Rajan Wilcox
Unsightly oil tanks can be an unavoidable drawback of oil heating. While some homeowners have the option to bury their tanks underground, most will need to find creative ways to screen their tanks. From strategic landscaping to painting and fencing, there are several ways to hide a fuel oil tank.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Creative solutions | Painting the tank with exterior acrylic house paint or elastomeric paint, or using Pinterest for design inspiration |
| Natural camouflage | Using plants, shrubs, hedges, tall grasses, or flowers to obscure the tank from view |
| Fencing | Installing a fence, trellis, or screen to block the tank from view, ensuring access for maintenance and deliveries |
| Enclosure | Constructing a dedicated enclosure or roof around the tank using non-combustible materials, ensuring proper ventilation and access |
| Underground installation | Burying the tank underground, complying with regulations regarding depth, materials, and safety features |
| Garden shed | Installing a large garden shed around the tank, maintaining proper ventilation and access |
| Decorative covers | Using weather-resistant and camouflage covers that complement property design |
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What You'll Learn
Use fencing, trellis, or hedging to camouflage the tank
If you want to hide your fuel oil tank, fencing is a great option. You can buy wooden panels, bamboo, or reed fencing ready-made and at a low cost. You can then stain, paint, or treat the fence to make it last longer and help it blend in with its surroundings. If you opt for a fence, ensure you leave a space for a gate or an opening so that you can access your tank for maintenance and deliveries.
Trellis fences are another option for camouflaging your fuel oil tank. They provide a sturdy framework for plants to climb up and obscure the view of the tank. You will need to be patient with this method, as you will have to wait for the plants to grow up the trellis. Consider the types of plants and flowers you want to grow and find out when they bloom and wither. Climbers and wall shrubs can also attract wildlife to your garden.
Hedging is a natural alternative to fencing or trellis. It can be a beautiful addition to your landscape, providing a pleasing colour all year round and a new home for wildlife. However, it may take time for the hedge to fully cover your tank and will require annual maintenance, such as clipping and trimming. If you are renting, it is not recommended to start a hedge as it is a long-term plan. Before planting, you should work out what type of soil you have and how much sunlight the area receives.
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Incorporate gravel, stone, or rocks to enhance the area
If you're looking to disguise your fuel oil tank, incorporating gravel, stone, or rocks into the surrounding area can be an effective strategy. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Create Gravel Pathways
Instead of leaving the ground around your fuel tank bare, consider laying down gravel to create a pathway. This not only adds texture and visual interest to the space but also helps to camouflage the tank. Opt for gravel in a colour that complements your outdoor area, and consider using larger stones or crushed rock to create a more rustic or natural look.
Build a Rock Garden
Surrounding your fuel tank with a carefully curated rock garden can be an attractive way to disguise it. Use a variety of rocks, stones, and gravel in different sizes, shapes, and colours to create a diverse and eye-catching display. You can also incorporate larger boulders or stone sculptures to make a statement and further distract from the tank.
Gravel and Stone Planters
Incorporate gravel and stone into raised garden beds or planters placed strategically around the fuel tank. This approach adds depth and dimension to your landscaping while also helping to draw attention away from the tank. Fill the planters with vibrant foliage or fragrant herbs to create a sensory experience that enhances the overall appeal of the space.
Gravel and Stone Accents
If you prefer a more subtle approach, use gravel or stone accents to enhance the area around the fuel tank. Create a gravel border or edging around the tank, or use stones to create a unique pattern or design in the surrounding grass or garden. This technique adds interest without overwhelming the space, allowing you to maintain a balanced and harmonious landscape.
Remember, when incorporating gravel, stone, or rocks, it's important to leave enough space between the fuel tank and these elements to ensure easy access for refilling or servicing. With careful planning and a touch of creativity, you can transform your fuel oil tank from an eyesore to a seamless part of your outdoor landscape.
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Use a dedicated enclosure or roof to hide the tank
Constructing a dedicated enclosure or roof around your fuel oil tank is a more substantial method of disguising it. When creating an enclosure, it is important to use non-combustible materials such as brick, stone, or metal to ensure fire safety and adhere to local regulations. Proper ventilation is crucial, so include removable panels or access points for maintenance, inspections, and deliveries. This approach provides a more permanent solution compared to other methods.
If you prefer a roof-only structure, consider using weather-resistant and fire-resistant materials that complement your property's aesthetics. Ensure that the roof does not obstruct access to gauges, vents, or safety equipment, and maintain a safe distance between the roof and the tank for maintenance and refilling.
Another option is to use decorative covers specifically designed for oil tanks. These covers come in a variety of designs and can be made from weather-resistant materials. They can range from full opaque covers to camouflage netting, providing a quick, easy, and cost-effective solution. Remember to choose a cover that can be easily removed when needed and does not hinder access to essential components of the tank.
When creating an enclosure or roof structure, always follow safety guidelines and regulations. Maintain proper ventilation and access for maintenance and inspections, and ensure that the structure complies with fire safety standards. It is important to balance the aesthetics of your space with the functionality and safety of your fuel oil tank setup.
Additionally, you can enhance the area around the enclosure or roof by incorporating gravel, crushed stone, or rocks. These elements can improve the appearance of the space and reduce maintenance compared to traditional grass. They also provide the added benefit of an audible alert when trespassers are near due to the distinctive crunching sound they make underfoot.
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Paint the tank to coordinate with your home or make it fun
If you're looking to hide your fuel oil tank, one option is to paint it to coordinate with your home or make it a fun feature. Before you start, check the tag on the tank to see how old it is, as you may need to replace it if it's over 25 years old. If you're going ahead with painting, you'll need to prepare the tank surface. Use steel wool to clean it, sand it, and then prime it with a metal primer suitable for rusty surfaces, such as Rustoleum.
When it comes to choosing a paint colour, you can opt for something that blends in with your home's exterior colour scheme or go for a bold, vibrant hue that reflects your personality. If you want to get creative, you can even paint the tank to resemble something fun and totally different. Just be sure to use a paint that is fuel-resistant, such as a 2-part epoxy primer or a 2-part clear coat, and avoid painting over rust. You may also want to consider a topcoat to protect the paint job and enhance the final appearance.
If you're feeling inspired, you can also incorporate some natural elements, practical features, and artistic touches to enhance the area around your tank. For example, you could add raised garden beds, gravel pathways, or fencing to create a harmonious and beautiful outdoor space. By combining these elements with your painted tank, you can transform your fuel oil tank from an eyesore into a stunning focal point.
Remember to always follow safety precautions and ensure that any plants or structures do not obstruct access to the tank for refilling or servicing. With a bit of creativity and some DIY spirit, you can turn your fuel oil tank into a work of art that seamlessly blends into your landscape.
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Use raised garden beds with plants to obscure the tank
Raised garden beds can be a great way to obscure your fuel oil tank and enhance your garden. Raised beds can be made from a variety of materials, such as wood, galvanized metal stock tanks, or stone. They can be filled with a mixture of peat moss, organic gardening soil, and compost-manure blend, or you can use a pre-mixed standard gardening soil.
When creating raised garden beds to obscure your fuel oil tank, it is important to maintain a safe distance between the beds and the tank to ensure the integrity of the tank. You will also need to ensure that the beds do not obstruct access to the tank for refilling or maintenance. Consider the height of the raised beds and the types of plants you want to include, as well as the amount of sunlight the area receives.
Raised beds can provide a beautiful hardscaping piece to your garden, adding aesthetic appeal and functionality. They can be used to grow a variety of plants, including flowers, fragrant herbs, vegetables, and fruits. When selecting plants, consider those with climbing or crawling tendencies, such as roses, wisteria, clematis, jasmine, and honeysuckle, which can gracefully cover the tank.
Additionally, the use of raised garden beds can help to improve the ergonomics of gardening, reducing strain on your knees and back. The raised beds also provide more vertical space for plant roots, allowing for more horizontal planting within a tighter space. With careful planning and consideration, raised garden beds can be a creative and effective solution to obscure your fuel oil tank and create a beautiful and functional outdoor space.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use fencing, screens, hedges, and plants to hide your fuel oil tank. If you want to use plants, make sure they are at least 10 feet away from the tank so their roots don't interfere with it.
You can build a structure around your fuel oil tank, such as a shed or enclosure, to hide it from view. Make sure to use non-combustible materials and ensure proper ventilation and access for maintenance and deliveries.
Yes, you can paint your fuel oil tank to make it blend in with its surroundings or stand out as a unique feature. Use exterior paint suitable for an external tank, such as painting primer and weatherproof paint.
Yes, you can install an underground fuel oil tank or use decorative covers specifically designed for fuel oil tanks. Underground tanks require professional installation and compliance with regulations. Covers should be easy to remove and not obstruct access to gauges, vents, or safety equipment.
