Build a screen wall — step by step
Protect the patio from wind and prying eyes — without shutting yourself in.
This is a complete guide to build a screen wall yourself — step by step, with a material list, tools, a timeline and what it costs. It's written for anyone building at home without professional experience: count on 1–2 weekends and a material cost of around 3,000–8,000 kr.
Showing method: Vertical screen wall with gaps
The price is an estimate based on typical material prices and can vary depending on size, material choice, location and store.
Which method suits you best?
Best for: Classic privacy screening that lets in light and wind.
Please note: Material quantities, prices and building methods are guidelines. Always check current prices, local regulations and product instructions before starting a project.
How a screen wall comes together
A screen wall of 2–4 metres wide and about 180 cm tall makes a huge difference on a windy patio. We build a sturdy structure with heavy-duty posts set in the ground and vertical or horizontal panelling. Wider gaps let light through and reduce wind without feeling heavy.
Materials for a screen wall — full list
Check items off while you shop — the list stays with you on the page.
Build a screen wall step by step
- 01
Measure and plan
Decide on width (typically 2–4 m) and height (160–180 cm for privacy screening, 120 cm for a windbreak). Mark where the posts will stand — max 2 m between posts.
Tip: Stand on the patio and hold up a board where the wall will go — you'll immediately see if the height feels right. - 02
Set the posts
Dig 60–70 cm deep holes, add a gravel base and set the posts in fast-setting concrete. Check plumb in both directions and that the spacing matches top and bottom. Curing time 12–24 hours.
Tip: On a deck: use post brackets instead of digging. Faster, and no work underneath the pressure-treated timber. - 03
Fit the sill and top rail
Screw a rail across the top between the posts (top rail) and one at the bottom (sill, 5 cm above the ground). This becomes the frame the panelling attaches to.
- 04
Nail or screw on the panelling
Vertical boards give a classic look — start at one post and work outwards. Leave a 5–15 mm gap between boards if you want airflow. Horizontal boards give a more modern look — screw into each post.
Tip: Use a spacer block to get an even gap between the boards. - 05
Trim the top level
Run a string line along the top edge and cut straight with a circular saw. This gives you a razor-sharp line along the whole wall.
- 06
Oil or paint
Apply two coats of outdoor stain or pigmented oil. Repeat every 2–3 years. Falun red paint suits well if the wall stands against a red house façade.
Help specific to build a screen wall
How the time breaks down
A 3 m screen wall can be built in 1–2 weekends including concrete curing time.
- Planning & shopping1–2 hours
- Digging and setting posts3–4 hours
- Concrete curing time12–24 hours
- Sill + top rail1 hour
- Nailing/screwing panelling2–4 hours
- Oiling (2 coats + drying time)1 hour + 1 day
How to save time
- Two people halve the time — one holds, one screws.
- Post brackets are pricier but save a whole day compared with digging posts in.
- Cut all the boards first, then assemble. Fewer switches between saw and driver.
Questions and answers about build a screen wall
How do you build a screen wall?
A screen wall of 2–4 metres wide and about 180 cm tall makes a huge difference on a windy patio. We build a sturdy structure with heavy-duty posts set in the ground and vertical or horizontal panelling. Wider gaps let light through and reduce wind without feeling heavy. The guide breaks the work into 6 steps — you start with measure and plan, set the posts and fit the sill and top rail and work your way forward at your own pace.
How much does it cost to build a screen wall?
Material cost is typically 3,000–8,000 kr. Total cost 3,000–8,000 kr for a screen wall of 3 × 1.8 m. The posts and panelling are the biggest items. The biggest items are posts 95×95 mm (3 pcs) 750–1,200 kr, battens 45×70 mm (~6 m) 200–400 kr and boards 22×95 mm (~25 m) 1,000–2,500 kr. The price varies with size, material choice, location and store.
What materials do you need for a screen wall?
You'll need things like posts 95 × 95 mm pressure-treated, battens 45 × 70 mm pressure-treated, boards 22 × 95 mm pine, concrete (fast-setting) and gravel 8–16 mm — the full material list with quantities is in the guide and can be checked off while you shop. Tools you'll need at home: drill & batteries, circular saw or mitre saw, spirit level and tape measure & pencil.
How long does it take and how hard is it?
Count on 1–2 weekends for a screen wall. A 3 m screen wall can be built in 1–2 weekends including concrete curing time. The difficulty level is moderate, so you can manage it without professional experience if you follow the steps in order.
Which method should I choose for a screen wall?
There are 3 common ways to build it: vertical screen wall with gaps, horizontal modern screen wall and screen wall on a deck with post brackets. Choose a method at the top of the page — the guide, material list and cost then adapt to that solution.
What's the most common mistake?
The mistakes we see most often: posts too thin — 70×70 mm topples in strong wind. use 95×95 mm, forgetting the concrete's curing time — the wall soon goes crooked and fully sealed panelling with no air gap — the wall acts like a sail in the wind. Read through the whole guide once before you start — that way you'll avoid most of them.
And that's it, done.
Take a step back, pour a cup of coffee and enjoy. You built it yourself.
Next project: Build a dog runDid this guide help you?
Your opinion helps us improve our content.
Built something you're proud of?
Send us photos of your finished project — we pick out and publish them as inspiration for others who want to build a screen wall.
Related outdoor projects
If you're planning to build a screen wall, one of these projects is often a great fit to do at the same time.
Build a deck
A classic timber deck built over six weekends — a place to breathe out.
Build a pergola
Create an outdoor room with an airy pergola in light-coloured wood.
Build outdoor furniture
A sturdy garden bench that lasts for decades.