How to build a privacy screen and trellis: Jack Matrix or Jack Up?

[BoeingFan]

Hi Team,

I need some advice please to install a privacy screen which will also be used as a trellis from the corner of my house out to around 3m. The primary reason here is to block the afternoon summer sun.

Looking at 3x Jack Matrix 2.4m panels side by side, or the Jack Up with timber slats in between. My block has a 7 degree slope.

If I go with the Jack Up and timber slats, could I start with the Jack Outdoor 19mm Slat 2m Rear Fix Screen Up screwed to the corner of the house and then have around 2.4m to 3m timber slats going out to an end post? Which end post would I use, is it the Jack Screen Up Anchor Plate ?

should I start from the wall, and end up with a single anchor plate and post into concrete? Can the slats be 3m long? How deep does the concrete need to be? Can the Jack Up go to 2.4m high?

Should I opt for the Jack Matrix panels, how could I install those to keep them level at the top and bottom? Should I start from the wall, or a concreted post? If I go with the concreted starting post, I assume I'd need a galvanised bracket set into the cement to brace the post; given the slope of the land are there brackets with long necks or...?

Thanks, I think I need a coffee and a lie down.

Jason

I'm leaning towards

The Oven of Death

[EricL]

Hello @BoeingFan 

I propose going with the Jack Up screen system as it will give you good cover and the panels can be used to hang plants on them. Instead of doing a straight 3-meter panel, I recommend splitting it up and adding a center post on the run so that there will be no chance of the panels sagging. I've placed a sample image below to give you an idea of how it can be done.

You'll need the Jack Screen Up Base Plate and the Jack 1970mm Screen Up Joiner Post to assemble each post. You'll need three sets of each and to anchor the base plate, you'll need to pour a concrete foundation in the ground. The best part is that it can be positioned anywhere and angled to your preference.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[BoeingFan]

Hi @EricL ,

Thanks so much, I like this idea a lot. I would go with the 10mm spacers, and yes I appreciate the reasoning for the middle post.

The only thing I'm unsure about, is the 7 degree slope that I have to deal with; my yard is not flat. How do I go about that? I can understand digging a hole at the top end and having the anchor plate level with the ground, but the middle and bottom end would need to be raised I assume?

If the frame slides into or over the anchor plate, in order to keep them all level, the lower 2 anchor plates need to be level with the top one, am I on the right page? I will have to research how to do raised concreting if that's a yes. Beginner here

Cheers,

Jason

[EricL]

Hello @BoeingFan 

Your absolutely right, you'll need to build form work in order for the concrete to rise up and level with the other posts. I've placed a sample image to give you an idea of how it's to be built. For this example, I used timber sleepers so that they can withstand direct ground contact, and you can fill it up with concrete as they won't need to be removed. Have a look at the sample image and let me know what you think.

If you need further assistance, please let me know.

Eric

[BoeingFan]

@EricL forgive me for asking this, but I have never done concreting. Does the form work sit on top of the ground, or is it recessed into the dirt? If it's recessed what holds it up whilst you fill the hole with concrete? Which sleepers would you recommend?

Lastly, what are your thoughts on having the first bracket screwed to the house, then the middle and end posts concreted in? I kind of like this idea of leaving no gap, plus giving the structure extra rigidity.

Thanks,
Jason

[EricL]

Hello @BoeingFan 

I've placed a few images below that should give you an idea of how the formwork can be put into place. The two extra vertical timber pieces are to hold it in place while the concrete cures. Once it cures the concrete will actually be holding the formwork in place. I propose looking at standard sleepers 200 x 50mm Sleeper H4 Sienna MicroPro 2.4m for the timber stakes, I suggest 70 x 35mm Outdoor Framing H3 Treated Pine - 2.4m. 

I recommend removing the timber stakes once the concrete cures as they are not made to be in contact with soil for long term. It's best to use them for other purposes. For the screws, I suggest ZENITH 14G - 8 x 100mm Class 3 Galvanised Bugle Batten Screws.

In regards to anchoring it to the house, if it suits your purposes, there should be no reason why you can't anchor one side of the cover to your house.

If you need further assistance, please let me know.

Eric

[BoeingFan]

Hi @EricL ,

Thank you thank you thank you so much. This makes it perfectly clear now what I need to do. I'm so grateful!

Cheers,

Jason

[EricL]

Hello @BoeingFan 

You're very welcome! My best advice is to double check your mounting and digging points before you begin.

If you need further assistance, please let me know.

Eric