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How to screen 5 carport bays to replace shade cloth?

dgb278

I have a carport on the western side of my home. The carport is approx. 20m long and has 90x90mm posts spaced approx 2650mm apart. I have ageing lattice between each set of posts covered with shade cloth. The lattice is starting to come apart and I would like to replace the lot with a economical, more modern look that will require little or no maintenance. Each gap between the posts is approx. 2650x2600mm. Any suggestions with photos would be appreciated. Regards, David

Port Macquarie Home (19) (2025_01_01 00_14_37 UTC).JPG

Port Macquarie Home (45) (2025_01_01 00_14_37 UTC).JPG

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EricL

Hello @dgb278

Thank you very much for sharing that photo of your garage. Your garage has been designed and built to safely support the weight of the roof and the existing timber trellis, while also taking into account factors such as wind loads and severe weather conditions. The structure works as a complete system, so even what might appear to be a relatively simple change can affect how those loads are transferred through the garage.

For example, replacing the open timber trellis with a solid wall introduces additional weight and significantly changes how the structure responds to wind. Where wind can currently pass through the trellis, a solid wall creates a much larger surface for wind to act against. This can place additional loads on the posts, connections and supporting structure, so it’s important to make sure the existing garage is suitable for the proposed modification.

For this reason, I recommend engaging a draftsperson or structural engineer to assess the existing structure and prepare an appropriate framing plan, including recommendations for suitable wall cladding. It would also be worth checking with your local council or building authority to determine whether approval or a permit is required.

Having the framing properly designed and documented will give you a clear construction plan and, where approval is required, provide suitable documentation for the application process. It will also help ensure the proposed wall is designed with the relevant structural requirements, NCC provisions and local building regulations in mind.

In regard to materials, much will depend on what the structural engineer recommends for the proposed wall. Generally, you can expect the framing to consist of appropriately rated structural timber that is suitable for its intended location and exposure to the elements. Cladding options may range from fibre cement products such as HardieFlex to traditional weatherboards, depending on the design and the desired finished appearance.

It’s important to look at the wall as a complete system, as the framing, fixings, bracing and cladding all need to work together to provide the required structural performance.

You may still be able to build the wall yourself, provided D.I.Y. work is permitted in your location. However, I strongly recommend having the framing and construction details professionally designed first. This gives you a clear plan to follow, helps ensure the work meets the relevant building requirements, and most importantly, helps maintain the structural integrity and safety of your garage.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

dgb278

Eric, thanks for your response. I want to replace the lattice and shade cloth with something that will have the same effect, that is, to let the breeze through whilst reducing the amount of rain that might come from the west. I certainly do not want to enclose the side of the carport with anything completely solid. I have considered more shade cloth, but my concern is the ability to stretch it taught and securing it so that it doesn't slowly sag over time. I don't want more timber lattice, as that will mean periodic painting. I am looking for some fairly simple means of spanning the five gaps between the posts with something that is flush with the outside of the posts and sits cleanly within the gaps between the post. All securing done from the inside so that the finish is a professional, clean look. Regards, David.

EricL

Hello @dgb278

A good alternative would be to use https://www.bunnings.com.au/jack-matrix-1800-x-900-x-6mm-smooth-cream-reeded-square-lattice_p3041100 or https://www.bunnings.com.au/matrix-2410-x-1205-x-7mm-classic-diamond-lattice-smooth-cream-colorbond-classic-cream-_p3041101 along with https://www.bunnings.com.au/jack-matrix-2410-x-1205-x-5mm-off-white-plastic-reeded-diamond-lattice_p0056907 . It of course depends on the size that you need. These lattice structures are made of plastic and can be cut down to size. They will not need to be painted, sanded or stained. Please note that they do come in more decorative styles, just type "Matrix" on the Bunnings website search bar and you'll see the panels available.

My worry with replacing the trellis with a hardwood product such as Merbau means that a large amount of weight will be placed on the post which is not ideal as I mentioned in my first post.

In regard to the shade cloth, I can only suggest using a heavy-duty stapler to anchor it firmly to the timber edge, this includes the sides which will reduce the amount of sagging. Wind stretching and sun baking will take its toll on the shade cloth which is unavoidable. I suggest changing your old one for a fresh batch. As to maintenance, it will be necessary to pull the shade cloth tight and re-staple it should it begin to sag again.

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1, @DIY4Knuckleheds, @dfgibson78, @KoalaRetreat_21, @Project_Palmetto and @Nailbag for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

Dave-1

Good Morning @dgb278

This is a hard one, even without replacement of the existing trellis I would still be suggesting a support midway between the posts to help stop sagging. With the limitations of little to no maintenance mmmmm. I am also thinking of the plastic trellis that @EricL has suggested and definitely you will need the mid post support as they are heavyish.

The Westerly rain and how to stop it but allowing the breeze through is what is stopping my thoughts :)

I just had the idea of timber slats (Queensland style) but that is expensive and maintenance wise much higher then new plastic trellis and shade cloth.

Maybe the plastic trellis supported with an extra post and then shade sails just off the posts or against the rear of them so air can still circulate but stop the water?

Dave

Noyade

When Masters went bust (2017?) they had on clearance six metre lengths of wire bound bark lengths. At the time I thought it would rot after one year - but they're still going. Does Bunnings have a similar product?

dgb278

Thanks for all responses to date. I will check out the plastic trellis this week and see if I can come up with a means of framing each piece to enable the 2600mm height and 2650mm width space between each post to be filled and the lattice and timber firmly secured to the post facing each other in each of the five gaps. I don't particularly want to go down the path of shade cloth over lattice again. I was hoping to produce a more modern look without making the job expensive or bulky looking. Regards, David

EricL

Hello @dgb278

The only other product that comes to mind is https://www.bunnings.com.au/jack-90cm-x-30m-12-x-12mm-aviary-mesh_p3060425 . This will somewhat reduce the visibility through the trellis and provide a different look to the shade cloth.

Eric

Dave-1

Good Morning @dgb278

@EricL 's suggested reminded me of my half finished chook pen. I have built it out of 20mm heavy duty steel mesh (I got it from FB marketplace) The area inside is markedly cooler even without a door to the "shed" It is under trees but the direct sun you can feel disappear when you step inside. I am not sure of the gauge of the wire but would be thinking it is 4-5mm

The Structure has been standing as is since March 2016 and is still going solid tho not used lol :o It is still cooler when you walk into it. I think the metal squares act like a large radiator and cool the air as it passes through. Mo water needed. I do have more posts than you do atm as those sheets are HEAVY!

Dave