How to build a strong timber privacy screen in a windy area?

Question

I want to build a privacy screen in my driveway to block the view into my backyard. I’ll be constructing it myself. I’m planning to repurpose an old fridge (about 1800cm tall)

laid on its back as a raised planter bed—similar to the other fridge planters I already have, which stay in place even in strong winds.

Because it gets quite windy where I live, I need to make sure the timber privacy screen I attach to the fridge/planter is very sturdy and well‑joined.

MitchellMc · Answer

Hi @kelbie,

I just thought I'd add that you might like to check out our Top 10 most popular screening projects for inspiration. Also, here's a Step-by-step guide on How to build a timber screen and How to build a decorative screen.

We'll be looking forward to seeing what you create.

Mitchell

EricL · Answer

Hello @kelbie

Thanks for sharing your question about installing a privacy screen. It's great that you've received excellent advice from @Dave-1 about degassing the refrigerator. Just to add to the suggestions made, I propose installing traditional 100 x 100mm 2.4m Post H4 Treated Pine Sawn CCA - 2.4m into the ground with cement footing. You can then install 72 x 47mm 5.4m Fence Rail H3 Treated Pine Premium Grade CCA onto the post. To cover the front, I recommend using SpecRite 1800 x 902mm Pre-Oiled Merbau Alternating Slat Fence Panel as the front cover. Its slat design will still allow wind to pass through reducing the pressure in front of the screen.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

Dave-1 · Answer

Good Afternoon @kelbie

As a note of caution there may still be refrigerant gas in the fridge. Even if its not working the gas could still be there. I would recomend NOT to even attempt to drill/screw into the fridge until it is verified as degassed.

The second problem (tho I do like the solidnes sof a fridge filled with soil) is when you go to attach the privacy screen the space between the inner and outer layer is generally foam and pipework. So compression wise it makes it hard to get a good clamp on things. Its sovable :) But just takes a bit of fiddling around.

So once the fridge is degassed.

Drill a 20mm hole through the side of the fridge. This will hold a length of 20mm steel conduit/pipe as a spacer so you cnt over compress the sides.

Insert the length of pipe in the hole.

Using say a lengh of merbau fdecking board horizontaly along the inside surface and outside surface of the fridge. This is what will distrubute the compression of the screws.

Then you slide a bolt through the pipe and toghten it (with large washers) against the timber. This will give you something to fasten your screen to.

Dave