We're looking for some privacy in our backyard, but our fence isn't tall enough to block the view from neighbors. Instead of shelling out a ton of cash for a new fence, we decided to go the DIY route and extend our fence height using tarps. My husband has drilled tall wooden beams into the existing fence posts, but the spacing of the tarp's grommets doesn't match up with our beams. We're considering the option of moving the beams to align them with the grommets, but since those posts are sturdier than the rails, we prefer to keep the beams where they're strongest. My thought was to screw through the grommets into the beams where they are currently positioned, even if that means having a saggy tarp. However, I know there's a better way to pull it taut. I'm looking for suggestions or techniques that could help us achieve this - ideally explained in a simple manner, as we're not very experienced with DIY projects!
3 Answers
You might want to consider adding new grommets to the tarp so they can line up with your wooden beams. They sell kits for this at places like Harbor Freight that are pretty affordable. Just remember to use quality tarps; flimsy ones can tear easily in the wind.
Make sure your tarp is secured well, especially if you're in a windy area. You could fold the edge of the tarp over a few times to make it thicker and then use flat washers under the screws. This way, the screws can grip the tarp better without tearing. It's a smart way to distribute the load, too!
If the grommets aren't aligning, you could just run a horizontal wood header across the top of the area where the tarp will go. This would give you more points to attach the tarp securely without worrying too much about the grommet spacing. Alternatively, consider attaching the tarp both at the top and along the bottom to keep it stable.