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What tools and hardware would I need for this project?

MoodyBlues

MoodyBlues

Compassion is cool!
VIP Member
Any handy-dandy types around here? :)

I just bought four sets of these framed lattice panels, for a total of eight panels; they're 45.75" x 12". With each set of four panels, I want to attach them so they stand upright, forming a column-type enclosure. They're going to go over existing posts that used to be attached to chain link fence; they'll obscure the posts and look pretty. :D

Let's pretend that a non-handy-dandy type wanted to attempt this project herself. What tools and hardware would be needed? I'm guessing that L-braces/corner braces would be involved, plus a power drill. But I don't really know.
 
I assume these will weigh roughly 2-3 pounds for each panel, so a column of four pieces will weigh 8-12# and you will be able to pre assemble them and slide them over top of the existing poles.

Easiest would be to simply put a square on them and use decking screws to attach the frames to each other provided you are comfortable using an electric drill or screwgun.

Another option would be to use zip ties to hold them together.

That's the five minutes or less versions I can think of.
 
Thanks for the input, Unforgiven. I want it to be done right, like really SOLIDLY put together so they'll hold up for a long time. So I think we can rule out the zip tie idea, right?

I'm really tired of hiring people to do stuff like this for me, and my family won't be back until July. I want it done before then, so I thought I'd take the plunge and try it myself. :) But I don't want it to be flimsy or crappy, you know? :eek: I don't currently have a power drill, but I'm comfortable using them and will buy a new one. My main concern is what I've just reiterated, that it needs to be done right so they won't end up falling apart or getting loose after a while. I know a handyman could knock this out--and do it right--in an hour or so, but I want to at least consider giving it a try!
 
Thanks, 03bluecoupe. I ordered them online and they're being delivered to my house, but I can certainly go to Home Depot in person if need be. I figured if I could do everything online--my STRONGLY preferred method!--that'd be good. :D
 
I much prefer online myself but some things are just better, and worth the trip to a local store where you can actually talk to someone, see things close up and in person. Good luck to ya there are a bunch of things you could do, angle brackets would probably be the easiest. GL
 
03bluecoupe said:
I put up a picture of a framing bracket, albeit too large of one, because Moody was stressing strength.
Click to expand...

...and according to Home Depot's site it can't be shipped to Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, Puerto Rico, or the Virgin Islands.:rofl:
 
smilielol.gif


That's hysterical.
 
You know what? I think I've talked myself out of it already.

When I was sitting outside today gazing at where these will go, I realized they're going to have to be anchored somehow, either to the ground or to the poles they're going to surround. I think I'll want them placed so they're equidistant on all sides from the poles in the middle, and then anchored in place. I have no clue how to do any of this, but if it's not done, they'll end up moving around and not looking symmetrical.

Ah, shoot...I don't know. Keep ideas coming if you'd like, but I'd say we're at about...70-30 right now that I'll end up hiring someone to do it.
 
Unforgiven said:
...and according to Home Depot's site it can't be shipped to Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, Puerto Rico, or the Virgin Islands.:rofl:
Click to expand...
Want to hear something else? I had originally added some paint to my cart--you know, exterior paint, so I could paint the panels--and guess what happened when I went to check out? Can't be shipped to California! (If I had been paying attention on the product's page, I would've noticed that sooner.) I went back and looked and found *NONE*--nothing, not stain, not paint, not anything of that nature--that can be shipped to CA. But if I go to a Home Depot store...they have paint. :confused:
 
I am assuming that these are 1 1/2" or so diameter poles for hurricane fencing?

Were you up to the task, I'd use 1 1/2" thick boards, cut in a square to mount the panels to, top and bottom. A hole cut in the center of each would allow you to slide the assembled column over the pole, and a couple simple wooden stakes driven in the ground could prevent the boxes from rotating.

To do this, you would have to have a saw (perhaps a circular saw), or get the lumber yard to pre-cut your boards for you, a power drill, a hole-saw with a diameter larger than the diameter of the poles in question, and fasteners-- outdoor fencing screws or somesuch.
 
They're round, metal poles for chain link fencing. The yard used to be divided, separated by a chain link fence with a gate in the middle. There are/were fruit trees in the back, and they were in the fenced in area. Some years ago my brother removed the chain link fencing...but not the posts. :confused: My mom was okay with that, but I'm not. I want those poles covered up! The only ones that are visible are the two where the gate used to be.
 
Umm, not to sound like a jerk or anything, but why not just dig the poles out? They are probably set in cement, it'll take some digging but then they'd be gone.

ninja'd!!
 
He could always dig down a foot or so and cut 'em off too but now you're talking a sawzall or something. And that's probably not a good move for someone who's "tool challenged" lol
 
MoodyBlues said:
What tools and hardware would be needed?
Click to expand...

Duct tape. Almost every DIY job known to man can be accomplished with enough of the magical stuff. The few that can't require the addition of a large hammer and a few 6" nails... plus the aforementioned duct tape.

If it requires more resources than a hammer, 6" nails and duct tape, it's a "specialist job". :D
 
03bluecoupe said:
You'd probably be further ahead just digging the posts out.
Click to expand...

Clementine_3 said:
Umm, not to sound like a jerk or anything, but why not just dig the poles out? They are probably set in cement, it'll take some digging but then they'd be gone.
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No. A resounding no! :) The work involved in removing them would be much greater than the project I'm planning--and I've already ordered the materials.

Plus, I already have [in my head] a picture of how it's going to look when EVERYTHING is done, which includes a new seating area. I've ordered a big, substantial, rustic-looking wooden bench that will go in front of where the gate was [where the two posts are now]. So when the lattice enclosures are built, and slipped over the posts, they'll be slightly behind and to the sides of the bench. All of this is under a huge lemon tree for shade. It'll all be facing the house, looking toward the open end of a very large U-shaped flower bed. :D

I'll post before and after pics.
 
Slug said:
Duct tape. Almost every DIY job known to man can be accomplished with enough of the magical stuff. The few that can't require the addition of a large hammer and a few 6" nails... plus the aforementioned duct tape.

If it requires more resources than a hammer, 6" nails and duct tape, it's a "specialist job". :D
Click to expand...
Slug, Slug, Slug... If I didn't GIVE A CRAP how awful it looked, duct tape would totally fit the bill! And I could do it myself! :laugh:
 
MoodyBlues said:
If I didn't GIVE A CRAP how awful it looked, duct tape would totally fit the bill!
Click to expand...

You can find duct tape in all variety of attractive colours these days, so it needn't look rubbish. You could use earthy browns and greens to blend in with the surroundings, bright primaries to make a statement, or weave lots of different ones into intricate plaid designs. Who knows, you might just start a trend! :D

Or just do what I would, and slap enough weatherproof paint on to hide my bodging. ;)
 
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