Backyard Privacy Planner
Most yards are overlooked from more than one place. This planner lets you enter every window and balcony, shows which one really determines the screen size, and helps you plan the yard zone by zone.
The example contains two viewpoints overlooking one patio. At the screen’s current position, each needs a different height:
- Second-floor window: 2.84 m (9 ft 4 in) including the 20 cm margin
- Ground-floor patio door: 1.62 m (5 ft 4 in) including the 20 cm margin
The screen must satisfy both, so Second-floor window is the limiting sightline. With the planned 2.40 m screen, about 65% of the patio is hidden from both viewpoints. Try switching one observer off to see how much each contributes.
Step 1: Map every viewpoint
Walk around your yard and look outward. Anywhere you can see a window, balcony, deck, path or neighboring yard, someone there can see you. For each, note:
- its position relative to a reference line (for example the facing wall of the neighboring house);
- the floor level and, for windows, the sill and top height;
- the width of the opening, since people can look from anywhere across it.
Enter them as observers in Advanced mode. Include occasional viewpoints too — you can switch them off later.
Step 2: Decide what really needs privacy
Complete privacy for a whole yard is rarely achievable or desirable. Rank zones instead:
- High: hot tub, outdoor shower, sunbathing, dining.
- Medium: lounge seating, children’s play area.
- Low: lawns, paths, vegetable beds.
Plan high-priority zones first. For each, set the height to hide realistically — seated for dining, reclining for loungers.
Step 3: Plan each zone against its viewpoints
Create one plan per zone and save it. For each plan:
- Place a screen and read the limiting sightline. If one observer drives an impractical height, check whether that viewpoint matters for this zone.
- Use Compare screen positions to see the height-versus-width trade-off.
- Run Find best position with your real limits: where a screen can go and the tallest and longest you would accept.
- If no straight screen works, split the problem — for example a boundary fence for ground-level views plus a screen or overhead cover near the seating for upper floors.
Step 4: Choose the right kind of barrier
| Viewpoint | Geometry | Often suitable |
|---|---|---|
| Neighbor at the same ground level | Eyes usually below a 1.8 m barrier top | Boundary fence or hedge |
| Deck or sloping lot above you | Moderate downward angle; fence shadow is limited | Taller screen near seating, fence toppers where permitted |
| Upper-floor window across the yard | Descending sightlines; long horizontal run | Screen close to the seating |
| Balcony nearly above | Steep, almost vertical sightlines | Overhead cover: pergola, awning, sail, umbrella |
More detail: privacy fence vs. privacy screen and privacy from upstairs neighbors.
Step 5: Record, share and check on site
- Save each zone’s plan in your browser, or export a plan file to keep it elsewhere.
- Print / Save as PDF gives a one-document summary with diagrams for a contractor or family discussion.
- Share link lets someone else open the exact plan.
- Before building, stand a pole of the planned height at the planned position and check the view from your seating.
Planting takes years to reach blocking height and changes with the seasons; structures need permits in many places. Check local rules before building.
Frequently asked questions
How do I plan privacy for a whole backyard?
List every place someone could look from, decide which parts of the yard truly need privacy, and plan each zone against the viewpoints that overlook it. Screens, fences, planting and overhead cover can then be combined, each placed where its geometry works best.
How many observers can the planner handle?
Up to eight per plan. Each can be a person, window or balcony with its own position, floor level and width, and each can be switched on or off to test its effect.
Can I plan several private zones?
Each plan has one private area, so plan zones separately: save one plan per zone (for example “dining”, “hot tub”, “play area”) and compare. This keeps each result clear about which screen protects which space.
Does the planner account for trees growing?
No. Enter a hedge or tree as a barrier with the height and width it will be dense enough to block a view at the time you care about. Plan for its current size as well as its expected size.
Plan your privacy screenFree, no account, and your measurements never leave your browser.
Start planning