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Make it
For your eyes only
A decorative screen
Create instant privacy around an outdoor shower – or anywhere it’s needed – with a DIY screen
A
privacy screen is a practical finishing touch for an outdoor shower, but this one is pretty enough to sit anywhere in the garden, as a sculptural element, as well as to protect from prying eyes. Using the Matrix screens with its post kit makes this a simple build, plus it’s light on maintenance – the UV-resistant plastic material won’t rust or deteriorate, and is lightweight but strong.
Tip
Before
TOOLS & MATERIALS
Above: This alfresco zone was great for rinsing off sand after a beach dip, but was rather exposed to the rest of the garden
bunnings.com.au |
bunnings |
Safety gear (gloves, mask and eye and ear protection) D rill with driver bit 3mm, 5mm and 12mm drill bits 8mm hex head bit Tape measure and felt-tip pen N arrow post shovel Level Wheelbarrow Measuring jug G arden hose or watering can Small trowel Quick-grip clamps Two decorative screens M atrix slimline framing kit (or use a C-channel frame kit with 40mm self-drilling screws) Screen installation pack with screws and brackets Three Matrix 2500mm galvanised steel posts in Charcoal G ravel or road base Ready-mix concrete (we used one 20kg bag per post) 2m-long timber offcut
bunnings
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Set the screens out on a flat surface to assemble the slimline frames around them. Push the top of the frame against the top of the screen and use a 3mm bit to drill a hole through the centre of the frame and screen, stopping before piercing the front of the frame. Secure with the supplied screw. If using a C-channel kit, follow the maker’s instructions to fit the screen in the frame with the supplied pins.
2
Slide on the frame sides, with the ends overlapping the top. On each, mark the centre, 300mm from the top and 300mm from the base, then use a 5mm bit to drill right through. Remove the sides and use a 12mm bit to drill through the screen holes only to create larger holes for expansion. Tip: The 12mm holes allow for the screen to expand and contract with temperature changes.
EXPERT TIP The term ‘check for plumb’ means ensuring a post is straight vertically and square to the ground. Position a level down all four sides of these posts – the bubble in the vial should be perfectly centred each time
Your DIY toolkit 4
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1 Matrix ‘Orbit’ 1800mm x 900mm x 7mm screen panel in Off White, $99, I/N: 0227892†. 2 Dingo hi-strength concrete, $12/20kg, I/N: 0760378. 3 Matrix 1815mm x 915mm x 28mm C-channel frame kit in Charcoal, $39.90, I/N: 3041120. 4 Kincrome 8mm hex bit drive socket, $12.95, I/N: 6110893. 5 Whites 3-5mm landscaping stone fine pebbles, $14.98/10kg, I/N: 3452481. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.
Photography Cath Muscat. Project, instructions and steps photography Natasha Dickins. †Available to order online or at the Special Orders Desk.
C-channel frame kits now come in a range of colours to add more style to your screen
