Introduction: DIY Privacy Panels for a Small Balcony
Wanting some privacy from my neighbors while still being able to enjoy the view of Manhattan from my small 5ft x 9ft balcony, I came up with the idea to create a corner dining booth by making 2 privacy panels.
The panels are very simple and inexpensive to build with 1"x3" pine boards, furring strips and an outdoor chair cushion from IKEA - you can see the complete list of materials, tools and supplies that you will need here:
http://www.engineeryourspace.com/how-to-create-an-...
You can also see a video of the whole process here:
Step 1: Line Up All the Boards and Mark the Location of the Screws
Space out the furring strips evenly across the width of the panel, line up the 1" x 3" pine boards over the furring strips and mark the location of the screws so they line up with the middle of the furring strips.
Step 2: Drill Pilot Holes for the Screws and Stain All the Wood
I used an exterior semi-transparent stain from BEHR (color: coffee)
Step 3:
Screw in place the first long board so that it lines up with the top of the balcony railing and double check that it's straight. I used decking screws to secure the boards to the furring strips.
Step 4: Screw in Place All the Boards
I used a spacer to make sure the spacing was the same for all the boards and I used decking screws to secure the boards to the furring strips.
Step 5: Attach the Privacy Panels and Cushion to the Balcony
I used gardening wire to secure the privacy panels to the top, middle and bottom of the railing. For the cushion, I sewed a velcro strap to the back and used that to secure the cushion to the balcony railing.
Step 6: Add DIY Benches
You can see how I made these here:
Step 7: Add a Table and Enjoy!
It's the perfect spot to entertain friends on a hot summer night!

Grand Prize in the
Outdoor Workshop Contest
15 Comments
1 year ago on Introduction
Sweet instructable my friend. Thanks for sharing!
5 years ago on Introduction
This looks great! I'm going to try to build it. Would you mind sharing what table you used?
Reply 5 years ago on Introduction
The table is a bit of a Frankenstein: I made it with some left over wood I had on hand and a wood pedestal that was a curbside find.
6 years ago on Introduction
uhm to bad my balcony is a lot smaller, great idea. i like the instructable
Reply 6 years ago on Introduction
Thanks!
6 years ago on Introduction
I am not on a small balcony but think that I might use a very similar idea to block out my neighbors on the other side of a low wall. Thanks.
6 years ago on Introduction
this looks really good! Congrats on winning
Reply 6 years ago on Introduction
Thank you!
6 years ago on Introduction
:)
6 years ago on Introduction
Awesome and ingenious. Fave'd!
Reply 6 years ago on Introduction
Thank you!
6 years ago
This is great! I wish I had the tools and space to do something similar (and talent!).
Reply 6 years ago on Introduction
Thank you! You should give it a try, you can get all the wood cut at the hardware store and all you need is a drill :)
6 years ago on Introduction
This looks great! I love how it is designed to have the cushions fit into it :)
Reply 6 years ago on Introduction
Thanks Penolopy! I love that too :)