EnviroSlat fencing from Futurewood is an excellent DIY solution to build a new fence without having to seek expensive professional services.
Easy to install for anyone with basic DIY skills, EnviroSlat fencing is a worthwhile investment as it has a longer lifespan than timber and most other building materials, needs minimal upkeep, is termite resistant and, is fast and simple to build.
EnviroSlat screen fencing can be installed in several ways; however, one popular method of installation for the home handyman utilises the powder coated aluminium posts and U-channels with EnviroSlat fence slats to make a screen fence.
Eight steps to building a 2700mm wide x 1800mm high fence
To build a screen fence 2700mm wide, you can cut the 5400mm long EnviroSlat board in two and avoid wastage.
1. Mark out your fence line and dig four holes 600mm deep x 250mm diameter at 900mm centres.
2. Use a 50mm square fence post with a U channel screwed to it for the two outside posts and a 30mm square post for the two inside posts. Place the posts in the holes and make sure the stabilising pins are facing at 90 degrees to the direction of the screen for added stability.
3. Pour concrete around the fence posts making sure that they are level and in line, and are all at the same height of 1800mm (the two inside 30mm posts need to be set back 15mm - the thickness of the EnviroSlat board) so that the EnviroSlat boards will remain straight between the posts and the U channel.
4. Work out what spacing you prefer between the boards; if you leave a gap of 16.5mm between each board you will require 21 boards in total to cover the 1800mm height of your screen fence. You can have a smaller or larger gap between each board and once you determine what spacing you prefer between each slat you should make up a spacer and work out how many boards you will need to cover the 1800mm height of your screen.
5. Once the concrete has set, you can pre-drill the back of the U channels using the line marked in the U channel as a guide to line up the screws vertically at the agreed spacing allowing one screw in the middle of each board. Make sure you are using stainless steel screws or brass screws; cutting corners with cheap fixings means the slats will outlast the screws, given the longevity of the boards.
6. You will also need two different screws - a 10g x 15mm pan head screw for fixing through the U channel and a 10g x 25mm countersunk screw for fixing through the EnviroSlat.
7. Cut the EnviroSlat boards to 2700mm and place them in the U channels and behind the 2 x 30mm intermediate posts. Simply screw the slats into place at each end through the back of the U channel, starting with the top one and working down.
8. Once the slats are fixed at each end you can pre-drill the board and screw through the front of each board into the intermediate fence posts.
EnviroSlat fencing is an easy and attractive screen fencing option that suits nearly all types of homes from modern to traditional. Once the simple construction is done, these fences need minimal maintenance as they can retain their good looks and sturdy assembly for years.
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