This is what I get to stare at while drinking my coffee in the back yard.

So here's where we're starting. As you can see I cant move this thing, and the meter reader still needs to be able to access it. My only option is to build something to cover it up, that's easy to move out of the way, if required.

Building the frame

The frame for this privacy screen is constructed out of 2x3" framing lumber. Nothing fancy, as it's getting stained anyway.

This screen is a "C" shape so I made 3 panels with 2x3" lumber then connected them together.

To provide support for the privacy screen portion I used 2X2" lumber between the top and bottom of the frame. This also gave me something to attach the privacy screen lumber to.

The screen portion is made from 1x2" strapping lumber. I purchased it in bundles of 10 to keep the cost down.

Attaching the strapping to the frame

Once the 3 panels were framed and the 2x2 supports were in place, I laid the strapping lumber to get an idea how much space I needed in between each piece.

Funny enough, the size of a lego piece was perfect so my little guy whipped me up some lego spacers.

At the bottom I placed the last piece flat to act like a drip ledge so water won't sit on the frame. It meant that I had to cheat with the spacing for the last few boards.

I tested out my leftover stain to get an idea how amazing this will be.

Paint and Placement

After all the strapping was nailed in place, and the frame panels attached, I gave it a coat of black stain I had left over from an old project.

Since this screen is freestanding, I anchored it to the wall with chain so it doesn't fall. The chain clips to rings mounted on the wall, so it's easy to disconnect and move Should we even need to service the meter.

As a *BONUS* the meter is basically hidden but its still super easy to read right through the screen.

Here is the finished product.

Our black privacy screen looks fantastic. Easily covers the gas meter, and provides a beautiful dramatic feel to the patio now.