Hi all,
looking for advice on how to install the ekodeck castellation fence cladding onto my fence? What are the steps to take to install it?
Hello @Naidoo021
Thank you for sharing your question about installing castellated panels on your fence. I suggest having a look at this discussion - How to install Ekodeck castellated panels onto retaining wall? by @Neil1984. My original suggestion was to install additional rails to the fencing structure, but having had a second look this might cause the the fence to lean due to the added weight of the castellated panels.
I therefore suggest building a new frame to support the fencing cover. You can use either standard 100x100 fencing post or use metal like the Australian Handyman Supplies 89 x 89mm x 3.0m Galvanised Steel Fence Post as I suggested in the discussion. Standard timber rails can be attached to the posts and the castellated panels installed onto the new frame. This would be the safest way to do it without risking your existing fence.
Please remember to wear personal protection such as gloves, goggles and a mask when working on your project.
If you need further assistance, please let us know.
Eric
I have no other option than to attach it onto an existing timber fence. What do you suggest is the best method to attach?
Would it be possible for you to post a photo of your timber fence? This will give our members a better idea of its current condition. We'll then be able to analyse your fence and make recommendations.
While we are waiting for your photos, I suggest looking at this discussion - Ekodeck castellated panel fence by @RenoMike. It is a good example of how you can add timber rails and support to your fence to attach castellated panels. They used 70x35 H3 structural treated timber to form the frame on their fence. Please keep in mind that there is the possibility of leaning due to the added weight of the castellated panels.
Let me call on our experienced members @Nailbag, @Dave-1, @RenoMike and @Noyade for their recommendations.
Good Evening @Naidoo021
I am wondering if there is any chance of a photo to show your fence? I am firmly in the camp of not adding a lot of weight to an existing fence. I have added mini orb sheets to the height of my miniorb fence yes, but only for a small section.
Just had a look at the specifications of the eco deck you want and its 10kg's per 219mm… Thats going to add up pretty fast. The existing span of your fence will probarrly not be rated to handle it (even if its cut down shorter) I will wait to see a pic and then try and figure out a solution.
Dave
Hi @Naidoo021
Your standard boundary fence is not engineered to withstand the weight of another cladding directly attached. As @EricL mentioned it will compromise the supporting posts causing it to eventually lean forward and start to pull away. Other than lightweight fence toppers, no structure or even creepers should be attached. Any damage to the boundary fence would be at your expense to rectify
Your only long term solution is to build a supportive frame in front of the boundary fence.
Nailbag
I'm temporarily taking off the fence that is behind the garage wall. My aim is to raise the height of the fence to be more similar to the fence on the left. Initial plan was to use the Ekodeck panels.
Hi @Naidoo021,
As other members have already mentioned, standard fences are only designed to carry their own weight and cannot support additional panels like the Ekodeck castellated panels. You would need to construct a proper frame so that the Ekodeck panels can be fixed according to the manufacturer’s installation instructions, which require three solid rails at the top, middle, and bottom, for secure fixing.
I’m also not entirely clear on how you plan to position the panels and how this fits with your plan to temporarily remove the fence. Could you clarify your approach so we can provide more specific guidance?
Mitchell
I need to temporarily remove the fence for our builders to render the garage wall. At the same time the fence is too low and the paling gaps leave little privacy. My option instead of the ekodeck would be to just replace the palings on the existing fence with new 2.1m lapped palings. I will be cutting off the fence panels between the rail and the posts so I can screw the rails onto the posts when re-attaching the fence. This would surely be an easier option? What things would I need to consider in attempting this instead of the ekodeck panels?
Swapping out the old palings for taller 2.1 m lapped ones is definitely a simpler option than trying to use Ekodeck panels @Naidoo021, and it means you don’t have to build a whole extra frame. A few things to keep in mind: make sure your existing posts and rails are strong enough to support the taller palings, especially if you get windy days. When you cut the panels and screw the rails back onto the posts, check that everything stays level and secure. You might want to add a third rail since the fence is higher than before, just to give it extra support. And don’t forget to use treated or coated timber so the new palings hold up to the weather, especially at the bottom.
Good Afternoon @Naidoo021
Lets break down what your alternative is as I am a little confused still.
I need to temporarily remove the fence for our builders to render the garage wall. (Ok, makes sense)
At the same time the fence is too low and the paling gaps leave little privacy. My option instead of the ekodeck would be to just replace the palings on the existing fence with new 2.1m lapped palings. (definently doable)
I will be cutting off the fence panels between the rail and the posts so I can screw the rails onto the posts when re-attaching the fence. (not keen on this as the new fence will be offset from the old? this is why I am confused.) leave rails and posts, remove the palings and then redo the pailings once the rendering is completed.
This would surely be an easier option? What things would I need to consider in attempting this instead of the ekodeck panels? (See above)
If you have to you can still keep the same lap style of pailings by predrilling through the rail so the pailings stay on the same side of the fence.
