EASY STEPS TO BUILD A SLATTED PRIVACY SCREEN

Elevate your exterior with an eye-pleasing vertical planter adding colour and privacy.

For you to note

• This screen is attached to the deck handrail using cable ties. If you can’t attach your screen to an existing structure, make it a freestanding unit by doubling the length of the foot braces and attaching them so they extend equally both in front and behind screen.

• For the planter boxes, the trim pieces are cut a little wider than the front and side panels, then the ends are mitred. Measure box sides exactly and cut the end of each trim piece on a 45° angle using a mitre saw.

Here’s how

STEP 1 Cut components to size with a circular saw. Sand all cut edges and apply 2 coats stain and varnish to all components using paintbrush and roller, leaving to dry after each coat. Arrange 3 posts (A) on the ground so outer edges of end posts are 1600mm apart and middle post is centred at 800mm.

STEP 2 Secure the slats (B and C) to posts, following this overall pattern: wide slat, 5mm space, wide slat, 20mm space, narrow slat, 20mm space. Place the first slat (B) perpendicular to

posts 92mm from the base and flush with the edges. Check slat for square and level. Countersink two 70mm screws through the slat into each post. Repeat to attach remaining slats, using spacers.

STEP 3 Countersink three 70mm screws to secure each brace (F) to the base of each post so they are flush, perpendicular and extend from the front of the screen.

STEP 4 Make angled cuts on awning beams (D) by measuring 45mm down from long side of beam and 140mm in from side. Draw a line in pencil to connect the 2 points, then cut using a jigsaw. Countersink three 70mm screws evenly spaced to secure awning beams, from square end, to either side of each post at the top so they’re perpendicular, square and flush with ends.

STEP 5 Countersink and use 70mm screws to secure the awning slats (E) to the awning beams, spaced 25mm apart, checking for square and level as you go. STEP 6 To construct a large planter box, glue and clamp side panels (H) between front and back panels (G). Countersink and screw two 50mm screws evenly spaced apart through butt joints. Let glue dry. Line up 4 base slats (I) so they are evenly spaced and flush with bottom edge of planter box. Glue and screw in place using 50mm screws. Let glue dry. Attach 2 front trim (J) pieces and 4 side trim (K) pieces using glue and 30mm nails so they are flush with the top and bottom edges of box. Repeat to make 2 more large planter boxes.

STEP 7 To construct a small planter box, use front

and back panels (L), 2 side panels (H), 3 base slats (I), 2 front trim pieces (M) and 4 side trim pieces (K). Assemble like the large boxes in Step 6. Repeat to make another small planter box.

STEP 8 Use stain and varnish to touch up any exposed screws or nails. Decide the placement of the planter boxes, keeping in mind plant height. Secure planter boxes through back panel into posts with 70mm screws where possible. Use 30mm screws when securing to slats.

STEP 9 Stand slatted screen in front of deck handrail and use cable ties around posts to secure to balusters.

STEP 10 Part-fill planter troughs with potting mix, position plants and backfill with more mix, patting it down firmly. Water in. Position troughs in timber planter boxes.

slatted SCREEN PLANTER BOX

for PROJECT SUPPLIES, see OUR stockists page

YOU CAN CHOOSE PLASTIC TROUGHS IN DIFFERENT SIZES FOR THIS PROJECT BUT YOU WILL HAVE TO CUSTOMISE THE DIMENSIONS OF YOUR BUILT-IN PLANTER BOXES TO SUIT.