How to mount Ekodeck Castellated panel as fence?

Question

I am looking at using the Ekodeck Castellated panel as a fence line in my yard.

https://www.bunnings.com.au/ekodeck-219-x-26mm-3-6m-carbon-batten-screen-castellated-panel_p0488949

All of the installation examples show it mounted against an existing fence, however I need to build the supports for it as it's going across the yard.

I can use metal posts as the posts, but unsure what to use as the battens, so that they are both strong enough and will also last in the elements.

Timber is likely to warp and degrade, and metal top hats which are recommended for wall mounting don't appear to last well when exposed directly to the elements.

Does anyone know what the best system would be for the battens?

Nailbag · Answer

Hi @bsdll

You can definitely use those treated pine posts @EricL linked. Personally I would use Cypress as it a longer lasting timber that holds up better longevity wise. It's what I always use for any feature fences I build. But comes at a more expensive price.

Nailbag

Dave-1 · Answer

Good Morning @bsdll

I was thinking of Fence posts with the timber stringers pretty much along @EricL's lines. I would oil the timber before the panneling goes up to prolong its life. I just prefer oiling timber rather then painting it. Mainly because paint may peel down the track but oil soaks in.

Depending on the weight of the ecodeck, you might need to have closer posts and shorter stringers so it dosnt sag.

Dave

EricL · Answer

Hello @bsdll

Thank you for sharing your question about building an Ekodeck Castellated panel fence. I suggest having a look at this discussion - How to install Ekodeck castellated panels onto retaining wall? by @Neil1984. My original suggestion was to use standard fencing posts, but they have decided to use steel posts. However, they did go for the 75 x 38mm 4.8m Fence Rail H3 Treated Pine Wet Sawn. This is treated timber that is rated for outdoor use and has good dimensional stability. If anchored properly to the Ekodeck 219 x 26mm 3.6m Carbon Batten Screen Castellated Panel, it will retain its shape for a long time.

Because the rail is designed to hold fence palings it will hold its shape for a long time even if using Ekodeck panels. If you wish to provide extra protection to the rail, I suggest painting the railings to provide an extra layer of defence against the elements. You'll see in the discussion I mentioned the framing they used to hold the Ekodeck panels. Since they are installed close to each other, they also provide an element of rigidity to the frame.

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

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric