Can Matrix screens be attached to each other?

[catproofer6]

Hi there, 

I'm about to use the Jack Matrix 1800 x 900 screens to extend my fence line and prevent my cats from jumping into the neighbour's yard. I bought a few 2.5m tall posts and plan to install them on my 3m long decking, so the screens will not be directly attached to the wooden fence (it's old and I'm not sure how much weight it can support). I plan on installing the screens on the posts, starting from 450mm up from the deck.

Instead of having such large 2.5m posts every 900mm or so across the deck, is there any other way to connect the screens to each other directly- perhaps through brackets? Or maybe some Metal Mate Square Tubes with end caps (still a pole, but half the size and therefore less of a bold black line)? I'm pretty new to this kind of stuff, and very keen to learn. Thanks!

[JacobZ]

Hi @catproofer6,

A warm welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.

Is it possible to get some photos of where you are planning to install your matrix screens? Let me know if you need a hand uploading images, I'm happy to help if required.

Can you also advise how high off the ground the deck is?

I'm not sure I completely follow, as the Jack Matrix 1800x900 screens are designed to be installed with these Jack Matrix 1.9m Screen Support Posts. 

Is the plan to run them horizontally around 450mm off the deck?

If so, then I don't believe they will be strong enough to span that distance and then be connected to another panel.

Some further details will help me understand and offer my best advice.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob

[catproofer6]

Hey Jacob, thanks for the reply. I am looking to use the panels along this fence. I bought the 2.5m tall Matrix screen support posts so I can mount the 1800mm screens vertically, 450mm up from ground/deck level.

 

[EricL]

Hello @catproofer6 

Thanks for sharing your question about the Matrix screens. The matrix screens have a steel frame support that prevents the panel from bending and warping. However, they are not strong enough to support each other without a post. Depending on the width of your deck it might be possible to install a horizontal steel rail, but even that has limits because if too much weight is applied to the horizontal rail it will start to bow. 

I still suggest using the 2.5meter posts for each screen so that it is strong enough to withstand inclement weather.

Here is a handy step-by-step guide: Post and Screen Kit installation.

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Dave-1]

Afternoon @catproofer6 

Is their a reason you want to skip a post and join the screens together? I have considered screwing them to horizontal timber posts to span a larger distance but with your question about the black not being seen behind them I am thinking of the posts that @JacobZ has mentioned. I had seen these but never put two and two together and realised they are the screen supports. I think the posts will give the best support and look plus no behind horizontal supports for the cats to potententialy use

btw thats going to be a very tall screen, Id factor in even moderate wind gusts as I think you could loose the fence resonably easy without extra supports.

Dave

[Nailbag]

Hi @catproofer6 

There is already some great advice to soak up by @JacobZ @EricL @Dave-1  for this project. The other one is fixing the support post to the deck. The feature panels already are reasonably heavy. Then factor in any stress from the exposed sections above the fence line for wind. 

it will be very important that the posts are positioned so they are fixed not just to the deck boards, but through to the joist underneath. Due to a mis-match of spacings and post fixing holes, you will need to remove some deck boards and double up the joists which I can explain further should you decide to go down this path. 

regards Nailbag. 

[catproofer6]

Thank you! Yes, I started thinking more about the wind and how that might possibly be an issue, I do get gusts through occasionally that are quite strong. Thanks also for the guide. 

[catproofer6]

The main reason to skip a post was to avoid drilling more holes into my deck. Also, I was thinking it might be a bit of an aesthetic eyesore as the posts are fairly big black vertical lines. I think I'll just have to cope with it and do posts every 900mm, given the wind can blast through there pretty intensely at times. Thanks!

[catproofer6]

Thanks very much! I realised this the other day when I was measuring everything out- I will definitely need to double up joists/add extra reinforcement below the deck. I removed one plank so far to have a look, and was debating hiring an actual handyperson to help out as it might be slightly out of my pay grade!

[catproofer6]

Hey all, 

In an interesting twist of events I just found this photo from when the house was first built. It appears there's concrete under where the deck now sits, so I might just be able to pull the deck up, fix the posts to the concrete, and cut holes for the posts in the wood decking!