DESIGN-VU 36X72 Inch Panels Outdoor Panels Instruction Manual
- October 30, 2023
- DESIGN-VU
Table of Contents
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
DESIGN-VU Outdoor Panels
36″ x 72″
Panels
Please read entire instruction sheet before you begin.
Follow these instructions and recommendations to install panels within
warranty, and to avoid panel damage.
Easy to Install
Panel measurements: 36″ x 72″ x ⁵⁄₁₆″
A typical project uses 12-24 panels.
Find panel weights, sizes, and other details on our website.
Click on your pattern name. design-vu.com/patterns
Examples shown in this document are installation suggestions. Adjust
installation configurations to meet your project requirements. If in doubt,
consult a professional.
DESIGN-VU Decorative Modular Panels are suitable for pro builders and DIY crafters.
Easy-to-Install
Manageable sizes; easy to cut and drill; easy to install with conventional
tools and construction methods.| East-to-Attach
Attach to frames and flat surfaces with DESIGN-VU Panel Screws or exterior
decking screws w/ washers.
Sustainable
Solid 100% poly*; from 100% recycled materials & 100% recyclable.
- Material similar to vinyl fencing| Durable
Engineered for outdoor applications; weather- proof throughout North America; termite proof.
We recommend following best building practices for installing the panels.
Check with proper authorities about building codes/standards that may apply to
your project. If in doubt, consult a professional.
DESIGN-VU Decorative Modular Panels have a 15-Year Limited Warranty for
material integrity when installed in accordance with their intended purpose –
on a vertical plane, as on a wall or fence. Installations on a horizontal
plane, as a roof or ceiling, are not covered by the warranty. Installers
assume responsibility for ensuring installation is within warranty.
Frames & Support Structures
DESIGN-VU Decorative Modular Panels must be mounted to a frame or an existing
surface or structure.
They are not a stand-alone structural product.
Read through this entire section before planning your project.
BENEFITS OF USING A TIMBER FRAME
Frames allow for the sturdiest and most versatile panel installation, and
result in a professional, polished look. Build frame structures to almost any
size and orientation – simple or sophisticated (see p. 2). Attach frames to
walls, fences, and other flat surfaces, or build as free-standing structures.
Timber frames are most economical, yielding overall lower project costs.
- Facilitate precise panel alignment and squared edges.
- Limit damage to surfaces when adjusting or adding/removing panels, and reduces number of screws into existing surfaces.
- Offset panels from surfaces allowing for airflow and expansion/contraction, create a dimensional effect, and provide space for LED backlighting. (NOTE: Use only LED light sources.)
Plan Your Design & Panel Configuration
Read through this entire section before planning your project.
Learn more about configurations and pattern orientation at design-
vu.com/patterns
Find design ideas at design-vu.com/design-gallery
= This icon indicates materials to add to your shopping list.
PATTERN ORIENTATION
Mount panels in any orientation. Check for pattern repeats and flows as you
plan.
Rotate or flip panels for unique patterns.
PANEL CONFIGURATION
Vertical and horizontal configurations compose standard heights and widths.
15-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY DESIGN-VU warrants to the original purchaser that our panels will be free of structural faults due to defects in manufacturing for a period not exceeding 15 years from date of purchase. This limited warranty does not cover damage resulting from misuse, improper storage or handling, improper installation, or any horizontal roofing/ceiling applications. See full warranty at design-vu.com.
Choose Your Frame Type & Mounting Style
DESIGN-VU Decorative Modular Panels must be mounted to a frame or an existing
surface or structure. They are not a stand-alone structural product.
Read entire section before choosing frame type and mounting option.
FRAME TYPES
Surface-Mount Frame Mount a frame with panels on fences, walls, and other flat
surfaces (Figs. 5 & 6).
Free-Standing Frame
Create a divider or fence using panels on a frame with posts set in cement
(Figs. 7 & 8).
Examples shown are installation suggestions. Adjust for your project’s
requirements. Some installations may require professional assistance.
MOUNTING STYLES
Face-Mounted Style Suited to DIYers Attach panels to front of frame for
surface-mount (Fig. 9) and free-standing (Fig. 10) installations. Mounting
panels to the face of a frame is the easiest method for keeping panels
straight and square.
For Face-Mount Style: Continue through Steps 3– 7.
Window-Mount Style Suited to highly skilled DIYers and building
professionals.
Set panels inside a frame with a recessed channel or casing to hold panel
edges (Fig. 11). This style is most effective in free-standing installations.
For Window-Mount Style: Skip to page 4.
Plan Your Frame Size & Lumber
IMPORTANT: Plan and measure your frame so it will match the exact width
and height of your panels, including a 3⁄₁₆” expansion gap between panels.
Read entire section before determining frame measurements and selecting
lumber.
FRAME MEASUREMENT & PANEL SPACING – Face-Mount Style
A. Overall Frame Width = Total width of all panels + 3⁄₁₆” space between
each panel
B. Overall Frame Height = Total height of all panels + ³⁄₁₆” space
between each panel + post legs for free-standing frames
C. Screw Spacing = 12″ to 18″ on all 4 sides of each panel
D. Expansion Gap = Mandatory 3⁄₁₆” between each panel for weather related
expansion
FRAME LUMBER – Face-Mount Style, Single or Multiple Panels
• Surface-Mount Frame: 2″ x 4″ Posts & Rails
• Free-Standing Frame: 4″ x 4″ Posts & 2″ x 4″ Rails
• Face-Cap or End-Cap: Add trim boards or moulding as needed (Fig. 23).
Screws
Read entire section before selecting your screws.
SCREWS Mounting hardware is not included with DESIGN-VU panels.
- Frames: Determine appropriate screws/nails to build a frame to support weight of panels.
- Face-Mount: Design-Vu Panel Installation Screws are recommended OR deck screws with min. ¹⁄₈” thread ∅ x min. 1⁵/₁₆” length, with ¾” washers to cover drill holes (Fig. 13).
- Screws: Enough screws to place every 12″ to 18″ on all 4 sides of all panels (Fig. 12). For aesthetics, paint screws to match panel color.
- Window-Mount: No screws required.
- Brick and Masonry: Attach frame with masonry screws (Fig. 25).
Construct Your Frame
Read entire section before starting your frame build.
FOR ALL FRAME TYPES
Build your frame laying on a flat surface so you can check dimensions, square
alignment, and mark panel joint 3⁄₁₆” spacing. This allows you to easily
raise/lower, reposition, and level your frame when attaching to fence or wall.
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.
SURFACE-MOUNT FRAME
- Plan frame measurements to include ³⁄₁₆” expansion gaps between panels (Fig. 12).
- Multiple-Panels: Construct frame with outer studs’ 2″ side front-facing and interior studs’ 4″ side front- facing and flush with front of outer studs. Position center lines of the interior studs where panel edges will meet, with ³⁄₁₆” expansion gaps (Figs. 14 & 23).
- Single-Panel: Construct frame with 2″ side of posts & rails front-facing (Fig. 15).
- With a helper, lift your frame into place on a fence, wall, or other flat surface. Make sure the entire frameis level, then attach.
FREE-STANDING FRAME – Set in Concrete
A free-standing installation requires a strong structural frame.
- Plan frame measurements to include ³⁄₁₆” expansion gaps between panels + additional length of posts for legs and footings (Fig. 12).
- Multiple-Panels: Construct frame of 4″ x 4″ posts and 2″ x 4″ top & bottom rails, with middle rail’s 4″ side front facing, flush with front of outer studs. Draw center lines on the interior studs where panel edges will meet, with ³⁄₁₆” expansion gaps (Figs. 16 & 23).
- Single-Panel: Construct frame with 4″ x 4″ posts and 2″ x 4″ rails (Fig. 17).
- With a helper, lift your posts into footing holes, straighten vertically, check spacing between posts, and add post-hole concrete.
Prepare Panels
Read through this entire section before cutting and drilling panels.
MEASURE & FIT PANELS
Measure for panel fitting and, if needed, cut panels straight or diagonally
with a circular or table saw (Fig. 18).
PRE-DRILL PANELS
- Pre-drill panels with holes ¼” larger than screw thread ∅ to allow for weather-related expansion and contraction (Figs. 19 & 20).
- If using Out deco Panel Screws, drill a hole at least ⁷⁄₁₆”∅ (Fig. 20).
- Position center of drill holes ¾” from panel edges (Fig. 21).
- Space holes every 12″ to 18″ on all four sides of each panel (Fig. 22).
Attach Panels
Read through this entire section before positioning and attaching panels.
ATTACH PANELS
- Use ³⁄₁₆” spacers to position panels on center lines of interior studs with ³⁄₁₆” gaps where panels meet (Figs. 12 & 23).
- Clamp panels to frame and attach with screws every 12″–18″ on all four sides (Fig. 22).
- IMPORTANT: Drive screws at top (not in center) of the drill holes to allow for panel expansion (Fig. 24).
- To avoid panel damage and allow weather-related expansion, do not overtighten or counter-sink screws.
Attach to Masonry or Large Gates, Heavy Garage Doors, etc.
Check that wall/surface is flat and level, and can support the panels’ weight.
Build a timber frame (see page 3). Pre-drill wall with a masonry bit and
attach frame to wall with masonry screws (Fig. 25).
Attach to Skeletal Structure/Stud Wall Create a face-mount or window-mount frame. Attach to structure’s studs.
Window-Mount Style
Suited to highly skilled DIYers and building professionals. See more notes for
Free-Standing frames on p. 3.
FRAME SIZING – Single-Panel & Multiple-Panels
A. Expansion Gap: Mandatory ³⁄₁₆” space above and on both lateral sides for
vertical and horizontal weather-related expansion (gap space is already
included in measurements shown).
Mounting Style| B. Channel / Casing Specs (Fig. 26)| C. Width between
Posts (Figs. 27 & 30)| D. Height between
Rails (Figs. 27 & 30)| E. Overall Frame
Dimensions (Figs. 27 & 28)*
---|---|---|---|---
Channel
Use ⁵⁄₁₆” (8mm) router bit.| Posts: 5⁄₁₆” W x ½” D =
5⁄₁₆” panel edge + ³⁄₁₆” gap
Rails: Upper 5⁄₁₆” W x ½” D =
5⁄₁₆” panel edge + ³⁄₁₆” gap
Lower 5⁄₁₆” W x 5⁄₁₆” D; no gap| 71 ³⁄₈” =
Panel width – ⁵⁄₈”| 35 ³⁄₈” =
Panel height – ⁵⁄₈”| Frame Width =
Width(s) between posts +width (3½”) of each post
Frame Height =
Height(s) between rails + height (1½”) of each rail + post legs and footings
Casing| Posts & Rails: 1″ x 1″ casing
set 5⁄₁₆” apart O.C.;
³⁄₁₆” gap on upper rails & posts; no gap at bottom| 72 ³⁄₈” =
Panel width + ³⁄₈”| 36 ³⁄₁₆” =
Panel height + ³⁄₁₆”
*Measurements shown are based on 4″ x 4″ posts & 2″ x 4″ rails. Measurements include expansion gap.
FRAME MEASUREMENTS, LUMBER & CONSTRUCTION
- Plan frame size + post legs and footings (Figs. 27 & 30).
- Channel-Mount: Router a ⁵⁄₁₆″ wide channel in all posts and rails. See specs for different channel depths (Figs. 26, 28 & 29).
- Casing-Mount: Attach 1″ x 1″ border casing to all posts & rails (Figs. 26, 31 & 32).
- Build frame laying on a flat surface. Square and level as you go.
- Slide panels into channels/casings. No screws required. Check that panels move freely in channels/casings in the ³⁄₁₆”gaps at top and lateral sides for vertical and horizontal expansion.
- With a helper, lift frame into footing holes, check levelness, straighten vertically, and add post-hole concrete.
See installation photos at design-vu.com/installation
References
- Design-Vu – Decorative Modular Panels
- DESIGN GALLERY – Design-Vu
- INSTALLATION – Design-Vu
- Design-Vu – Decorative Modular Panels
- DESIGN GALLERY – Design-Vu
- INSTALLATION – Design-Vu
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