How to fix a metal zen trainer to a Colorbond fence?

erikc

I am nearing the end of creating a small south-facing garden, the topsoil is good quality but the clay underneath ponds so I am separating the bed (a wetter shady fence area of guava and star jasmine) and a drier lavender and crepe myrtle area with some gypsum or groundbreaker). I am unsure of how to attach the 1600 mm high black zen trainer to the fence (it doesn't have a top rail) or will I be able to wedge 2 Saxon 110cm Black T Steel Fence Post around the outer edges of the trainer so it won't move in a storm, could that be enough? (Side note: I haven't laid simple pavers yet or finished the groundcover, and I realize I will have to keep the dwarf citrus in pots (the right fence area gets all the sun but there is only 60cm width to the bed). )

JacobZ

Hi @erikc,

You could fix the trainer to the fence, however any screws driven into the fence would create a weak point in the coating that can result in rust over time as well as poke out the back of the fence, which I can't imagine your neighbour would be too pleased about.

I think the best option is to use star pickets like the Saxon one that you have mentioned, but I would use a longer version such as the Saxon 170cm Black T Steel Fence Post and drive it into the ground around 40-50cm, so that the post stands 120-130cm out of the ground, then attach the trainer to each post every 30cm or so using tie wire or cable ties. That extra depth of embedment will really ensure that everything is solidly locked in place.

Let me know what you think and if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob