How to screen hot water tank?

Question

HI All, I am wondering if it is possible to build a frame to hide the water tank at our back door? I am considering a timber screen panel which is Herringbone hardwood 1800 x 900mm. The problem is the slope from the base of the tank as shown with the stick in the top picture. How do we get the (probably) two sided frame (left and front) stable and level? Would it be attached and 'hanging' from the brick wall? Thanks in advance.

MitchellMc · Answer

Hi @DianeTDoyle,

It looks like the concrete has a slight dip, but that doesn’t start immediately at the base of the hot water tank. Since your herringbone panels are relatively thin, I don’t think the slope will be a major issue. However, if the width of the side panel pushes the front panel out so it's over the dip, then you'd need to use packers or a timber shim underneath.

You could simply screw the two screening panels together at a right angle and position them in front of the heater. Then, fix them to the wall using angle brackets and Dynabolts. For extra rigidity, you can also use an angle bracket and Dynabolt at the front corner to connect the panel to the concrete.

It sounds like you won’t be fully enclosing the heater, which is fine, but I’d recommend checking with the manufacturer to make sure your screen won’t interfere with any required clearances or safety requirements.

This setup should give you a stable, level screen without being affected by the slope.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell