Transform your outdoor space with a DIY wood privacy fence and enjoy your backyard like never before this summer.

As soon as the temperature starts to creep up, we get the itch to enjoy our backyard space as much as possible. There’s something about warm weather that makes me want to live outdoors.

Entertaining and dining alfresco in the backyard is our favorite pastime during the warmer months. But if I’m being honest… our backyard wasn’t always a place we wanted to hang out in.

It was open, unfinished, and lacked privacy. The only thing in our yard was the bluestone pavers installed after Hurricane Sandy. The pavers defined our small backyard area, but that is all it did. It didn’t feel cozy or relaxing at all!

So, during the height of the pandemic in 2020, we finally decided to give our backyard a much-needed makeover. It was a great way to keep ourselves distracted during such a precarious time.

Since we already had a complete blank slate, it was easier to get started. So we started visualizing what we needed in our backyard and created a design plan.

The Backyard Transformation Begins

The very first feature we added was this beautiful pergola, which my husband built in 3 days.

It was the height of COVID lockdowns, and like many people, my husband needed something productive to focus on. With all the free time, he dove right into our backyard makeover.

That pergola ended up setting the stage for everything else we added to the yard.

From there, the backyard slowly began transforming from a bland, empty space into a cozy outdoor sanctuary.

Some of the DIY projects we completed included:

• Building a backyard pergola
• DIY two extra-large cement planters
• Building an outdoor console table
• Constructing a large outdoor dining table

Little by little, our backyard started to feel like an extension of our home.

But one thing was still missing.

Privacy!

Why We Decided to Build a Privacy Fence?

Our backyard borders another property that, unfortunately, has been empty for years. No one has lived there for almost a decade, and that yard has become pretty unsightly.

We decided to build a wood privacy fence to block out the overgrown yard next door. Two sides of our backyard already had a white PVC fence with decorative fretwork on top that faced the street.

But I didn’t want the same style going all the way around the yard.

We wanted something warmer and moodier to complement the pergola and wood features we had added.

So we decided to build a wood privacy fence along the side that connects to the neighboring yard.

The difference it made was incredible.

Our backyard instantly went from an open, exposed space to a private and cozy retreat.

How to Build a Backyard Privacy Fence (Step-by-Step)

If you’re thinking about building a DIY privacy fence, here’s exactly how we did it.

Step 1: Mark the Fence Layout

The first step is to mark where the fence will go.

We started by running a string line along the fence path. This helps keep the fence perfectly straight.

Next, figure out the spacing between posts.

Typically, fence posts are spaced 6 to 8 feet apart.

Because of the height of our fence, we spaced our posts 6ft apart for additional strength and stability.

Step 2: Set the Corner Posts First

Corner posts are always installed first.

Once those posts are in place, you can stretch a string line between them to guide the placement of the remaining posts.

This ensures the fence stays perfectly straight across the entire length.

Step 3: Prepare the Fence Post Holes

Fence post holes should typically be:

• About 2–3 feet deep
• 10–12 inches wide

Digging deep holes is important because it provides the structural support needed to keep the fence stable over time.

Adding a few inches of gravel at the bottom of each hole helps with drainage and prevents moisture damage.

Step 4: Set Posts in Concrete

Once the holes are ready, place the post inside and pour concrete around the base.

Before the concrete sets, check that the post is completely straight using a level.

This step is crucial because everything else in the fence will align with these posts.

Allow the concrete to cure for at least 24 hours before attaching rails or panels.

Step 5: Install the Horizontal Rails

After the posts are secure, install the horizontal rails between them.

Most privacy fences use two or three horizontal rails, depending on the height.

The rails create the structure that the fence boards will attach to.

Step 6: Attach the Fence Boards

Now comes the part where the fence really starts to take shape.

Attach the vertical fence boards one by one across the rails.

We left a small gap between boards to allow the wood to expand and contract with temperature changes.

Keeping the tops aligned will give the fence a clean, professional look.

Step 7: Stain or paint the Wood fence

In order to protect the wood from weather damage, we used Advanced Deck and Concrete paint.

We painted the wood fence the exact same color as the concrete wall beneath the white PVC fence helped tie the color scheme throughout the yard.

Painting or staining the wood fence helps to:

• Protect against moisture
• Prevent sun fading
• Reduce warping and cracking
• Extend the life of the fence

The Final Result: A Cozy Backyard Sanctuary

Once the fence was complete, the backyard took on such an incredible transformation.

We were able to add these beautiful goose neck sconces and hang plants on the new fence to shed light above the bbq area.

Finally, our exposed yard turned into a cozy outdoor living space where we actually enjoy spending time.

Even though we have added a lot to our backyard, there are always new projects that make their way onto our to-do list.

A wood privacy fence that creates the perfect amount of seclusion.

Is Building a Privacy Fence Worth It? Final thoughts

Absolutely.

Looking back, building our privacy fence was one of the most impactful backyard projects we completed.

If your backyard feels exposed or lacks character, building a privacy fence might be exactly the project you need.

Our backyard may look smaller now, but we have defined our space and made the yard feel much more intimate and intentional. Its privacy and coziness is well worth it.

If you’re willing to DIY a wood privacy fence, you can save thousands compared to hiring contractors.

It took a yard that once felt open and unfinished and turned it into a peaceful outdoor retreat.

Sometimes the biggest backyard transformations start with just one simple idea.

For us…

It started with a fence.

Disclosure: Affiliate links are used in this post

The post DIY wood privacy fence: (Project That Transformed Our Yard) appeared first on Houzewize.

One Room Challenge Week 4 bathroom renovation. Come along the journey of renovating a bathroom with DIY projects and creative solutions.

Oh, we are halfway there and I am living on the edge because not much has been done since last week and time is running out. We have been waiting for supplies to arrive and they finally arrived today. We are into the fourth week of the 8 weeks One Room Challenge.

I was hoping to have a dramatic reveal of the shower body and tiles on the walls for you. But with the delay in the arrival of the shower body, I couldn’t make that happen. Since we have the shower body now, it’s full steam ahead.

To recap, the One Room Challenge is a bi-annual interior design event that was created by Linda from Calling it Home. She created this event to inspire and challenge interior designers, and design enthusiasts to complete a room makeover in 8 weeks. Also, this event is media sponsored by Apartment Therapy.

You can see my previous posts here…

Week 1, Week 2, Week 3

Design style

The look I am going for in this bathroom is classic with a touch of modernity. A beautiful marble herringbone pattern tile will accent the wall above the vanity to keep with the classic style.

The bathtub area will be wrapped with 12″ X 24″ white Thassos tile to keep it simple and not to compete with the herringbone tile.

Modern touches

To add a bit of modern flair to the bathroom, I am adding a 10″ square showerhead and a sleek waterfall bathtub faucet.

The black vanity faucets, towel bar, and toilet paper holder will have a modern feel with their straight lines.

DIY project for the One Room Challenge – Week 4

As I mentioned in my previous post, I purchased the vanity and the tile years ago anticipating the renovation of this bathroom. The vanity has shaker-style doors and is a bit traditional.

As time went on my style shifted from traditional and moved towards a bit more modern.

I came across this great tutorial using pole wrap by The_Avantgarde which inspired me to alter the fronts of the drawer to modernize the vanity.

I am a bit nervous trying this out, but if it doesn’t work I can just paint the vanity and call it a day. Wish me luck!

Here’s the idea of the pole wrap drawer front. I think I love it!

To-Do List- Bathroom renovation-

• Run electricity for sconces and ceiling light – Done
• Run Plumbing–Done
• Purchase a new black shower and tub faucet
• Purchase new black sink faucets
• Waterproof shower walls
• Purchase wall sconces and ceiling light
• Lighting and exhaust fan 
• Floor tile
• Tile behind vanity and tub walls 
• Grout shower walls, floor
• Pole wrap the vanity drawer fronts
• Install vanity faucet
• Install toilet
• Put in new shower fixtures
• Add molding 
• Paint walls
• Install skylight
• Add finishing touches 

I hope you come back next week to see the progress. I hope to have lots to show you.

Be sure to visit the other participants at the One Room Challenge. You are sure to find inspiration from these amazingly creative and talented people.

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One Room Challenge Week 3 of our bathroom renovation

Is it week 3 of the One Room Challenge already? The days are flying by and I’m already feeling the heat from my indecisions.

If you are new here, the One Room Challenge is a bi-annual interior design event that was created by Linda from Calling it Home. She created this event to inspire and challenge interior designers, and design enthusiasts to complete a room makeover in 8 weeks. Also, this event is media sponsored by Apartment Therapy.

For the One Room Challenge, you choose a space you want to transform and you have 8 weeks to accomplish this. Once a week you share the process of transforming your room.

This is such a great way to get a project done that you may have been wanting to do but have been putting off. Especially if you’re anything like me, I am a huge procrastinator, this will give you the motivation you need to complete your project.

Let’s catch up…

If you missed the first two weeks you can catch up here.

Week 1, Week 2

As I mentioned in my last week’s post, I had a change of plans for the bathroom fixtures. I had previously bought shower head and faucet panel that I decided not use. I had to scramble to find new faucets that I really liked.

It took some time for me to decide on the new fixtures but finally found the one I had envisioned for the bathroom.

We ordered the new shower head and faucet and patiently waiting for their arrival. It’s scheduled to arrive a week from now, I am praying that this will not set us back too much.

So far all of the electricity has been put in place for the new lighting locations.

We also add an outlet next to the toilet for a future washlet toilet seat. I am not sure which one I am going to get so I am not even going to put that into the equation of the things I have to get for now.

All the plumbing for the toilet, the vanity and drain for the tub is complete.

But we have to wait for the shower body before we finish the plumbing for the bathtub. After the shower body is installed, the next step will be to tile the bathroom,

Once the shower and bath faucet arrives we should be able to fly through the rest of the bathroom, I hope!

This week I have plans to alter the front of the vanity with pole wrap, but I’m little on the fence about that project. I have to decide soon to stay on track of time.

To Do List- Bathroom renovation-

• Run electricity for sconces and ceiling light – Done
• Run Plumbing–Done
• Purchase a new black shower and tub faucet
• Purchase new black sink faucets
• Waterproof shower walls
• Purchase wall sconces and ceiling light
• Lighting and exhaust fan 
• Floor tile
• Tile behind vanity and tub walls 
• Grout shower walls, floor
• Install vanity faucet
• Install toilet
• Put in new shower fixtures
• Add molding 
• Paint walls
• Install skylight
• Add finishing touches 

That’s all for now, I hope you come back next week to see the progress.

Be sure to visit the other participants at the One Room challenge. You are sure to find inspiration from these amazing creative and talented people.

The post One Room Challenge Week 3- Bathroom Renovation appeared first on Houzewize.

Bathroom renovation- One Room Challenge Week 2

Hello friends, welcome to week two of one room challenge.

To recap, the One Room Challenge is a bi-annual interior design event that was created by Linda from Calling it Home to inspire and challenge interior designers, and design enthusiasts to complete a room makeover in 8 weeks.

This the way it goes, you choose a space you want to transform and you have 8 weeks to accomplish this. Meanwhile, once a week you talk about the stages you are at with your project.  

There are easy guidelines for the participants to follow to make this a really fun event. This is such a great way to get a project done that you may have been wanting to do. Especially if you’re anything like me procrastinating for years to start a particular project, this will give you the push you need.

ORC is celebrating it’s 10 year anniversary of bringing creativity, inspiration and fun. This year Apartment Therapy is the official media partner of One Room Challenge.

Design dilemmas

This week really flew by! The space I will be transforming is our hallway bathroom, mainly used by my children and guests.

The electricity and the plumbing are completed. The sheetrock and cement boards are installed and ready for a waterproof membrane.

There is something so satisfying about looking at an empty room and envisioning a design. That’s when it hit me that I needed to make some changes.

Here’s a look at last week and the plan I came up with originally. I have already started veering of this design plan, which is driving my husband crazy!

Most of the fixtures and materials for the bathroom were purchased years ago and was just patiently waiting for my husband to get around to it renovating this bathroom.

As I stood there admiring the empty space I decided that I was not too fond of the shower panel and faucets I had previously bought. I was a bit apprehensive about the shower panel in the first place, but my husband convinced me to get it.

It’s never good when I am not 100% satified with a purchase! My husband was not too keen with that change because he just completed closing up the walls. Well, it was kind of his doing, hehe.

It won’t be too much work to alter for the new plumbing. We’ll have to open up a section of the cement board to make the changes to the plumbing to make way for the new shower body.

Last few days, I tweaked my design plan so many times I am not sure what the final room is going to look like.  I have a feeling the plan is going to evolve few more times.

To Do List- Bathroom renovation-

• Run electricity for sconces and ceiling light – Done
• Run Plumbing–Done
• Purchase a new black shower and tub faucet
• Purchase new black sink faucets
• Waterproof shower walls
• Purchase wall sconces and ceiling light
• Lighting and exhaust fan 
• Floor tile
• Tile behind vanity and tub walls 
• Grout shower walls, floor
• Install vanity faucet
• Install toilet
• Put in new shower fixtures
• Add molding 
• Paint walls
• Install skylight
• Add finishing touches 

I can’t wait to take on this challenge alongside others, watching all the amazing participants create their beautiful spaces. You can follow along to see their updates here.

I’ll be providing updates here on the blog each week. Thanks for following along! 

The post One Room Challenge: Week 2-Bathroom renovation appeared first on Houzewize.

Are you ready for One Room Challenge Spring 2022? I will be transforming our old outdated bathroom with DIY’s and decorating ideas to inspire you.

Hello friends, welcome to the One Room Challenge spring 2022 week 1. In case you haven’t heard, One Room Challenge is an event that takes place twice a year with designers, decorators, and DIYers getting together to transform a room in their home in 8 weeks.

Every Wednesday 20 designers and guest participants share their process and the progress of their space. The next 8 weeks will be packed with sources, inspirations, DIY projects, and the highs and lows of transforming a space.

Last year I transformed my son’s bedroom into a warm, textural, cozy young adult’s bedroom. I was a bit nervous about finishing on time, especially because of all the DIY projects for the makeover, and delays in shipping. But, we were able to complete it on time and my son’s long-awaited room finally came to fruition. The best part is that my son loves his room and that’s worth all the late-night DIY projects and the panick to complete on time.

One Room Challenge – Bathroom renovation

For this challenge, we will be tackling the bathroom that we have been putting off for years.

This bathroom looked like it could have been from a scene in a horror movie. We bought our house with this hideous bathroom knowing that one day we will renovate it and make it beautiful. We didn’t want to look at the unusable, creepy bathroom every day. So we gut it out and prepared it for renovation. One eternity later… Really, it’s been years, still no bathroom!

The reason for this long-overdue bathroom remodel is my husband is a contractor and you know the saying about the “shoemaker’s children go barefoot.” Well, this renovation kept going to the bottom of the list of things to do in our house, now years later it’s at the top.

I had purchased the tiles, vanity, toilet bowl, shower fixture, and tub a few years ago preparing for the renovation. Good thing I chose a classic style otherwise everything would’ve been outdated by the time we got around to this renovation. However, I would like to make a change to the plain white vanity to give it a new look. I have a few ideas in mind and I’ll share the route I go with after I decide.

Joining the One Room Challenge give us the motivation we need to prioritize to see this bathroom makeover through from start to finish, I hope yikes!

The footprint of the bathroom is on the smaller side at around 6′ x 9′ in size, but 9-1/2′ tall ceilings give the appearance of a larger space.

The only source of natural light is from a skylight, there are no windows in this bathroom. So keeping it light is my main objective with the choice of tile and wall color.

Design concept

Bathroom inspirations

I have searched some beautiful bathroom renovations from past One Room Challenge events for inspiration. So much creativity and vision has gone into creating these beautiful bathrooms.

One/Two/Three/Four/Five/Six

To-Do List – One Room Challenge Week 1

-Finalize and order choice of lighting

-Purchase towel bar and accessories

-Purchase mirrors

-Complete plumbing and electric

-Order skylight

-Choose a paint color

-Finish sheetrocking

-Finalize the plans to change the front of a vanity

There you have it! It’s going to be a busy week.

I guess we’ll see where we are at next Wednesday.

Time to get to work on The One Room Challenge Spring 2022!

I am so excited we are finally doing this bathroom, I hope you follow along and maybe get inspired. Also, make sure to visit the other guest participants to see their plans for their makeover.

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