SCREEN STAR

N A TASHA DICKINS

A GAPPY OLD FENCE GETS A SPEEDY FACELIFT, TO BRING PRIVACY AND A CONTEMPORARY EDGE TO THIS YARD Project, photography and styling NATASHA DICKINS

Tools & materials

nSafety equipment (gardening gloves, mask, ear and eye protection) n Tape measure and pen n Stringline n Line level n Secateurs n Mitre saw n Mini roller with tray n Quick-grip clamps nDrill with 8G combination countersinking bit nCrown stapler with 16mm narrow galvanised staples nLengths of 66mm x 18mm H3 treated pine (3m per screen)• nExterior paint in charcoal n3000mm x 1800mm PVC garden screening with capping n8G x 40mm galvanised screws n2400mm-long timber offcut and spacers

1 Measure 1800mm up from the highest ground point to run a stringline above the fence, using a line level to check it’s straight. Clear along the line with secateurs to ensure the screen is unimpeded by foliage. Tip: The screens are 1800mm high and 3000mm long, so set out the area in 3m increments.

Keep in mind...

n Wear eye protection when using a stapler, as well as ear protection and a mask when drilling treated pine. n Use H3 treated pine for aboveground outdoor applications to resist moisture and termite damage. Use exterior paint to seal the cuts, and install with galvanised fasteners to resist rust.

4 Set out a temporary base using a timber offcut at least 2400mm long, adding spacers to ensure it’s straight, checking with a level. Clamp the open end of the screen onto the support rails, then unroll it along the base to about halfway, clamping the roll lightly at the top to prevent it from falling.

2 Measure the spans between the posts to determine support rail lengths. Check the joins are centred over posts, then use a mitre saw to cut H3 treated pine to fit. Apply two coats of exterior paint using a mini roller, leaving to dry after each coat. Position support rails against posts on clamps about 600mm down from the stringline and up from the ground.

3 Position an unrolled screen against the first post to check the rows of cord run along the centre of the support rails, adjusting the clamps and the rails as needed. Use a countersinking bit to predrill through the rails into the posts, securing each joint with two 40mm galvanised screws.

H3

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I/N: 0020932• . 5 Ryobi

18V stapler, $229/skin only (battery and charger sold separately), I/N: 0385371.

5 Secure cords with a crown stapler, holding it sideways to staple vertically. Begin inside first strip and work in sections along top and base support rails, stapling every six strips, and inside the last one. Move the temporary base to span remaining section of screening, checking with a level; unroll and clamp to continue stapling. Repeat to install next screen.

6 Two lengths of capping and a small filler piece are supplied with each screen. Thread the capping by enlisting a second pair of hands to push it from the end of the screen while you pull it along the strips, checking that it doesn’t slip upwards. Thread the remaining capping from the opposite end, adding the filler piece to span screen joins.

Give

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