Corrugated metal creates a simple privacy screen for residential properties.
In many neighborhoods, houses are built very close together or close to the street -- which can make privacy a concern when a resident is trying to enjoy summertime outdoor activities such as swimming, sunbathing, entertaining or simply relaxing. In such instances, it may be necessary to construct privacy screens for parts of a yard to keep prying eyes away from your family's activities. Corrugated metal is an inexpensive material that you can use as a simple and stylish privacy screen for whatever area of your property requires some seclusion. Corrugated metal will last for years with a minimum of maintenance.
Instructions
1. Measure the area to determine how many 4-by-8-foot corrugated panels you'll need to cover the area.
2. Determine post placement to hold the corrugated panels. The posts will be positioned 4 feet apart to hold the panels.
3. Dig the post holes to a depth recommended by local fence companies. This depth generally depends on the area in which you live -- colder areas require deeper holes -- and will determine how long the posts need to be cut.
4. Fill in the hole with 6 inches of gravel.
5. Set the posts into the concrete and brace them with lumber and rope.
6. Fill the hole with the premixed, fast-setting concrete. Allow the concrete to cure for at least four hours.
7. Cut the 2-by-4-inch lumber for the frame of the panels. Cut 2 pieces to fit along the sides of the panels and 2 pieces to fit along the top and bottom edges of the panels. Use the router to cut a groove in each of the 2-by-4-inch pieces to hold the corrugated panels. The size of the groove will be determined by the gauge of the corrugated material.
8. Stain the wooden frames to a desired color. Allow the stain to dry thoroughly.
9. Apply a polyurethane clear coat to protect the wood surface and allow the wood to dry.
10. Paint the panels with galvanized paint to protect the surface. Allow the paint to dry completely before handling the panels.
11. Attach the frame to the panels using galvanized screws.
Tips Warnings
In areas with heavy frost, dig post holes deep enough that 1/3 of the post is below ground. For an 8-foot-high fence, you'll use 12-foot posts.
Enlist the help of an assistant when installing the framed panels onto the posts. The panels are heavy and can be awkward to position.
Purchase corrugated metal at home improvement supply stores and roofing supply outlets. These panels may have to be cut to the right size for use as privacy screening. Metalworking shops with sheet metal cutting equipment can cut larger sheets to size for a fee.
Wear heavy gloves when handling corrugated sheets of metal that can cause cuts to the skin.
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