This Renter-Friendly Patio Privacy Solution Is Stylish (But Is It Right For You)?

A lot of home upgrades require heavy power tools and space to work, so finding a rental-friendly DIY is always challenging. And getting a little privacy for your outdoor space can be extra tricky, especially if you're not allowed to make permanent changes to your home. However, TikTok user @lifehappenned found a clever solution using foldable and removable privacy screens that they found on Amazon. A foldable room divider like this can certainly add some privacy without violating your lease terms, with a few small caveats if you're in a place that is rainy, humid, or snowy in the winter.

According to their listing on Amazon, these stylish screens are made of wood and rattan, which aren't necessarily weatherproof. Wood, of course, needs to be treated with a special waterproof stain or sealant in order to make it suitable for the outdoors. Natural rattan and wicker (as opposed to synthethic versions), similarly, need to be treated to make them outdoor-worthy. It's unclear whether these screens have been treated, so it would be advisable to treat them with a marine varnish or sealant before using on your patio. It does seem like these screens have also been painted or dyed, so it's important to choose a sealant product that is meant to go over paint; otherwise the sealant will not bond properly. A coat of exterior paint also works as a form of weatherproofing. Unfortunately, it is hard to know what tools or products have been used on these screens since the Amazon description does not provide that information. 

Aside from making these screens weatherproof, there is also the issue of how much light these screens block out. While most types of privacy screens can do the same thing, you may want to explore some options that also allow in as much light as possible. Buying a different type of room divider, such as a lantern-style screen or a rattan screen with a looser weave, will allow in more light but are similarly not treated for outdoor use, so you may need to store them inside. There are some privacy screens specifically made for outdoors that have cutouts to let in more light at stores like Home Depot, but not all of them are renter-friendly.

There are also expandable privacy screens on Amazon that are a great option because they can fit differently-sized spaces and have faux ivy for a stylish touch of greenery while being low-maintenance and outdoor-friendly. They are better for apartment dwellers with balconies, but they could be stacked by attaching them with some scrap wood planks, zip ties, and screws, similar to how it is done in this tutorial from TikTok user @sydreel. If you don't happen to own a power drill or a nail gun, you can actually rent tools for free from many local libraries and you can have wood cut professionally at stores like Home Depot or Lowe's. Overall, it's best to do your research for the solution that works for you.