A domestic oil tank is an essential part of heating your home — but that doesn’t mean it always looks attractive in your garden. If you’re thinking about camouflaging your home oil tank, it’s important to do this safely and in line with building regulations.
Below, we explain what you must consider before disguising your oil tank, plus the best ways to visually blend it into your outdoor space.
Before hiding your domestic oil tank, ensure the following guidelines are met:
Engineers must be able to reach the tank for refuelling, inspections and maintenance at all times.
Oil tanks must be at least 1.8m away from doors, windows, eaves and combustible buildings unless a 30-minute fire-resistant barrier is installed (check your local building regulations for exact requirements).
Plastic oil tanks must sit on a flat, level and fire-resistant base capable of holding the tank when full. A concrete slab (minimum 50mm thick) is recommended and should extend 300mm beyond all sides of the tank. Do not use piers beneath plastic tanks, as this may cause structural damage.
Steel tanks can be installed on piers, but the piers must extend wider than the tank’s footprint to support the side panels. Bunded steel tanks may sit on a flat base, as they include built-in bearers.
Be sure that everything above is addressed before you begin camouflaging the tank.
Whether you’re aiming for subtle screening or a decorative feature, these methods will help your oil tank blend seamlessly into the garden.
If your oil tank is located in a sunny spot, evergreen shrubs and tall plants are a simple way to conceal it naturally. This low-maintenance approach keeps visual coverage year-round.
Important: Maintain at least a 600mm gap between plants and the tank for safe access and ventilation.
A fenced enclosure is a sturdy, quick, and effective way to hide an oil tank. Choose a design that matches your existing garden fencing for a seamless look.
If the tank is near a building, the fencing work may be minimal — just remember to include a door or gate and maintain a 600mm clearance around the tank for easy servicing and emergency access.
Trellis panels add height, allow airflow and can be dressed with climbing plants for a softer, natural-looking disguise. It’s an affordable and visually pleasing solution.
Again, leave a minimum gap of 600mm between the trellis and the oil tank. Be aware that vines may take time to fully cover the structure — patience pays off here.
Source: Alltank
Whether you need a brand-new oil tank installation, a safe replacement for an ageing tank, or licensed disposal of a disused one, Barton Petroleum can help.
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