How to fix cladding to fence?

[Tony_A]

Hi There,

Looking for some help regarding our fence line idea. we was thinking about adding this cladding (link below) to our fence line. we wasn't sure if this is something that can be tacked onto pour existing fence with a couple of extra posts attached for fixing or it needs a whole new structure built to attach to? Thanks.

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

 

[JacobZ]

Hi @Tony_A,

Thank you for your question about installing the Ekodeck Castelated Panels to your fence.

There's no need for a whole new frame, but you'll have to add some additional rails, so the panels sit in front of the posts.

Check out this easy-to-follow video from Ekodeck Australia and New Zealand's YouTube page - Ekodeck Castellated Panel Installation Video Composite Batten DIY.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

[Jewelleryrescue]

Hi @Tony_A 

There are pros and cons here for you to consider So I will outline them for your consideration.

Right now, I am looking at the same project myself re cladding.

1 It is super easy and very tempting to attach things to the fence as is in your case just screw into the top middle and bottom rails and the jobs done.

If the post is in the way of  where you want the panelling sitting further out from the rails you may want to add your own rails to the same level as the posts, so it is easier to attach the cladding to.

2.  In 20 years' time  and that fence getting old and maybe time to replace it anything attached to the fence will need to be pulled off and put back on so it's a ticking time bomb for a future double project Fence and cladding rebuild. I have been there and done that not fun.

As in option 1. you will need to add rails for an even surface to screw into so why not add posts and make a free-standing structure just Infront of the fence? Costs the posts and some cement but it will never have to come down.

If you want cheap strong posts use colour bond fencing the posts $ 15 ea  used back-to-back C or to a 50mm x 50mm end post (they are inexpensive and paintable) that is 50mm wide and will allow wooden rails or colour bond rails $15ea to slot into the C section.  Timber easier to screw too or just use  self-drilling metal screws.

I am opting for option 2  separate panel posts and rails personally. 

But feel free to use the fence I did in my early days of yard landscaping.

[abassi3]

Hi @JacobZ 

I’m looking to install similar cladding to colorbond fence, what size timber rail would you recommend to attach to fence posts to support the cladding panels? I was thinking to use 70*35mm H3 treated pine.

width of the fence where I want to add cladding is 6m.

thanks in advance.

[JacobZ]

Hi @abassi3,

70x35 H3 will work fine, but it isn't the most economical option. The dimensions change from area to area as the timber suppliers are different, but if your local store carries timbers like these 72 x 47mm 5.4m H3 Fence Rails or something else with "fence rail" in the title, it will likely be the most economical option.

If you could let me know what your local store is, I could check what options are available. Or you could give them a ring and speak with the team in the timberyard. I am sure they'd be able to let you know what timber most fencers in the area use.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob

[abassi3]

Thank you so much @JacobZ. This is very helpful and economical. What  screws should I use to fix the timber to fence posts?

[JacobZ]

Hi @abassi3,

You can use these Buildex® 14G x 100mm Class 4 Bugle Batten Screws. You'll want to use two screws at each connection between the rails and posts.

You'll want to predrill a 4mm pilot hole for each screw, and being 100mm long, you'll have to use a long series drill bit like this Kango 4mm Long Series HSS Drill Bit.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

[abassi3]

Thank you @JacobZ

[jono1983]

Hey @JacobZ 

I have about 8m worth of colour bond fencing that I want to cover with this - are you saying that I don't need to build a free standing structure infront of my fence to hold these?  My fence is about 2.2m tall so if I install these says 500mm apart against my colour bond fence to where the existing vertical fence posts are, I can then just drill these cladding sheets in there and the fence will hold it okay?

[EricL]

Hello @jono1983 

I believe Jacob was referring to the timber fencing as it uses a robust fencing post. For Colorbond fencing it will be necessary to build a separate frame for the Ekodeck 219 x 26mm 3.6m Carbon Batten Screen Castellated Panel as it will be too heavy for the Colorbond fence to hold. I propose using standard fencing posts such as 100mm x 1mm or 90mm x 90mm with regular fencing rails 72 x 47mm 5.4m Fence Rail H3 Treated Pine Premium Grade CCA.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric