Show All ItemsTools and Materials:Four fence postsOne 4 x 8 sheet of plastic latticeThree 8' strips of Lattice trimPost hole diggerCircular SawElectric Screw driverConcreteI dug four holes and set my posts in concrete at each corner. From the 4 x 8 sheet of lattice cut three pieces. Measure the distance from the bottom of your post to the top edge.Measure the distance between the post and cut the lattice 1/2" smaller.Cut and install (screw) a piece of lattice trim on each post. Slide the cut panels into the trim pieces.My daughter and son-in-law moved into an apartment building which was built in the 1960’s. The building was lovely from the outside, but when we walked into the apartment the main focal wall had a huge air conditioning unit smack dab in the middle of the wall. At that moment, we knew what our next project would be; hiding the AC unit. Since the AC unit was in the main room, which was also a long and narrow space (check out our blog post, Tricks to Decorating Long and Narrow Spaces), my daughter was frustrated with how to personalize the room and asked, “Mom, what can you do to fix this?”

The main problem is that you need to cover the unit without restricting airflow. Also, the unit protrudes about 8 inches from the wall. 8 000 btu ac window unitHere’s how we fixed it.goodman air conditioning unit manuals Alyce and I were shopping one afternoon where we found a beautiful, square basket. singer hvac unitsIt had an open design in the center and was about 12″ in depth. Would it cover the air conditioning unit? We got to the apartment excited to see if it would work and it was perfect! The only dilemma was it wouldn’t stay on the unit and kept sliding off, but that was an easy fix. We hammered a long nail on each side of the air conditioning unit and then hung the basket on the nails and voila – it worked! Next, we searched for all the things that had not been hung up in their apartment yet.

We decorated around the basket and the wall was complete. Another idea, which would take a little more work, is a box. Build a box the dimensions of the air conditioning unit. Instead of using wood for the bottom of the box, purchase lattice material. The lattice may be wood or metal. Paint the box and hang it just like the basket.  Finally, surround the box with pictures and items you love! Just remember design solutions are around you. Your turn: how did you disguise your air conditioner? Leave your ideas below! Visit our website Spruce It Up, Inc.Fences can also function as air conditioner sound barriers. Air conditioner screens collect debris, such as leaves and dust, to prevent it from getting into the motor and causing damage. The screens are large and cover most of the sides of the air conditioner unit to create more air flow. Unfortunately, air conditioners are designed for function, not outdoor decorating purposes, and they often come in utilitarian colors such as khaki, off-white, olive green or gray.

These colors stand out in start contrast to the natural green foliage of your landscaping and create an unappealing focal point along the back of your house. One solution to this problem is to hide your eyesore of an air conditioner screen with a lattice or slatted wooden fence. The wooden fence will add charm and dignity to your backyard and tastefully hide your bulky air conditioner. Measure 3 feet out from each side of the air conditioner and tap a stake into the ground at each corner with a mallet to mark the position of the fence corner posts. An air conditioner requires 3 feet of space to allow air to circulate properly around it. One side of the air conditioner needs to be left unfenced so that a repairman has enough room to work. Tap more stakes into the ground in a parallel line between the first set of corner stakes to mark the layout of the fence around the air conditioner. String twine between the stakes and tie it so that it is taut. Dig holes for the corner fence posts that are 10 inches wide and 1/3 the length of the post with a shovel.

Fill the holes with 6 inches of gravel. Compress the gravel by hitting it down with a tamper into the hole. This will lessen the amount of settling once the post is set in the concrete footer. Add about 2 quarts of water per 50-pound bag of fast-setting concrete to a wheelbarrow and mix with a shovel. The water amount may vary among manufacturers. Have a helper assist you with inserting the post into the hole and centering it. Check to ensure that it is straight or plumb and have your helper hold the post straight as you fill the post hole with quick-setting ready-mix concrete. Tap stakes 6 inches away from each post hole, aligned with the center line of the hole and the middle of the post. Nail 4-foot-long two-by-fours diagonally to the posts and to the stakes to create braces for the posts with a hammer at 18d nails. Wait 40 minutes for the fast-setting concrete to set and firmly hold the post in the hole. Have a helper assist you while setting the fence panel between the first post and the middle post.

Align the ends of the panel with the center line of the post and each other. Nail the panels to the posts by driving 18d nails through the panel railings, at a diagonal line into the posts. Repeat this process to attach the other fence panel to the middle post and the end post. : How to Hide Garden EyesoresUniversal Forest Products: Fence InstallationLowe's: How to Install a Wood FenceQuikrete: Fast Setting Concrete Mix Photo Credits Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images Suggest a CorrectionHome / Decking & Railing / Square – special order Subscribe to Our NewsletterThis form doesn't exist. Head back to the manage forms page and select a different form.If your home is a castle, then your backyard is an oasis. Is it filled with swing sets and soccer nets? Maybe you have a cute doghouse or rose garden that is the envy of the neighborhood in Cary or Garner. Throughout the Raleigh Triangle area, there are few simple pleasures more refreshing than a family cookout with burgers sizzling on the grill and a huge glass of refreshing sweet tea.

Your heating and air conditioning system doesn’t have to be an eyesore and ruin picture perfect landscaping. There are several simple, do-it-yourself ideas that can dramatically improve the curb appeal of your HVAC. If you need a dose of inspiration, take a look at some of these eye-catching elements: A nice, freshly painted white lattice keeps the unit from view but still allows ventilation and easy, unrestricted access for technicians. If, for some reason, the lattice screen has to be removed temporarily, it’s not a major undertaking because the screens can be easily connected with zip ties. You can even select latticework with intricate panels in a wide variety of colors. Nothing screams Americana like a classic picket fence, perhaps even decorated with a small family name plate. It’s a simple, clean design that will complement any patio décor. Want a cheaper alternative? Paint a shipping pallet and stand it upright, adding a splash of green with a flowering vine, as long as it doesn’t interfere with HVAC access.

These can be tailored to match your design theme. For an Asian vibe, you can make your Raleigh backyard a Zen garden by using a bamboo screen . If you’re more environmentally conscious, you can “upcycle” old shutters, painting them and giving a “shabby chic” feel to your garden area.Andy Warhol famously said that “art is what you can get away with.” Depending upon your taste, you may wish to use abstract metal sculptures and screens to hide your HVAC. Modern art creates sleek, polished lines that create an interesting conversation piece. Remember, art doesn’t have to be bizarre or strange to be considered “modern.” Simply find a complementary piece that speaks to you. There are hundreds of local Triangle artists who would be happy to show samples of their work. Another option is to direct the eyes to another location by installing a lovely bricked path, planting a flowering tree, or putting a sitting bench in your backyard. If you’re in need of HVAC repair, the last thing you need is for the technician to have difficulty getting to the unit.

When covering your HVAC unit, not just any design is acceptable. It’s vital to remember how it works to avoid any décor that will interfere with its function.  Allow plenty of room for ventilation because the unit generates heat. Be aware of any HOA or other regulations. Your technician can also give extensive information on the manufacturer’s safety recommendations Here are some ideas you should reconsider: Not only can these block access to your HVAC, but they are “dirt magnets.” This should be a no-brainer. No one wants scrapes and scratches when inspecting the unit. You have this beautiful stone mosaic that would perfectly complement your patio furniture. Be sure that these structures can be removed if needed. You don’t want to have to replace both your HVAC AND your new décor. There are several resources online to help you find the perfect match that will both cover your HVAC and reflect your personality and style. Pinterest and home improvement internet sites have a wealth of information.