Feature wall fence with Matrix screen panels

[diy_hausdesigns]

Matrix screen panels and Merbau decking were used to create this fantastic screening for a previously tired-looking fence.

• The project
• Before and after
• More backyard projects

The project

This was the last of our fences that needed some attention. I decided to keep it in theme with the rest of the yard and used Merbau decking over vertical timber posts (100mm x 100mm x 2.2m) with decorative Matrix screen panels.  

Before and after

More backyard projects

By placing Arlec 5W Integrated Solar Powered Sensor LED Floodlights onto a small platform attached to the screening panel, Rufaro created ambience in his outdoor entertaining area with no ongoing cost.

Find more inspiration from Rufaro's outdoor renovation, including this tiered deck, in his Backyard makeover project.

Get more inspiration for your backyard from our Top 10 most popular screening projects and Top 10 most popular fence projects.  

[Monika1]

Waooo, loved it!

[Effie09]

Hi there

Thanku loved your idea and just finished my screen only found the colour off the Merbau decking panels ran when they got wet ? (photo below)  Do you have to finish them off with a sealer to stop them from running? I was quite surprised cause I thought they are already treated for decking.

 

[MitchellMc]

Hi @Effie09,

Merbau is an extremely tannin-rich timber, and it requires several weeks' worth of weathering before all these red tannins have leeched out completely. You could use something like Cabot's 2L New Timber Prep to accelerate the process, but as the boards are now in situ, that might be a little difficult. Weathering of the timber is required on all Merbau decks before coating with an appropriate oil. 

Are you able to get to the back of the screening or just the front? Scrubbing down the front with the newt timber prep will eliminate some of the tannin bleed, but I'd presume you'll still experience some from the rear.

@diy_hausdesigns might have some additional advice for you in regards to their project and what they experienced.

Mitchell

[Effie09]

Thanks @MitchellMc 

I cannot get to the back of them now so I will have to let them weather and then will have to paint the ground as it’s now stained. What is the scrub I can use?

[EricL]

Hi @Effie09

Sorry to hear you got a bit of timber staining on the floor. I suggest using Oates Compact Deck Scrub Brush along with a Pressure Washer. If the stain is very stubborn, I suggest using Intergrain 1L UltraPrep Tannin And Oil Remover. Please make sure to keep the plants away, when using this cleaner.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Noyade]

Hi @diy_hausdesigns. 

Looks great - especially when you see how the area first looked! 👍

Looking closely at your work - in the end, you decided against those pieces against the brick wall?

[diy_hausdesigns]

Hi @Noyade 

Good pick up. I pondered a bit about that section but Yes, I ended up removing them. Aesthetically, it wasn't doing much for the rest of the screening and it looked slightly unfinished. Less is more they say !

Regards 

[Joolz007]

Great idea!

[Effie09]

Hi now it’s been a while since I built this and I think the weathering should be finished so now will I paint it with some kind of oil? I’m thinking of tiling the ground now so don’t want it to run again 

[Jason]

Hi @Effie09,

Let me tag @EricL for you who I'm sure will be more than happy to suggest a suitable product when he is back on the site tomorrow.

Thanks for your patience in the meantime. 

Jason

[EricL]

Hello @Effie09

Choosing tiles is like choosing paint, it's important to see what it looks like when you put it inside your home. I suggest buying a few sample tiles to take home and placing them beside your Merbau feature wall. Have a good look at them for a few days and see which one is your favourite. Once you've chosen your tile, I suggest measuring the area you are covering so that you'll know how many boxes you'll be needing. 

Please keep in mind to make sure that the tile you're using is rated for outdoor use. Be sure to put in a fall so that water does not pool in the middle of your tiled floor. My number one tip for your tiling project is to seal the grout once it is totally cured. This will protect the grout from fading and prevent dirt from settling in.   

I suggest using Davco 20kg Grey Ceramacrete Tile Adhesive if you have a pre-existing concrete floor. 

Here is a handy step-by-step guide: How to tile an outdoor area by @Adam_W

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric