Budget-Friendly DIY Outdoor Privacy Screen

Creating an attractive privacy screen doesn’t necessarily require construction know-how or expensive power tools. This version which stands in colorful planters repurposes shower curtains and uses bamboo poles and zip ties.

Step 1: Drill Bamboo

Drill 1/4” holes every 6” in the bamboo poles to accommodate the zip ties that will attach the curtain to the poles.

Step 2: Make Bases

Our space required a rather large screen (15’ long) so we went with four planter bases and three shower curtains. First, we transformed the fun floor baskets into sturdy planters by adding a heavy-duty garbage bag as a liner. Then we cut a 4” diameter PVC pipe about 6" shorter than the basket’s height. Place the PVC pipe inside then add soil to anchor the pipe in place.

Step 3: Secure Panels

Use a razor blade or craft knife to make tiny cuts in the shower curtain panels every 6" or at the same interval you drilled the holes in the bamboo. Thread zip ties through the curtain and the bamboo to secure the panels to the poles.

Step 4: Trim Ties

When the panels are secure, use scissors to trim the excess off the zip ties.

Step 5: Place Poles in Planters

Place the bamboo poles with curtain panels inside the PVC pipes. Shift planters into their final positions, pulling the privacy panels tight.

Step 6: Add Plants

With all the baskets in place, add colorful plants and greenery to punch up your outdoor space’s tropical allure. Go with an eye-pleasing mix of shapes, textures and heights to make the most of your new-found privacy and planters.