Creating privacy with plants and trees alone can be a challenge. Landscape designer Carson Arthur has a simple solution: Build your own privacy fence! It's fast (just five easy steps!) and will cost you less than $100. Here's how:

Note: Carson recommends pressure-treated wood for this project as it is cheap and durable; it should last years if you stain it.

Materials

• 1 lattice panel
• 2 four-by-four posts (for vertical support)
• 4 notched two-by-fours (centre groove for lattice to sit in)
• 2 decorative post covers
• Screws
• Drill
• Stakes or post anchors

Method

1. Fix the two four-by-four posts into the ground or deck. (Carson put his 7 ft. apart from one another.)
2. Attach notched two-by-fours horizontally to posts. Make sure to double-check the lattice dimensions to confirm your measurements are accurate. The lattice panel should fit snugly into the grooves.
3. Slide lattice into two-by-fours' grooves.
   
4. Attach remaining notched two-by-fours on the vertical sides of the lattice.
5. Place post covers on top.