With the summer approaching quicker than ever, there is no better time than now to invest in a high-quality wind screen for your deck! Before the windy summer days, and cool nights start to blow in, adding a wind screen to your deck or patio can go a long way in creating a more enjoyable environment for you and your family.
However, there are so many wind screens on the market today, and with so many to choose from, it can be hard to distinguish what to look for as a consumer. In the following section, we will go over some things you should consider before your purchase.
What to Consider When Buying A Deck Wind Screen?
Material Quality
This one is likely to be the most obvious, but the most important as well. If you are investing your time and money into a wind screen, you want to make sure that you are buying something that’s going to last past this summer. Keep in mind the materials used for not only the structure, but the fabric as well. Generally, if the price seems too good to be true, there is a good chance that it will rip quickly, and fade from the sun over time.
Stationary vs Retractable
Another important factor to consider is whether or not you are going to need a screen that is stationary, or retractable. There are a variety of unique designs, however, most of them will either need to be tied in with ropes or zip ties, or they will be able to fully retract back into the exterior of the house. This will involve a combination of personal preference, and the type of environment the product is in.
The Style
The final point to consider before purchasing is understanding your individual style, as well as the style of your outdoor décor or setup. While this may not be the end all be all, ideally you should look for something that flows, and helps to create a peaceful environment. Think about things like “Does it match my house?” and “Does it match my outdoor décor?”. And remember that at the end of the day, the most important thing is that you think it looks good.
10 Best Wind Screens for Decks
1. LOVSHARE Retractable Side Awning
Stealing the show, our best wind screen for decks is the LOVSHARE Retractable Side Awning. This noteworthy screen is made of an aluminum alloy frame that is rust-resistant. Made with a polyester fabric coat and a PU layer that is breathable, waterproof, UV resistant, and flame retardant. The screen itself features a retractable hand that helps to provide tremendous flexibility, sliding along the track seamlessly. A bonus is that the screen can be rolled back into itself to provide for easy and convenient storage. With a simple setup, the LOVSHARE Retractable Side Awning brings exceptional value with its multifunctionality. Its versatility allows it to be used for any home or commercial space providing tremendous efficiency and value.
2. Windscreen4less Deck Privacy Screen
The Windscreen4less Deck Privacy Screen is another spectacular option for any outdoor space, as it combines tremendous elegance with durability. For best durability, the privacy screen is knitted with industry leading quality HDPE, with fabric that is UV stabilized helping to resist fading while retaining the materials’ strength. This revolutionary screen is made with rust resistant metal, and polyethylene mesh with reinforced seams to provide premium support. The screen allows for up to 95% visibility (depending on the lighting conditions) and comes in a variety of different colour patterns. The Windscreen4less Deck Privacy Screen provides amazing value, and carries nothing but world-class reviews for an unbelievable price.
3. Patio Paradise Roll up Shades
Patio Paradise provides another spectacular choice with their premium roll up shade options. These shades are made with a breathable knitted fabric that provides users with up to 90% UV protection. The superior material allows for cooling breezes while allowing an appropriate amount of light to pass through the shades. These shades truly provide maximum comfort. A great bonus being that the product is very user friendly, allowing for a quick install. The product material is durable in nature as it is constructed with HDPE material with UV-stabilized fabric to provide for supreme protection, and it carries a 3-year warranty with satisfaction guaranteed.
4. LOVSHARE Double Retractable Patio Screen
The LOVSHARE Double Retractable Patio Screen is an elegant solution to any dwelling needing a bit of UV protection and privacy. The double folding screen is multi-functional allowing for use as a low shade, umbrella, or divider helping to block out a heavy breeze and/or a low sun while providing maximum privacy. This handy screen includes a retractable hand that allows the screen to open and close, with an additional perk of retracting into itself for easy storage. The screen provides durability and quality with a rust-resistant aluminum alloy frame, and a polyester fabric with a PU layer coating, providing a breathable, waterproof, UV resistant, and flame deterring product. The best part of this product? It can also be used indoors in an office or home as a privacy screen.
5. TANG Sunshades Depot Exterior Roller Shade
The TANG Sunshades Depot Exterior Roller Shade illustrates exceptional value with unbeatable protection, for an even less beatable price. This unique build comes in a variety of different colour options including brown, beige, and light grey, all of which also come with a striped option. The fabric itself is extremely high-quality as it is made with a breathable polyethylene material that helps to provide up to 90% UV protection, without sacrificing durability. The product also comes equipped with everything you need to install it, making the entire process quick and easy (plus it’s child-safe!). The TANG Sunshades Depot Exterior Roller Shade is a spectacular choice for anyone looking to spice up their patio, backyard, or outdoor space!
6. ALEKO Mesh Windscreen Shade
The ALEKO Mesh Windscreen Shade is another amazing addition to add into any outdoor space, as the privacy screen simply attaches to your fence in order to boost privacy without sacrificing air flow. It is another design that is made with high-quality polyethylene mesh, and UV/water resistant material with rust-free aluminum grommets. The versatility of these shades is not to be questioned either, as it comes available in 4 different colors, and 8 different sizes. ALEKO Shades carry wonderful reviews and present us with one of the more cost-efficient, yet effective designs on the market.
7. RYB HOME Wide Outdoor Curtains
The RYB HOME Wide Outdoor Curtains provides premium versatility, and illustrates a stylish yet elegant exterior which is built to last. The design itself comes in over 8 different size dimensions, and 5 different colours, exemplifying the immense value provided by these curtains. These thermal insulated curtains help to balance the summer heat, with the winter cold, and can block out 85-95% of UV rays. Due to the effectiveness of blocking out light, as well as the thermal insulation, and waterproof features, this product is one of the best on the market. However, it does not retract into the wall, and so while they may be more versatile, they will lack certain features that come with a retractable design.
8. TANG Residential Commercial Privacy Deck Fence Screen
Sliding into our 8th spot for best wind screens for deck use is the TANG Residential Privacy Deck Screen. This gorgeous design comes locked and loaded with up to 7 different colours, and countless size options. It is made with HDPE which is UV stabilized in order to resist fading, while retaining the materials strength. The screen provides up to 90% visibility blockage, and up to 95% UV protection. It can also be very easily assembled with just zip ties, bungee cords, and nylon rope. The edging of the screen is finished with hemming and rustproof copper grommet every 12-24 inches on each side, and an additional 3 buckles on every corner to reinforce structure. The TANG screen carries tremendous value, and for a reasonable price you can add this unique design into your backyard space.
9. Hikeman Camping Windbreaks Stove Windscreen
The Hikeman Camping Windbreaks Stove Windscreen is a wonderfully simple design, that’s perfect for camping, BBQ’s, or even spending the day at the beach. This screen is one of the more multipurpose designs available, as you can bring it with you anywhere, and takes minutes to setup. The windscreen is perfect to protect anything from blowing away, and keeping the sun out of any designated space. Though, the durability and effectiveness are not as reliable as other brands, this is the best option for portability and convenience.
10. SuperThinker Balcony Privacy Screen Cover
Rounding out our top 10 is the SuperThinker Balcony Privacy Screen Cover with one of the most well-received, and affordable screens on the market. The durability of this design is also spectacular, as it is fully weatherproof, and super-easy to clean. It is made from HDPE material, which is tear proof, without minimizing breathability. The fabric is UV stabilized to help resists fading, and provides up to 90% visibility blockage. This is a fantastic option for anyone who wants to spend the least on a high-quality product.
Alternatives to Deck Windscreens
Plexiglass
One alternative for deck windscreens is to invest in a high-quality alternative made with plexiglass. Plexiglass has improved over the years, and although it is cheaper than most alternatives, it still provides great value. Plexiglass is an extremely affordable, durable, and easy-to-install design that (if cared for properly) can provide you with an exceptional alternative for your deck. However, plexiglass is not resistant to some household cleaner, and when compared to tempered glass, plexiglass panels are not as resistant to UV rays. Generally speaking, plastic products like plexiglass can be difficult to recycle, and plastic is not a biodegradable option.
Glass
Glass is another popular alternative for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is it’s high visual appeal. Glass railings offer a clean, contemporary look to improve any deck railing system, often looked at as the “gold standard”. It also helps to create an unobstructed view, so If your deck, patio, or veranda looks out onto a view, glass is an excellent way to ensure that view is preserved or otherwise unobstructed. Glass also allows for design versatility since glass appears neat and finished, it is one of the only porch railing systems that can incorporate multiple design elements without looking cluttered or out of place. Glass is also surprisingly durable, as most glass railings are made from one-quarter-inch thick tempered glass. That means it’s very unlikely to break or crack under normal everyday stressors and use.
Wooden Deck Walls
Wood is likely the most common alternative, and for good reason as it is a versatile, resilient, malleable, and very common deck railing material. Wood is a workable material, and so the design options are almost limitless. It can help to provide for a more natural aesthetic, more custom design options, more staining colour options, and is relatively inexpensive. However, having a wood railing for your deck will require more maintenance, and it is more susceptible to rotting, fading, splitting, mould, or splinters! It is also more likely to obstruct your view more than glass or plexiglass.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, we have without a doubt covered some unbelievable options in terms of wind screens for decks.
With everything from retractable designs, to stationary builds, it feels like the world’s your oyster.
Keep in mind things like the materials being used, the flow/design of your outdoor décor, and what previous customers have to say for the product.
So long as you keep these vital aspects In mind, we have full confidence that you will find what you’re after!
Jamie is the founder of The Backyard Pros. When he was 15 years old he started working at a garden centre helping people buy plants, gardening products, and lawn care products. He has real estate experience and he is a home owner. Jamie loves backyard projects, refinishing furniture, and enjoys sharing his knowledge online.