Florafelt Pocket Panels – Mounting Methods

How to Mount Florafelt Pocket Panels
Here are the best ways to permanently install Florafelt Pockets (Vertical Garden Planters) 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.

Waterproof to Protect Walls
It’s important to provide an air gap to allow the wall to dry out in humid conditions. The designs below use wood supports to support the vertical garden system away from the wall 1-3/4 inches.

Hanging Tabs
The panels come with hanging tabs so they can also be easily hung on hooks.

How To Attach Panels to Walls
Here are the best ways to permanently install Florafelt Pockets (Vertical Garden Planters) 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.
Use 1-1/4 inch polymer coated deck screws. Four per panel. One at each corner. Lift side flaps and locate screws at the staple connections. Before mounting to wall, start all four screws in the panel.
Recommended Fastener for wood:
Grip-Rite #8 x 1-1/4 in. Philips Bugle-Head Coarse Thread Sharp Point Polymer Coated Exterior Screw (1 lb./Pack)
Available at Home Depot

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.

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.

Florafelt Pocket Panel Wood Framed Edge Detail with Drain Tray
A permanent living wall installation that provides air gap and wood support. Edges are neatly framed with wood and the drain tray is integrated into the design.

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.
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.
Mounting Solutions for Various Wall Types
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
Custom Sizing
Florafelt Planters are lightweight modular panels with felt pockets attached to a rigid plastic board. They can be trimmed using a box cutter on the back and titanium scissors to trim the felt.