and neighbours. I am wondering if maybe fixing something like shade cloth there would be a good idea, or if there are better solutions? As can be seen in the photo, the top is metal as is the post on the right side but can be drilled into (also, please see photo for measurements). I'm open to any suggestions, thank you.
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @ptrchr. It's marvellous to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about creating privacy on a patio.
There are many different screening options that you could employ in this area. If you were considering shadecloth, I recommend the Windoware 2.1 x 2.1m Isle Outdoor Rollup blinds. I recently installed three of them in a similar situation as I wanted to block out a neighbouring property. Although not completely opaque, they obscure the view enough that I don't notice what's happening on the other side of them. Cost-wise they are a fantastic option, and I couldn't find a more budget-friendly solution that would cover such a large area. Two would cover your 4300mm width, leaving only a slight 100mm.
The reason for suggesting the rollup blinds is that not only can you raise them if you want to let a bit more light in, but the edges of the shadecloth are all hemmed, and it's quite a simple installation with the mounting bracket provided. It took me only 30mins to install all three. If you were to purchase just shadecloth, which would only be slightly cheaper, you'd need to ensure all the cut ends are either hemmed or secured in a fashion that wouldn't let the woven strands unfurl.
Alternatively, if you like the look of some of the other screening options, I trust our members will be able to answer any questions relating to installation.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Mitchell
Thank you Mitchell for your welcome and reply, very good information and nice to hear you have used those yourself with good results. Apologies I have been slow to get back to you by the way. The roll-up blinds you linked look great, though I think there may be a hitch in putting two of them side-by-side because of that beam that runs down on an angle which it seems would get in the way of that plan (circled in photo attached). That being said, I think those roll-down blinds would be good for other areas of my property. Though I am wondering if there is a way to fasten those blinds at the bottom for times when they are rolled down but it's very windy? Would not like them to rattle or bang around on very windy days.
With thanks
Peter
Hello @ptrchr
It's great that you've received excellent advice from my colleague @MitchellMc. One way around the gap issue is to install a long timber panel along the length of the patio frame. This can then be the point of installation for the roll-up blinds. To keep the bottoms in place, I suggest using Carabiners in conjunction with GRUNT Galvanised D Ring Anchor Points or similar.
If you need further assistance, please let us know.
Eric
Hi Peter (@ptrchr),
To get around the beam issue, you can screw a length of 42 x 31mm 5.4m Baluster H3 Pink Pine FJ Primed EBR3 LOSP to the underside of the frame. This length of timber will then give you an unobstructed verticle surface to mount the blind onto. I've created the rendering below for you to better illustrate.
The blind will come with bottom mount brackets used to fix it in position and stop it from flapping around in the wind.
Please let me know if you have further questions.
Mitchell
Hi @ptrchr,
You'll be able to use self-drilling screws, which will save you from having to pre-drill the metal beam. However, you'll need to pre-drill the timber so the screws can pass through it easily.
Please keep us updated and reach out if you need further assistance.
Mitchell
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