How to fill gaps in timber slatted screen?

Question

Hello, I've just had a fence extension done (on our side of the fence). However, we have this wooden feature on our decking area which sits quite close to the boundary fence and it wasn't possible to place an extension here. Its slatted and there's a gap to the right so I'm keen to attach some wood or something to the back of it all the way up to the wall.

What would you best recommend to do this? I'm not too worried about how it looks, it's really just to block out our partying neighbours! Please excuse the mess in the pic, we have been renovating the garden.

Dave-1 · Answer

Good Evening @MollyT

My first thought went to using a sheet of Hardie board (concrete sheet around 6-8mm thick) and mount it behind the slats but attached to them. The structure looks solid enough to carry the weight and it will be a clean look. You will need some clamps to hold it in place and some bolts/nuts to fix it to the frame.

If you have around 50mm of space you could also use the Smokey corrugated plastic roof (Alsonite) as that will block the view nicely. And it would be easier to screw fix it from behind. (if you have the space and your neighbors' dont mind)

Dave

R4addZ · Answer

Hello @MollyT

The first question is, is the structure fixed or can it be slid forward so you can access the back of the structure in order to secure any screen in place or do we have to slide the infill down the back and secure it from the front? Are you wanting to cover the whole of the slatted section or just down the edge near the house? Does it have to look presentable to the neighbors as they will have to look at it or do you want to leave that up to them? How cooperative are the neighbors?

EricL · Answer

Hello @MollyT

Thank you for sharing your question about your fence. I propose using

https://www.bunnings.com.au/140-x-19mm-merbau-specrite-pre-oiled-decking-random-lengths_p0200173

. Please make sure that the width of the panel is big enough to cover the gap and be mounted to the side of the wooden feature. I suggest using

https://www.bunnings.com.au/zenith-8-10-x-40mm-galvanised-countersunk-rib-head-timber-screws-100-pack_p2420873

to anchor the panel to the wooden feature. My best advice is to drill pilot holes to prevent splitting the panel.

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1, @R4addZ and @DIY4Knuckleheds for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric