Instructions / Assembly
5. Construct  
Your Frame
Read entire section before 
starting your frame build.
FOR ALL FRAME TYPES 
Build your frame laying on a 
at surface so you can check 
dimensions, square alignment, 
and mark panel joint  
spacing. This allows you to 
easily raise/lower, reposition, 
and level your frame when 
attaching to fence or wall.
SURFACE-MOUNT FRAME 
1.   
2.  Multiple-Panels: Construct frame with outer studs’  
 
 
 
3.  Single-Panel: 
4.  With a helper, lift your frame into place on a fence,  
 
is level, then attach.
A free-standing installation requires a strong structural frame.
1.   
+ additional  
2.  Multiple-Panels: 
 
 
front of outer studs. Draw center lines on  
 
3.  Single-Panel: 
4.   
FREE-STANDING FRAME – Set in Concrete
IMPORTANT FOR  
FREE-STANDING 
FRAMES
Post height, weight, and  
footing requirements vary,  
so measure and consider load 
weight carefully. 
Find panel weights, sizes, 
and other details on our 
website’s Patterns page: 
design-vu.com/patterns
Check for underground services 
and features before digging.
Fig. 15
Single-Panel Frame
2" x 4" Posts & Rails
Single-Panel Frame
4" x 4" Posts &  
2" x 4" Rails
Multiple-Panel Frame
4" x 4" Posts &  
2" x 4" Rails
Fig. 16
Center  
lines with 
3⁄₁₆" gaps
Middle rails:  
4" side front- 
facing, ush 
front
6. Prepare 
Panels
Read through this entire section 
before cutting and drilling panels.
MEASURE & FIT PANELS
PRE-DRILL PANELS
Cut to t
Fig. 18
 •
holes ¼" larger than screw thread ∅ to allow for  
 •
If using Outdeco Panel Screws, drill a hole at least ⁷⁄₁₆"∅ 
 •
Position center of drill holes ¾" from panel edges 
 •
Space holes every 12" to 18" on all four sides of each panel 
Center of Drill Hole 
¾" from Edge
Pattern Border
¾"
¾"
Fig. 21
1¾"
Drill 
Hole 
¾" ∅
Screw Thread
≥ ¹⁄₈" ∅
≥ ⁷⁄₁₆" ∅
Fig. 20
DESIGN-VU 
Screw Head  
or Washer
Fig. 22
12"–18"
12"–18"
Screw Spacing
³⁄₁₆" Gap
³⁄₁₆"
Expansion Gap Between Panels
Face-Mount Style
Face-Mount Style
Multiple-Panel Frame
2" x 4" Posts & Rails
Fig. 14
Inner studs:  
4" side  
front- facing, 
ush w/ front
Outer studs:  
2" side   
front-facing
Mark center  
lines where 
panels meet 
w/ ³⁄₁₆" gaps
Fig. 17
Fig. 19
Drill Hole ¼" 
Larger than  
Screw Thread ∅
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