Timber Privacy Screen

Discussion in 'Landscaping' started by The Chaser, 21st Dec, 2016.

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  1. The Chaser

    The Chaser Active Member

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    Hi all

    We are currently tackling the outside of a property we are renovating. We need to build two timber privacy screens (DIY) to complement the landscaping plans and want to use something like merbau, spotted gum or maybe jarrah. However we are after 2.4m & 2.7m lengths that are each 40mm x 40mm. Most of what I'm finding is x19mm (decking). If anyone can suggest a good timber supplier in Perth for 40x40 that would be great. Thanks.

    Angela
     
  2. bob shovel

    bob shovel Well-Known Member

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    You might need to go to treated pine or something else, and you may need to settle for 30x30 or 40x18 sizes? ?
     
  3. Scott No Mates

    Scott No Mates Well-Known Member

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    Use a native WA external grade hardwood eg. karri or jarrah. Is it in contact with the ground or on post supports?

    Check the timber supplier (not Bunnies) for your best alternative.
     
  4. bob shovel

    bob shovel Well-Known Member

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    Use a native WA external grade hardwood eg.... brick! :D
     
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  5. Joynz

    Joynz Well-Known Member

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    I wouldn't use treated pine; it twists and can look terrible after a while.
     
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  6. chindonly

    chindonly Well-Known Member

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    Can't you just join shorter pieces at a post?
     
  7. Scott No Mates

    Scott No Mates Well-Known Member

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  8. The Chaser

    The Chaser Active Member

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    Thanks for the replies. Timber will be on metal post supports. The length isn't an issue, but finding 40x40mm (or close to) has been. Unfortunately 19mm is too shallow to screen what's behind adequately.

    Thanks for the link Scott, although I think we will need to find a local Perth supplier as delivery costs may make the project unviable. I have sourced some recycled jarrah in 40x40mm, but it is quite gnarly so still keen to find a new product as rest of reno is quite a modern style versus rustic.
     
  9. bob shovel

    bob shovel Well-Known Member

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    what about aluminium? ullrich might be worth a call
     
  10. Scott No Mates

    Scott No Mates Well-Known Member

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    @The Chaser - Try yellow pages for timber merchants in perth - you never know they may actually mill timber or have something to the required size. I just googled the timber size. If all else fails, 100 x 50 milled will yield 2 x 40 x 40 mm lengths of timber.
     
  11. Joynz

    Joynz Well-Known Member

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    I'm a bit confused.

    Surely, the screening factor is due to how closely the timber is fixed, not the depth of the timber?

    For example, 90mm x 19mm hardwood fixed with 10 mm gaps between each board will screen just as well as 40mm x 40mm with 10mm gaps between each board.
     
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  12. DoubleD

    DoubleD Well-Known Member

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    I Built this windbreak at mine with 84x19 Jarrah pencil round from Ross Auction. The Gaps are 20mm.
    Looks great but the oiling maintenance is a pain in the rear.
    IMG_1884.jpg
     
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  13. The Chaser

    The Chaser Active Member

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    Thanks for the further replies. The areas that we are screening need some airflow, so unfortunately we can't have anything solid. We were advised by a landscape designer to aim for 40mm x 40mm with 20mm gaps. The 40mm depth will help privacy when you are looking at the screen from an angle, as you won't see through it as much as you would for example with the shallower 19mm. The location of the screens are such that they will be mainly seen from an angle so the extra (double) depth will aid the privacy factor but retain airflow with the 20mm gaps.

    DoubleD - you're screen looks great and I really like the Jarrah.

    Scott - thanks for the tip re timber merchants. As a result I now have one option for 38mm x 30mm in square dressed Jarrah. Not quite the 40x40 but could be a good compromise.

    The screens are being designed to complement a modern contemporary finish. We are aiming for something like this type of screen (ours will be 4.5m and 5.5m wide) and off the ground on painted black metal posts:

    Timber privacy screen.jpg
     
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  14. Westminster

    Westminster Tigress at Tiger Developments Business Member

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    Give Colli Timber a call and see if they have the size you want - they seem to stock everything that I know

    Timber