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Give your old fence a quick makeover

By Bunnings magazine /

Fencing redone with privacy screening in backyard 

Overview

Is your outdoor fence in your backyard looking a bit worse for wear and in need of some home improvement? Natasha Dickins shows you how to establish your boundaries with a seamless PVC screening to fix an outdated gappy fence or a bit of old wall.

With this budget friendly and simple D.I.Y. project, it’s easy to update your property’s outdoor area. So get set to make your plants pop against this backdrop with a speedy backyard transformation makeover. Not only is it kind to your wallet, but it’s also ideal if you’re renting – just get permission to staple the PVC onto the fence before you begin. Then pick up a roll of PVC and get to work with this step-by-step how-to guide.

Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (gardening gloves, safety glasses, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

Steps

1Set a stringline along the garden fence

Measure 1800mm up from the highest ground point to run a stringline above the fence, using a line level to check it’s straight. Clear along the line with secateurs to ensure the screen is unimpeded by foliage.
Green Bunnings hammer
Tip: The screens are 1800mm high and 3000mm long, so set out the area in 3m increments
Hand snipping tree branch over a stringline with secateurs

2Cut and paint timber

Measure the spans between the posts to determine support rail lengths. Check the joins are centred over posts, then use a mitre saw to cut H3 treated pine to fit. Apply two coats of exterior paint using a mini roller, leaving to dry after each coat. Position support rails against posts on clamps about 600mm down from the stringline and up from the ground.
Line level sitting on top of an unpainted wooden fence

3Pre-drill and secure joints

Position an unrolled screen against the first post to check the rows of cord run along the centre of the support rails, adjusting the clamps and the rails as needed. Use a countersinking bit to predrill through the rails into the posts, securing each joint with two 40mm galvanised screws.
Ryobi power tool drilling into wooden panel that is attached to an outdoor fence

4Unroll the fence screening

Set out a temporary base using a timber offcut at least 2400mm long, adding spacers to ensure it’s straight, checking with a level. Clamp the open end of the screen onto the support rails, then unroll it along the base to about halfway, clamping the roll lightly at the top to prevent it from falling
Black screen held by clamps on top of old wooden fence

5Staple the screening

Secure cords with a crown stapler, holding it sideways to staple vertically. Begin inside first strip and work in sections along top and base support rails, stapling every six strips, and inside the last one. Move the temporary base to span remaining section of screening, checking with a level; unroll and clamp to continue stapling. Repeat to install next screen.
Close up image of Black cords on fence being secured by a crown stapler

6Thread the capping

Two lengths of capping and a small filler piece are supplied with each screen. Thread the capping by enlisting a second pair of hands to push it from the end of the screen while you pull it along the strips, checking that it doesn’t slip upwards. Thread the remaining capping from the opposite end, adding the filler piece to span screen joins.
Hand holding the cords of a black fence in an outdoor background

7

Keep in mind…

  • Wear eye protection when using a stapler, as well as ear protection and a mask when drilling treated pine.
  • Use H3 treated pine for aboveground outdoor applications to resist moisture and termite damage. Use exterior paint to seal the cuts, and install with galvanised fasteners to resist rust.

•Timbers vary by state and territory; contact your local store for further information.

Explore other makeover options for your back or front yard,

Learn how to install posts for a picket fence.

Some products are not available at all Bunning stores, but may be ordered.

 

Photo Credit: Natasha Dickins

Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.