I am going to purchase a lightweight privacy screen and want to attach it to a steel beam on my verandah. What screws / bolts etc would be best to use? Photos attached of the verandah beam.
Hi @Becca26,
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is wonderful to have you with us.
With any alterations to a pergola structure like this, it is always best to confirm they are possible with the manufacturer of the pergola beforehand. This is to ensure that the added weight, as well as the holes your fixings will create, will not have a negative impact on the structure. It is usually possible with lightweight fixtures, but it is best to check to be safe.
When you can confirm it is safe to proceed, you'd likely be using https://www.bunnings.com.au/products/building-hardware/fasteners-fixings/screws/metal-fix-screws that are a suitable thickness to pass through the frame for your lightweight slatted screen into the structure. The thickness of the screw really depends on the weight of the slatted structure, but something around 10-12 gauge would usually be good.
You'd want to use enough screws to support the frame along its full length. This often means a screw every 450-600mm along the length of the frame.
Let me know what you think and if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.
Jacob
Hi Jacob,
Thank you very much for your reply to my query.
And for the advice - the first thing I did before looking at screens was contact the installers and the manufacturer to ensure drilling into one of the verandah beams would not compromise the integrity of the structure. I was assured it would be fine.
Now I also have your very helpful information on what to use so I am very happy.
Thanks again,
Rebecca
