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I'm wanting to extend this colorbond fence and then clad the entire fence with a cement sheeting or something similar in order to grow boston ivy. Can I build a frame directly onto the colorbond or will it cause the fence to be too heavy?
There will also be a raised garden bed in front of it eventually so will need to be able to hold in the weight of the soil.
Hi @bella14
I think i get your plans boston ivy likes to cling on to buildings so your thinking re sheeting?
I ironically have the same color fence growing vines over it now can I suggest all you really need is a roll of metal wire (like the pvc coated black version ) The wire labeled garden wire is cheaper a than many other wire types.
Wire can be screwed on with metal screws I am sure boston ivy can climb wire too an it will still everntually glue to the colour bond I am sure.
But to answer your question yes you can easy screw metal screws with self drilling points to the top rail and or bottom rail and posts and it will be prefectly strong to hold cement sheets (ideal put a support under the cement sheets to hold wieght as a back up if they not already sitting on the ground,) If you put dirt against the fence stick some plastic on fence first to slow rust issues in years to come.
Hope this helps.
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @bella14. It's marvelous to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about extending and cladding a Colorbond fence.
Fence manufacturers typically do not allow the installation of cladding onto their fences, and it would be best to contact the manufacturer for further information. Any additional weight would not have been taken into consideration when installing the fence. However, our members have had success in doing just that. Check out these amazing projects from @ProjectPete: Feature fences and Poolside fence makeover. Also, here's a helpful step-by-step guide on How to add an extension to a Colorbond fence.
I wouldn't recommend you use the fence as the back wall of your raised garden bed, as once again, the fence foundation and fence are not designed for that use. Instead, I recommend you create a standalone raised garden bed right in front of the fence. Here's a helpful guide: How to build a raised garden bed for privacy.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Mitchell
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