Written by Tim Gaughan, Urban Edge. Published September 16, 2026.
The homeowners wanted privacy around their hot tub from the neighbors' windows. We built a horizontal cedar privacy enclosure around the hot tub with black galvanized steel posts, 3/4-inch fence boards and a tight-knot cedar top cap to finish it. It took 5 days on site.
The problem
A hot tub is meant to be the most relaxed spot in the yard, and that's hard when the neighbors' windows look straight down on it. The homeowners wanted the tub screened from view without the yard feeling boxed in.
What we built
A horizontal cedar enclosure around the hot tub:
- Posts: black galvanized steel, which won't rot at the ground the way wood posts can.
- Boards: 3/4-inch cedar fence boards, run horizontally for a clean, modern line.
- Top cap: tight-knot cedar, which sheds rain off the board ends and finishes the top edge.
The finished enclosure, 2026
Details that matter on a privacy wall
A tall screen catches wind like a sail, so the posts carry more load than a fence the same length. The bottom of the boards stays off the deck or patio so water drains and the wood dries between storms, and the top cap keeps rain out of the end grain.
Time on site
5 days from start to finish.
Thinking about one?
A privacy screen is fence work built to deck-level detail.
Our work is covered by a 2-year workmanship warranty, in writing.
Get a free estimate or call Tim, (503) 597-8520.