DESIGN-VU DVU2405C Outdoor Panel Instruction Manual

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
DESIGN-VU Outdoor Panels
24″ x 48″ Panels

DVU2405C Outdoor Panel

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:
24″ x 48″ x %16″
Atypical 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 professional.
DESIGN-VU Decorative Modular Panels are suitable for pro builders and DIY crafters.

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Easy-to-Install
Manageable sizes; easy to custard 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 1009% 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 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, creates a dimensional effects, and provides 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
See installation photos at design-vu.com/installation
=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 p\an (Fig. 2).

PANEL CONFIGURATION
Vertical and horizontal configurations compose standard heights and widths (Fig. 4).

15-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY DESIGN-VU warrants to the original purchaser that our panels will b free of structural faults due to defecting manufacturing for period notexceeding 15 years from date of purchase. This immitted warranty does not cover damage resulting from misuse, improper storage or handling, improper installation, or any horizontal roofing/eyeing 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 unfences, walls, and other flat surfaces (Figs. 5 & 6).

Free-Standing Frame
Create a divider or fence using panels on aflame with posts stein 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 framewise 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.
Setpanelsinside a frame with 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.

Face-Mount Style

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 %16″ expansion gap between panels.
Read entire section before determining frame measure-mints and selecting lumber.
See installation photos atdesign-vu.com/installation
FRAME MEASUREMENT & PANEL SPACING – Face-Mount Style
A. Overall Frame Width = Total width of all panels + 1/16″ space between each panel
B. Overall Frame Height = Total height of all panels + 1/16″ space between each panel + post legs for free-standing frames
C. Screw Spacing = 12″t0 18″ on all 4 sides of each panel
D. Expansion Gap = Mandatory 1/”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 molding 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.
• Panel Screws: Deck screws with min. %” thread @ x min. 1/16″ length. For aesthetics, paint screws to match panel color.
• Screw Quantity: 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 panel 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 center lines where multiple panels will join. Doing this allows you to easily raise/lower, reposition, and level your frame when attaching to fence or wall.

1. Plan frame measurements to include 1/16″ expansion gaps between panels (Fig. 12).

2. Multiple-Panels: Construct frame of
   2″ x 4″ posts &rails with outer studs’
   2″ side front-facing and interior studs’
   4″ side front-facing and flush with front of outer studs (Fig. 14). Draw center lines on interior studs where panel edges will meet, with %16″ expansion gaps (Figs. 15 & 22).

3. Single-Panel: Construct frame of 2″ x 4″ posts &  rails with 2″ side of posts & rails front-facing (Fig. 15).

4. With a helper, lift your frame into place on a fence, wall, or other flat surface. Make sure the entire frame is level, then attach.

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
FREE-STANDING FRAME – Set in Concrete
A free-standing installation requires a strong structural frame.

1. Plan frame measurements + additional length of posts for legs and footings (Fig. 12).
2. Multiple-Panels: Construct frame of 4″x 4″ posts and 2″ x 4″ rails. Draw center lines on the interior studs where panel edges will meet, with 1/16″ expansion gaps (Fig. 16).
3. Single-Panel: Construct frame of 4″x 4″ posts and 2″ x 4″ rails (Fig. 17).
4. 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.
See installation photos at design-vu.com/installation
MEASURE & FIT PANELS
Measure for panel fitting and, if needed, cut panels straight or diagonally with a circular or table saw (Fig. 18).
If desired, add a face-cap to conceal the front of cut panel edge and/or an end-cap to cover an exposed frame edge (Fig. 23).

PRE-DRILL PANELS

• Pre-drill panels with %” holes – same size as screw thread & (Fig. 19).
• Position center of drill holes ¥4″ from panel edges (Fig. 20).
• Space holes every 12″ to 18″ on all four sides of each panel (Fig. 21).

 Attach Panels

Read through this entire section before positioning and attaching panels.

ATTACH PANELS

1. Use 1/16″ spacers to position panels on center lines of interior studs with 1/16″ gaps where panels meet (Figs. 12 & 23).
2. Clamp panels to frame and attach with screws every 12″-18″ on all four sides (Fig. 21).
3. 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, 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. 23).
Attach to Skeletal Structure/Stud Wall
Create face-mount or window-mount frame. Attach to structure’s studs.

Suited to highly skilled DIYers and building professionals. See more notes for Free-Standing frames on p. 3.
FRAME SIZING & LUMBER- Single-Panel & Multiple-Panels rig 24

Mounting Style| A. Channel / Casing
Specs (Figs. 24 & 25)| B. Width between
Posts (Figs. 26 & 27) | C. Height between
Rails (Figs. 26 & 27) | D. Overall Frame
**Dimensions (Figs. 25 & 26) *| Minimum Lumber Size
---|---|---|---|---|---
Channel| On all Posts & Rails:
5/16″ W x 5/i6″ D Use 5/16″ (8mm) router bit.| 47 3/8 “=
Panel width — 5/8”| 23 3/8 ” =
Panel height— 5/8″| Frame Width =
Width(s) between posts + width (31/2″) of each post
Frame Height =**
Height(s) between rails + height (11/2″) of each rail + post legs and footings| • 4″ x 4″ Posts & 2″ x 4″ Rails
• Need 5/16″ (8mm) router bit
Casing| On all Posts & Rails:
1″ x 1″ casing set /16″ apart O.C.| 48″ =
Panel width| 24″ =
Panel height| • 4″ x 4″ Posts & 2″ x 4″ Rails
• 1″ x 1″ Casings

FRAME MEASUREMENTS & CONSTRUCTION

1. Plan frame size + post legs and footings (Figs. 23, 26 & 27).
2. Channel-Mount: Router a ⁵⁄₁₆″ wide x ⁵⁄₁₆″ deep channel in all posts and rails (Figs. 25 & 26).
3. Casing-Mount: Attach 1″ x 1″ border casing to all posts & rails (Figs. 25 & 27).
4. Build frame laying on a flat surface. Square and level as you go.
5. Slide panels into channels/casings and attach rails. (No screws required.)
6. With a helper, lift frame into footing holes, check levelness, straighten vertically, and add post-hole concrete.

* Measurements shown are based on 4″ x 4″ posts & 2″ x 4″ rails.

design-vu.com
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-Vu – Decorative Modular Panels
• DESIGN GALLERY – Design-Vu
• INSTALLATION – Design-Vu

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