How to attach Merbau Fence panel to screen the hot water system?

RJ2

I recently purchased this Merbau panel screen and some galvanised angle brackets from Bunnings, with the intention of attaching the screen to a wall (where the red highlight is) to conceal the hot water system. I’m looking for advice on the best way to achieve this.

 

If I attach the screen directly to the wall, would that be sufficient, or should it also be fixed to the deck for added stability? If fixing it to the deck is recommended, is there some kind of runner or similar solution that could be attached to the deck so the screen can simply sit in place and remain stable?

 

Lastly, I didn’t have much luck at Bunnings getting advice on the correct screws to use for fixing the brackets into a brick wall. Could anyone recommend the appropriate type of screws or fixings for this application?

 

As always, thanks for your help. This workshop forum has been a godsend for someone like me. 

 

PS. I have already checked and can confirm that there is sufficient clearance between the hot water system and the proposed screen, and that it will not impact the operation of the system.

 

 

MitchellMc

Hi @RJ2,

Those Merbau panels are surprisingly rigid on their own, so fixing them back to the wall the way you have highlighted is a perfectly reasonable starting point. I have done similar installs and, provided the wall fixings are solid, the panel will not feel flimsy just because it is not fully framed.

That said, I do recommend adding a small amount of support at the free edge away from the wall. You do not need a full frame or posts, but one discreet fixing at the bottom will stop any movement over time from wind or accidental knocks. The simplest and least invasive option is a small angle bracket fixed to the back of the panel and then screwed down into a decking board. One bracket is usually enough to lock the panel in place while keeping the installation neat and reversible if needed later.

If you prefer not to use a bracket, another option is to fix a slim timber cleat to the deck behind the panel and then screw through the face of the panel into that timber. It works well structurally, but it is more visible and involves more fixings, which is why the angle bracket approach is generally cleaner.

For fixing your brackets into the brick wall, an 8 mm masonry fixing kit is the easiest solution. These kits include the correct size masonry drill bit, wall plugs and matching screws. Just make sure that the screw heads are larger than the holes in your brackets. If the holes are a bit oversized, adding a washer under the screw head will solve that. You will need a hammer drill to drill the holes accurately into the brick.

It sounds like you have already checked clearances around the hot water system, which is great. With solid wall fixings and a small support at the base, the screen should be stable, tidy and do exactly what you want it to do. 

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell