5 expert tips for buying a privacy screen: what really matters
At a Glance
- Well-planned privacy screening increases personal space while aesthetically enhancing the outdoor area; robust materials like metal impress with their longevity and minimal maintenance requirements.
- ELEO offers modern metal privacy elements, such as the Adda model, which guarantee long-lasting enjoyment through diverse designs and resilient surface coatings.
- Choosing the appropriate screening height and considering individual design preferences are crucial for a harmonious overall look in line with local building regulations.
High-quality privacy screening creates personal space while serving as a stylish design element. However, the selection is vast, and the decision should be well-considered. It is not just about bordering your property, but about a long-term investment in living quality and aesthetics.
From the choice of material, which determines durability and maintenance effort, to the legally and practically ideal height and a design that blends seamlessly into the architecture of the house and garden: numerous factors play a role. This guide highlights five decisive aspects and shows how a targeted combination of functionality and aesthetics creates a sustainably convincing solution. The focus is on high-value materials that provide enjoyment for many years, such as modern metal privacy screening from ELEO Express.
Available in different coatings
Available in different coatings
Available in different coatings
Available in different coatings
Available in different coatings
Available in different coatings
Available in different coatings
Available in different coatings
Available in different coatings
Available in different coatings
Tip 1: Metal, Wood, WPC, or Plastic?
The choice of material is the foundation. It influences not only the appearance but also the durability, maintenance effort, and ultimately the life-cycle costs. Each material has specific properties that make it more or less suitable for certain requirements.
| Material | Characteristics & Advantages | Maintenance & Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Metal Screening | Extremely durable, dimensionally stable, and weather-resistant (when galvanised/powder-coated). Offers a modern, elegant look and diverse design options (e.g. laser-cut). High stability. | Virtually maintenance-free; cleaning with water is sufficient. Initial costs may be higher but amortise due to longevity. |
| Wooden Screening | Natural, warm appearance. Blends organically into gardens. Various wood types (larch, Douglas fir) offer different looks and durability. | High maintenance effort: regular oiling or staining is necessary to prevent greying and weather damage. Prone to rot and insect infestation. |
| WPC Screening | Combines the look of wood with the ease of maintenance of plastic. Splinter-free and colour-stable. Considered a good alternative to real wood. | Easy to clean but not maintenance-free. Can heat up and expand in strong sunlight. The feel and look do not reach the authenticity of real wood. |
| Plastic Screening | Low-cost and very easy to clean. Available in many colours and shapes. Completely resistant to moisture. | Lower stability and perceived value. Can become brittle and fade over time under UV exposure. Lower resistance to wind loads. |
Upon closer inspection, metal privacy screening proves to be the best choice for discerning property owners. Modern manufacturing processes allow for enormous design variety: from purist, smooth surfaces to intricate patterns created by laser cutting. High-quality surface finishes, such as hot-dip galvanisation and subsequent powder coating, create an impenetrable barrier against corrosion. The result is screening that retains its shape and colour for decades without the need for extensive maintenance. While wood must be treated regularly to prevent weathering and plastic loses its premium feel, metal screening remains a permanently stylish and functional enrichment for any outdoor space.
Tanaro Metal Privacy Screen, Corten Steel © ELEO
Tip 2: Planning Height and Distances Correctly
Choosing the right privacy screen is a question of balance. On the one hand, it should offer effective protection from prying eyes; on the other, it must not overwhelm the garden or violate building regulations. The optimal height depends on the specific intended use.
- Terraces and Seating Areas: A height of 170 to 190 cm is ideal here to be protected from the gaze of neighbours or passers-by while sitting or standing.
- Complete Property Boundaries: At the boundary to a neighbouring property, heights of up to 200 cm are common to ensure continuous privacy.
- Front Gardens and Decorative Elements: Lower elements of 90 to 120 cm serve more for visual structure than for pure privacy and appear more inviting.
Before purchasing, it is essential to check local building regulations. Regulations for enclosures vary by region and can differ from one council to another. Relevant documents include the development plan, local design statutes, and regional building regulations. Often there is a defined "customary enclosure" height that can be erected without a permit (usually between 150 and 180 cm). Higher structures may require planning permission. Early clarification with the local planning office and a friendly discussion with neighbours can prevent later conflicts.
Tip 3: Harmonising Design with the Overall Look
Privacy screening is a dominant architectural element. Its design should therefore be carefully matched to the style of the house, the garden design, and personal aesthetics. It can serve as a calm backdrop for plants or become a design highlight in its own right.
Design Concepts and Styles
- Modern & Minimalist: Smooth, solid-coloured metal panels in Anthracite. Clean lines and a reduced design language underscore modern architecture.
- Classic & Elegant: Wrought iron elements or decorative grids with ornamental flourishes. These fit perfectly with period properties or cottage-style gardens.
- Natural & Vibrant: Laser-cut motifs with floral or organic patterns (e.g. grasses, leaves) create a fascinating play of light and shadow and break up solid surfaces.
- Industrial Charm: Corten steel screening, which develops a characteristic warm rust patina, sets striking accents and harmonises well with concrete, stone, and lush greenery.
Effective Material Combinations
- Metal & Stone: Solid gabions or a low stone wall as a foundation give delicate metal screening stability and a Mediterranean feel.
- Metal & Glass: Inserts made of frosted safety glass break up otherwise opaque screening. They allow light to pass through while maintaining privacy.
- Metal & Wood: A robust metal frame can hold individual panels of warm wood. This combines the longevity of metal with the naturalness of wood.
The choice of colour also has a major influence on the perception of space. Dark tones like Anthracite (RAL 7016) allow the screen to visually recede and highlight the colours of the planting. Light colours, on the other hand, reflect light and can make smaller areas feel larger and more open. A high-quality metal privacy screen ensures a harmonious and long-lasting concept thanks to powder coating in various colours.
Tanaro Metal Privacy Screen in Powder-Coated Anthracite © ELEO
Tip 4: Checking Ease of Maintenance and Weather Resistance
The garden should be a place of relaxation, not constant work. Therefore, the maintenance effort required for the privacy screen is a decisive criterion for long-term satisfaction. The material's weather resistance determines how well it withstands the influences of rain, UV radiation, frost, and heat over the years.
A wooden privacy screen requires the most intensive care. Depending on the type of wood and weather exposure, it must be sanded and given a new protective coating (oil or stain) every one to three years. If this maintenance is neglected, the wood not only greys but becomes susceptible to cracks, rot, and moss growth. WPC screening is much easier to care for but should also be cleaned regularly to remove surface dirt or green film. Cheap plastic screening tends to fade and become brittle under sunlight, compromising both aesthetics and stability.
In direct comparison, hot-dip galvanised and powder-coated metal elements offer by far the best solution. This double finish creates an extremely robust surface that is resistant to scratches, impacts, and all types of weather. Such a screen does not rust, does not warp, and retains its colour for decades. Maintenance is limited to occasional cleaning with water and a mild detergent. This minimal effort makes metal the ideal choice for anyone looking for a permanent, value-stable, and, above all, worry-free solution.
Tip 5: Considering Installation and Stability
Privacy screening is not just a visual element but also a structural installation that must withstand significant forces. Wind load, in particular, is often underestimated. A large, closed wall acts like a sail and requires absolutely secure and professional anchoring in the ground.
- Foundations: The most stable method is setting the posts in concrete within point foundations. These should have a depth of at least 80 cm to be frost-proof. Alternatively, post supports can be bolted onto an existing concrete foundation (e.g. a terrace or a wall). Screw-in ground anchors are only suitable for lower and lighter elements in wind-protected locations.
- Post System: The system of posts and fixing materials must be matched to the weight and surface area of the screening elements. Solid metal elements require stronger posts than light plastic panels. High-quality systems like those from ELEO Express offer precisely manufactured components that ensure simple yet extremely stable installation.
- Structural Design: Metal elements that are perforated or feature patterns reduce the wind load, as they offer less surface area for the wind to catch compared to completely closed walls. This can reduce the requirements for the foundation and increase overall stability.
When planning the installation, the ground conditions should also be taken into account. On slopes or uneven terrain, flexibly adjustable systems that allow for stepped installation are advantageous. Careful assembly is the guarantee that the privacy screen will stand securely even in strong storms and present no danger.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which privacy screen is the most durable and easiest to maintain?
Privacy screening made of hot-dip galvanised and powder-coated metal is considered the most durable and lowest-maintenance option. The finish effectively protects against corrosion and weather influences, so no repainting or extensive maintenance is necessary. Unlike wood, which requires regular treatment, or plastic, which can become brittle, metal retains its stability and appearance for decades.
How is the appropriate height for a privacy screen determined?
The ideal height depends on the intended use and local building regulations. For protecting terraces, 1.70 m to 1.90 m is usually sufficient. For complete property boundaries, up to 2.00 m may be useful. It is essential to check local council regulations (development plans, building codes) before purchasing.
What are the main advantages of a metal privacy screen?
Metal privacy solutions excel through an unsurpassed combination of stability, longevity, and design freedom. They are extremely weather-resistant, do not warp, and are resistant to pests or rot. Modern manufacturing techniques like laser cutting allow for individual designs. Thanks to minimal maintenance requirements, metal represents an economically sensible long-term investment.
Conclusion: Long-term Enjoyment with High-Quality Privacy Solutions
The choice of new privacy screening shapes the appearance and quality of life in your own garden for many years. A short-term, price-driven choice can quickly lead to follow-up costs through repairs and extensive maintenance. On the other hand, those who rely on high-quality materials, solid construction, and a well-thought-out design from the start invest sustainably in the value and beauty of their property.
A metal privacy screen from ELEO Express meets the highest standards for aesthetics and functionality. It combines the robustness and longevity of steel with the elegance of modern or classic designs. These solutions not only offer reliable protection of privacy but also make a clear design statement. A perfect symbiosis of form and function for all who refuse to compromise.
Discover high-quality metal privacy screening now! Easy to maintain, durable, and perfect for your garden.
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