Reed Screening Rolls – Natural Reed Mats for Gardens

Reed Screening Rolls for Natural Garden Screening

Reed screening rolls are flexible natural screens made from individual reed stems connected together to form a mat. They are commonly used to cover existing fences and wire mesh, reduce direct overlooking and create a natural decorative surface in gardens and outdoor spaces.

Compared with thicker bamboo canes or willow stems, reed has a finer and lighter appearance. This makes reed mats particularly suitable where you want natural screening without creating the heavier visual effect associated with some other garden screening materials.

What Are Reed Mats?

Reed mats consist of natural reed stems joined together with connecting thread to create a flexible screening roll. Intergard reed mats use perlon thread to hold the individual reeds together.

Because the product is made from natural stems, differences in colour, thickness, shape and surface texture are normal. Individual rolls can therefore vary slightly in appearance.

What Can Reed Screening Be Used For?

Reed screening can be used for privacy, decorative screening and covering suitable existing outdoor structures. Typical applications include:

• covering an existing garden fence;
• screening wire mesh;
• garden privacy screening;
• balcony screening where suitable;
• terrace screening;
• decorative screening around seating areas;
• decorative covering for suitable pergolas and garden structures;
• creating a natural background for plants.

How Much Privacy Do Reed Mats Provide?

The amount of privacy provided by reed screening depends on the density, diameter and spacing of the individual reeds. Closely positioned reeds reduce direct views more effectively than a more open construction.

Natural reed screening should not automatically be considered completely opaque. Small gaps between individual stems are a normal characteristic of this type of natural material.

Check the dimensions, construction and product images of the selected reed mat when privacy is your main reason for buying the product.

Reed Screening for an Existing Fence

Reed mats can be attached to a suitable existing fence to change its appearance and provide additional visual screening. This can be useful when an existing boundary remains structurally sound but you prefer a natural finish.

Check the fence and posts before installation. Adding screening increases the surface exposed to wind, so the supporting fence and fixings must be suitable for the completed installation.

Reed Mats on Wire Mesh

Wire mesh provides a practical supporting structure for reed screening rolls. The mat can be unrolled against the mesh and secured at multiple points using suitable outdoor ties or other appropriate fixings.

If a new supporting structure is being installed, the posts, mesh, foundations and fixings should be selected according to the dimensions of the screen, ground conditions and local wind exposure.

How to Install Reed Screening

Reed screening should normally be attached to a stable existing fence, wire mesh or another suitable supporting structure. The flexible mat itself should not be relied upon as a freestanding fence.

1. Measure the width and required height of the area.
2. Check that the supporting fence or mesh is stable.
3. Position the reed mat at the required height.
4. Keep natural reed clear of persistently damp ground where possible.
5. Secure one end of the roll.
6. Gradually unroll the reed against the supporting structure.
7. Attach it at regular intervals with suitable outdoor fixings.
8. Use fixing points at different heights across the screen.
9. Add additional fixings at exposed edges where necessary.
10. Check the completed installation for excessive movement.

Can Reed Mats Be Cut to Size?

Reed mats can often be shortened in width if the connecting threads are secured correctly before cutting. Securing the construction first helps prevent neighbouring reeds from becoming loose.

Reducing the height is generally more involved because the individual reed stems also need to be shortened. Check the construction carefully before cutting and make sure the remaining mat stays securely connected.

Reed Screening for Balconies

Reed screening can be used on some balconies when a suitable and stable railing provides adequate support. The fine natural stems create a different appearance from PVC, fabric or artificial hedge balcony screens.

Wind exposure requires particular attention. Even a relatively lightweight reed mat increases the surface area exposed to wind when fitted to an open railing.

For purpose-specific alternatives, compare our balcony privacy screens.

Can Reed Mats Be Used on a Pergola?

Reed mats can be used decoratively on suitable pergolas and other garden structures when securely supported. Depending on their position and density, the reeds may also reduce some direct sunlight.

A standard reed mat should not automatically be considered a waterproof roof covering or a product with a specified sun-protection performance. For overhead applications, the supporting structure and fixings must also be suitable.

How Long Do Reed Mats Last?

There is no universal lifespan for natural reed screening. Durability depends on the quality and construction of the mat, installation, moisture exposure, ground contact, sunlight, wind and local weather conditions.

Keeping natural reed clear of persistently wet soil or standing water where possible can help limit prolonged moisture exposure. Secure installation also helps prevent unnecessary movement and mechanical damage.

How Do You Maintain Reed Screening?

Reed screening generally requires limited routine maintenance, but periodic inspection is recommended. Check the reeds, connecting threads and fixings, particularly after strong winds or severe weather.

Remove accumulated leaves and other debris where necessary and avoid prolonged contact with persistently damp ground where the installation allows.

Reed Screening or Bamboo Screening?

Reed screening has a finer and generally lighter visual structure, while bamboo screening has thicker and more prominent canes or strips. The two materials therefore create distinctly different garden styles.

Choose reed if you prefer a fine, natural screen. Compare our bamboo fencing rolls if you prefer the more substantial appearance of bamboo.

Reed Screening or Willow Screening?

Reed consists of fine, relatively straight stems, whereas willow screening uses thicker and more irregular willow stems. Willow therefore creates a more rustic and substantial appearance.

Our willow fencing rolls provide approximately 85% visual screening and use willow stems with an average diameter of approximately 8–10mm.

Reed Screening or Heather Screening?

Reed screening has a clearly visible linear stem structure, while heather screening creates a denser and more textured brushwood appearance. Heather can therefore be more suitable when a thick, textured screen is preferred.

Compare our heather fencing rolls with reed screening to determine which appearance and density best suits your project.

Reed Screening or PVC Screening?

Reed provides the natural variation of real plant stems, whereas PVC screening provides a regular manufactured appearance. They also differ considerably in construction and maintenance characteristics.

Choose reed when natural material and texture are important. Consider PVC garden screening if you prefer a more uniform manufactured screen with approximately 98% visual density.

Other Natural Garden Screening

Reed is one of several natural materials available for garden screening. Comparing different materials makes it easier to choose the right combination of appearance, density and construction.

In addition to reed, Intergard supplies willow screening, bamboo screening, heather screening, bark screening and coconut screening.

Explore the complete garden screening range to compare natural and manufactured privacy solutions.

How Much Reed Screening Do I Need?

Measure the total length and required height of the area before ordering reed screening. Compare these measurements with the dimensions of the selected roll.

For a straight boundary, divide the total length to be screened by the usable length of one roll to estimate the number required. Take corners, gates, separate sections and any required overlap or joins into account.

Reed Mats for Trade & Larger Projects

Intergard also supplies reed screening to trade and professional customers. For pallet quantities, larger projects or commercial enquiries, please contact Intergard with the required dimensions, quantity and delivery address.

Buy Reed Screening Rolls from Intergard

Buy reed screening rolls from Intergard for natural garden screening, covering existing boundaries and decorative outdoor applications. Compare the available heights and roll dimensions to find the reed mat that best suits your fence, mesh, balcony or garden project.

For other boundary solutions, explore our complete garden fencing range.

Frequently Asked Questions about Reed Mats & Reed Screening

What are reed mats?

Reed mats are flexible natural screens made from individual reed stems connected together to form a roll. Intergard reed mats use perlon thread to connect the reeds.

What is reed screening used for?

Reed screening is used to cover existing fences and mesh, reduce direct overlooking and create decorative natural screens. It can also be used on suitable balconies and garden structures.

Do reed mats provide privacy?

Yes, reed mats can reduce direct views through an existing boundary. The degree of privacy depends on the density, spacing and diameter of the natural reed stems.

Are reed mats completely opaque?

No, natural reed screening should not automatically be considered completely opaque. Small gaps between individual stems are normal.

Can reed mats be attached to an existing fence?

Yes, reed mats can be attached to a suitable and stable existing fence. The supporting structure must be capable of handling the additional material and wind load.

Can reed screening be attached to wire mesh?

Yes, stable wire mesh provides a practical support for reed screening. Secure the mat at multiple points using suitable outdoor fixings.

Can reed mats be cut to size?

Reed mats can often be shortened in width if the connecting threads are secured before cutting. This prevents adjacent reeds from becoming loose.

Can you shorten the height of a reed mat?

It may be possible, but reducing the height is more involved than shortening the width. Individual reeds and the connecting construction may both need to be cut and secured.

Can reed screening be used on a balcony?

Yes, reed screening can be used on a suitable balcony railing when securely installed. Wind exposure and any applicable property or building rules should also be considered.

Can reed mats be used on a pergola?

Reed mats can be used decoratively on suitable pergolas when properly supported and secured. They should not automatically be treated as waterproof roofing or certified sun protection.

Do reed mats provide shade?

Reed mats can reduce some direct sunlight depending on their density and position. The amount of shade varies and standard reed screening should not automatically be treated as a dedicated sunshade.

How long do reed mats last?

There is no fixed lifespan that applies to every reed mat. Durability depends on construction, installation, moisture, sunlight, wind exposure and local weather conditions.

Do reed mats need maintenance?

Reed mats generally need limited routine maintenance, but periodic inspection is recommended. Check the reeds, connecting threads and fixings and remove accumulated debris where necessary.

What is the difference between reed and bamboo screening?

Reed has a finer, lighter-looking stem structure, while bamboo generally has thicker and more substantial canes or strips. Both provide a natural appearance but create different visual effects.

What is the difference between reed and willow screening?

Reed consists of fine, relatively straight stems, while willow screening uses thicker and more irregular willow stems. Willow therefore generally creates a more rustic appearance.