Join willow rolled fence sections

It is necessary to have a rigid structure to support most rolled fences like the bamboo rolled fence, reed fence, willow rolled fence or the heather fence when used as a fence.  If it is being applied to an existing wooden fence which provides a flat vertical plane surface, the rolled fence can be held to the existing fence with galvanized wire or staples applied with a staple gun.  Galvanized or stainless staples are recommended.  If the existing fence is a chain link fence and the fabric of the fence is on the side to receive the reed, the material can be wired through the vertical fence materials to the chain link with galvanized wire. The wiring should be done about every 4 or 5 inches at top bottom and middle. We recommend and prefer using galvanized wire to tie the rolled fences whenever possible. IMPORTANT NOTE: When tying or stapling, all the rolled fences with wire line should be tied or stapled on the existing wire that are weaving them. This will blend the galvanized wire and staples to the existing wire and firmly hold the fences' structure.

If there is no structure, it will be necessary to install posts to support the roof fences. When the existing structure does not have at least a top and bottom rail in a vertical plain, it will be necessary to add some construction to get that supporting structure.  If the rolled fences is to be applied to a chain link fence on the side with the rails and posts, it will be necessary to add a lower rail (unless there is one there already).  This can be another chain link steel rail or merely a 2"x2" cedar wood drilled and wired between posts. You must have some structure at the top of the rolled fences and the bottom in a plane to press the fence against.  If the existing fence is 4' high and the fences are to go up to 6', then you need to construct a frame up to the 6' height. See the drawing below showing a typical cedar wood fence support frame. You can add the split bamboo faces to give the fences a great finished look.

Once the backing is in place the rolled verticals can be applied.  Roll it out on scrap boards that are about an inch thick laying on the ground.  This insures that the fence is straight and leveled and that it will be supported just above the ground while it is being secured.  The rolled verticals can be wired temporarily with galvanized wire in several places for convenience. Some fences like the reed fence and the dwarf pines can be trimmed as needed both vertically and horizontally.  Use sharp pruning shears. Bamboo pole fences can be cut to your custom length by using a pair of heavy duty scissors.  Just cut the wire at the length you desire and twig the wire to seal the end of the cut. Trimming the height can be done with a miter saw. First you need a miter saw with a saw blade with a minimum of 60 teeth, the type that is used to cut aluminum or trimming boards. Make sure you run the saw until maximum speed before you do the actual cutting to minimize splitting of the bamboo.

To attach the rolled fences to the posts and stringers, secure the fencing to the end post with 10 inch pieces of galvanized wire, and straighten and align to your satisfaction. Then use the 8 inch lengths to attach the fencing to the stringers, and the 10 inch lengths to attach the fencing to the posts, a second person is required as the person on the other side will adjust the fencing, bend the wire, and pass it through to the other person. That person will use the pliers to pull and twist the ends together. When you reach the end of one roll, wire another roll to it. When you reach the end post, wrap the rolled fence around it and secure with wire.

Install battens of split bamboo caps over the 2" x 2" cedar wood stringers as shown on the right. Make sure you pre-drill pilot holes on the bamboo caps, then use the 1 1/4" drywall screws to attach the split bamboo to the stringers. Make sure not to drive the screws in too far, or the bamboo may crack.

You can also use round whole bamboo poles as the stringers instead of cedar stringers, but make sure you pre-drill the holes before you secure them to the posts.