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Great Ways to Hide Propane Tanks

David Brown

If you heat your home with propane, an unsightly propane tank is a fact of life. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to hide or disguise that ugly tank in your back yard.

Propane tanks are necessary, but unsightly.
Painting your tank is quick and inexpensive.

Paint the tank in a color that blends in with the surroundings. This is probably the easiest and cheapest method of hiding your propane tank, but it won’t be suitable for all situations. You’ll need to stick with light, reflective tones so the tank doesn’t overheat in the hot summer sun.

Hiding the tank behind a fence is popular.

Build a fence around the tank. This is a very popular way of hiding that ugly tank. Choose a style and color of fence that complements your existing landscaping, and be sure to leave enough space inside the fence to service and fill the tank.

Shrubs can beautify your yard and hide your tank.

Plant shrubs or other greenery around the tank. As with a fence, choose plants that coordinate with your other landscaping, and be careful to leave access to the tank’s fill valve.

Build a facade in front of the tank. While safety regulations forbid enclosing your propane tank within a structure, you can construct a facade in front of the tank to disguise it as an outbuilding.

Berms are effective landscape elements.

Construct a berm in front of the tank. An earthen berm is an effective way to hide a propane tank, and can be incorporated into your overall landscaping theme.

Burying the tank is one option.

Bury the tank. Burying your propane tank is an expensive but effective option. Be certain to check with your propane dealer, as not all tanks are rated for underground burial. Consult with your town officials who may have regulations regarding burying propane tanks.

Tips and Warnings

Always call 811 before you dig.

Be careful when digging or driving posts around your propane tank. In the United States, call 811 for a free utility location service before you dig.

The Drip Cap

  • If you heat your home with propane, an unsightly propane tank is a fact of life.
  • Paint the tank in a color that blends in with the surroundings.
  • As with a fence, choose plants that coordinate with your other landscaping, and be careful to leave access to the tank’s fill valve.
  • Build a facade in front of the tank.