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Garden Wall Installation Guide
DIY Installation Guide
Artificial Garden Wall Installation Guide
Create a lush, low-maintenance vertical garden with a clean, secure installation. This guide covers the most common surfaces including timber, plasterboard, brick, metal, Colorbond, chain-link fencing and railings.
Before you start
Plan your wall before fixing your first panel
Measure the full width and height of each area, check the surface type, then confirm your panel direction. Keep all panels facing the same way for the most natural finish.
Measure
Measure each wall separately. Round panel quantities up where required, and allow for cut-outs around taps, posts, lights, gates and wall edges.
Check surface
Choose the fixing method based on the surface. Timber and plasterboard are usually fixed directly, while brick, metal and Colorbond often work best with battens.
Set direction
Lay panels out before fixing. Make sure each panel faces the same direction so the foliage grain, shadows and joins blend neatly.
Tools and materials
What you may need
Your exact fixing method depends on the wall surface. Select suitable fasteners for the substrate and the expected wind exposure in your installation area.
Common tools
- Tape measure and pencil
- Level or string line
- Sharp scissors or sharp knife
- Drill or staple gun depending on surface
- Safety glasses and gloves
Common fixings
- Staples for timber backing or timber frames
- Screws and washers for battens or hard surfaces
- Heavy-duty cable ties for mesh, railing or chain-link fencing
- Treated pine battens where direct fixing is not preferred
- Outdoor paint for visible timber battens where required
Step-by-step
General installation method
The steps below apply to most artificial garden wall panels. After the general method, follow the surface-specific fixing advice for your wall type.
Measure and mark your install area
Mark your starting point and confirm the finished height and width. For multiple walls, measure each wall separately before cutting any panels. Use the garden wall calculator to estimate the number of panels required before you begin.
Prepare the surface
Clean the wall and remove loose objects, sharp protrusions or unstable sections. If using battens, install them straight and securely before fixing the panels.
Start from one side and keep panels straight
Begin from a corner or straight edge. Keep the first panel level, then build across the wall while checking alignment as you go.
Fix the backing, not the foliage
Part the foliage aside and fix through the plastic backing or eyelets. Do not crush large areas of foliage under screws, staples or cable ties.
Connect adjoining panels
Use the panel backing, eyelets or built-in joins to connect each panel to the next. Pull the joins together before final fixing to reduce visible gaps.
Trim edges and cut-outs carefully
Use sharp scissors or a sharp knife to trim the backing grid. Cut gradually around posts, lights or pipes so the foliage remains full around the opening.
Fluff and blend the foliage
Once fixed, gently lift and spread the foliage over joins and fasteners. This helps hide the backing and creates a fuller, more natural result.
Surface guide
Choose the correct fixing method
The panel is lightweight, but it still needs to be secured correctly for the surface and exposure level.
Timber or plasterboard
Use an electric staple gun or suitable screws/washers. Start from one side, keep panels straight, part the foliage aside and fix through the plastic backing.
- Check alignment after each panel
- Fix around the border and through the centre as needed
- Use more fixings in exposed outdoor areas
Brick, metal or Colorbond
Install a timber batten or lattice frame first, then fix the garden wall to the timber. This reduces unnecessary drilling into the main wall and provides a secure fixing base.
- Use battens at approximately 250–500mm spacing
- For Colorbond, fix timber to suitable rails where possible
- Paint visible timber dark grey or monument for a shadow effect
Chain-link or railing
Use heavy-duty cable ties through the backing and around the fence or railing. Secure around the border and add extra ties through the middle of each panel.
- Trim excess cable tie tails neatly
- Keep the panel pulled flat before tightening
- Use UV-stable outdoor cable ties
Care and maintenance
Keep your artificial garden wall looking its best
Artificial garden walls are low-maintenance, but they should still be treated carefully to protect the foliage and colour.
Do
- Use a gentle hose or rainwater to remove dust and light dirt.
- Check fixings occasionally, especially after strong wind or storms.
- Brush or fluff foliage by hand if the panels flatten during transport or installation.
- Install panels straight and facing the same direction for the best finish.
Do not
- Do not use a pressure washer, harsh chemicals, poisons or aggressive cleaning products.
- Do not install where reflected or magnified sunlight may intensify heat on the foliage.
- Do not install in areas exposed to extreme wind without extra fixing support.
- Do not rely on a few fixings only; secure edges and centre sections properly.
FAQ
Common installation questions
Can artificial garden wall panels be cut?
Yes. Cut the plastic backing grid carefully with sharp scissors or side cutters. Trim gradually and keep as much foliage as possible around the cut edge.
Can I install panels directly onto brick?
You can fix to masonry with appropriate plugs, screws and washers, but for most DIY installations a timber batten or lattice frame is easier, cleaner and more forgiving.
How many fixings should I use?
Use enough fixings to hold the panel flat and secure. As a guide, fix around the border and add additional fixings through the middle. Use more in exposed outdoor areas.
Will the panel joins be visible?
Joins are usually reduced by pulling panels firmly together, aligning the direction, connecting the backing neatly and fluffing the foliage over the seams once installed.
Can I install onto a chain-link fence?
Yes. Chain-link fencing and railings are usually the quickest surface type. Use heavy-duty cable ties through the backing and trim the tails once secure.
Ready to start?
Calculate your panels before ordering
Use the artificial garden wall calculator to estimate panel quantities, pricing and add the selected model directly to cart.
