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Air conditioning units are a common eyesore on apartment balconies. This custom build utilises Merbau timber.
The project
When I first inspected this apartment, one of the first things that stuck out to me was the gigantic eyesore of an aircon unit visible through the largest window of the living room.
We marked the size of the air conditioner unit, dictating the width of the tabletop and placement of the legs.
To hide the aircon even further, I decided to paint it a dull grey.
We then stained and finished the timber and installed it over the air conditioner unit.
Advice from the Bunnings team
Air conditioning condensers typically will have specifications on how close objects like screening can be placed.
The first thing to do is look up your model's installation instructions and determine the setback required for anything that might block airflow. Installing Merbau screening panels to block the view of your unit could be a more feasible option than a cover.
Once you've established the minimum distance requirements of the screening, you can begin sketching out how you'll build the cover.
We have created a rendering below how you could build a similar screening cover. 90 x 45mm treated Pine can be used for the framing uprights, treated Pine pailings for the skirting boards and Merbau screening for the slats. Climacoat screws can be used to join the skirting boards and slats to the frame timbers.
At a minimum, you'll need a handsaw or, preferably, a circular saw and a drill driver.
Please make sure to wear appropriate PPE whilst constructing the project, like safety glasses and follow the manufacturer's directions on tool use.
Also please note that this project in its original form utilised the cover as a barbecue stand. We have removed references to using it as a barbecue stand due to safety concerns. Most split systems today use refrigerant R32. Although this gas is classified as "mildly flammable", placing a source of ignition close to the unit could have unintended consequences and pose a risk.
More screening ideas
Community member homeinmelbourne built this air conditioning condenser screen to cover an unsightly new unit.
A pair of rubbish bins were hidden with this bin storage solution by community member ponting72.
Hot water systems can be an eyesore, so Pete built a wooden screen to create a trail for a climbing Ficus.
Check out our Top 10 most popular screening projects for more ideas for your home.
