Finnish out your install with metal or wood frames

Here are the best ways to permanently install Florafelt Pocket Panels with a neat framed edge of wood or metal. Metal edges can also double as drain trays for a minimalist finish that makes the plants float from a thin plane.

 
Florafelt Pocket Panel Wood Frame Installation Detail

Wood Framed Vertical Garden

  • A wood framed vertical garden is easy and economical.

  • Attach horizontal wood spacers to the wall.

  • Add wood edging (or other materials) to frame the edge.

  • First waterproof the plywood backing with two layers of building paper.

  • Then add EDPM Rubber Pond Liner which will direct water into the tray or tank below.

  • Provide extra liner at the sides and top to waterproof the edges. Trim to finish.

  • The panels are then attached to the support frame with smooth deck screws.

  • All water is collected by a gutter or frame at the base of the plant wall which can be drained away or recirculated.

See Install Photo Page: Florafelt Pocket Panels: Mount on Stucco

 
Florafelt Pocket Panel Metal Frame Installation Detail

Metal Framed Floating Vertical Garden

  • A metal framed vertical garden creates a clean finished edge that also collects water at the base.

  • Similar to the wood framed method, it is supported on a horizontal 2×4 and plywood structure.

  • Custom metal edging is first attached to the plywood.

  • Use silicone sealant at the bottom corners of the frame to prevent dripping

  • Make drainage connections at the bottom edge for drain away or recirculating water.

  • Attach rubber pond liner with staples to the plywood support surface and tuck it into the metal frame so it’s flush with the sides. Then use a heavy duty tape such as Gorilla Tape to secure and seal the edges inside the metal frame.

  • Fit Florafelt Panels into the edge frames and attach to the plywood backing using smooth coated deck screws.

  • Rubber pond liner will make a seal where the screws penetrate.

  • Use 6 screws per panel.

 

The Perfect Edge Detail

A ‘perfect fit’ metal edge can be custom folded by a metal shop in your area. You can choose a material that best suits your design; Brushed Stainless Steel, Copper or Galvanized; Paint Grade Galvanized, for example.

Contact a Local Metal Shop

Ask your metal shop to fold a C-Channel with dimensions: 4″, 1-3/4″, 1-3/4″. The 1-3/4″ size will fit perfectly over the edge of a panel to create a perfect finished edge. The longer 4″ part will be attached to the support structure. Also you can have them add a drain tube for the bottom channel to magically take water away. Be sure the drain tube is large enough to handle the flow from the irrigation system and big enough to not get clogged. 3/4″ works for most situations.

Florafelt Metal Frame Edge Detail Section
 

Solutions for Existing Structures

Drywall

  • Air gap is required

  • Check with local building codes for required minimums

  • 1-1/2 inches is typically adequate

  • Use horizontal sleepers

  • Make physical attachment to studs within wall

Wood

  • Air gap is required

  • Use horizontal supports 12 inches on center vertically

  • Add a self-sealing waterproof barrier (rubber pond liner)

  • Attach panels to horizontal supports

Concrete and Stucco

  • Air gap required if interior area to remain dry

  • Stucco is typically on a wood structure and will need to remain dry

  • Use horizontal supports 12 inches on center vertically

  • Attach support structure with concrete screws

  • Add a self-sealing waterproof barrier (rubber pond liner)

  • Attach panels to horizontal supports

Retaining Walls

  • Walls that do not require drying out

  • No air gap is required

  • Attach directly to the concrete or masonry

  • Use Tapcon type fasteners or similar

Self-Supporting

  • Use wood or metal frame

  • Panels can be attached directly to the structure

  • Use waterproofing for interior locations