Let’s get started!

Begin by screening one end of your carport with slats. Plan to use the same timber as the front fence (see page 155) and house number plaque (opposite) for cohesion. Measure everything then head to the timber supplier. Hello, weekend project!

SCREEN YOUR CARPORT Gather your supplies 90 x 19mm finger-jointed Merbau decking, lengths to suit 69 x 15mm finger-jointed Merbau slats/screening, lengths to suit 90 x 32mm dressed Merbau, lengths to suit

You’ll also need Drill and bits; countersink bit; exterior metal screws; exterior wood screws; saw; spirit level; clamp; Intergrain Reviva Timber Cleaner; stiff bristle brush; drop sheet; Intergrain Ultraclear Exterior; paintbrush Note

When using power tools, wear all safety gear required. For more info, refer to your equipment pack instructions.

Here’s how STEP 1 Clad inner side of each carport post with a length of 90 x 19mm decking. To do this, measure, mark then cut using saw. Mark and cut any notches required to allow for existing supports or hardware that interfere with flat surface of posts. STEP 2 Working on first post, place decking on inner face of post. Predrill a series of pairs of holes, evenly spaced between top and bottom of post. Drill through decking but only touch post at each spot, leaving small marks on post. STEP 3 Remove decking then use metal bit to predrill small pilot holes at marked locations on post. STEP 4 Reposition decking on post. Countersink holes in decking then drive metal screws through decking into post.

STEP 5 Repeat Steps 2–4 to secure decking to other carport post.

STEP 6 Position first horizontal 69 x 15mm slat at bottom of area to be screened. Centre slat to posts, allowing it to extend beyond posts at each end. Make level then position chocks under ends of slat to hold in position.

STEP 7 Predrill, countersink and, using 2 wood screws, attach slat to narrow edge of decking on posts at each end.

STEP 8 Using width of offcuts as a spacer between slats, attach remaining slats as done in Step 7.

STEP 9 To make vertical support at back of screen, measure and mark centre of screen. Measure and cut length of 90 x 32mm dressed Merbau to suit, then clamp vertically in this centred position. Make support flush with top edge of top slat and rest on ground. Make plumb using spirit level.

STEP 10 From front of screen, predrill, countersink and drive a single wood screw through each slat into vertical support.

STEP 11 Wash all timber with Reviva using stiff bristle brush. Let dry thoroughly. Lay a drop sheet to catch spills, then apply 3–4 coats of Ultraclear using paintbrush, allowing to dry after each coat.

FOR PROJECT SUPPLIES, SEE STOCKISTS PAGE