Where you mount a misting system matters almost as much as the system itself. The same pump and nozzles can feel brilliant along one edge of a patio and barely noticeable along another. The good news is that a high-pressure misting line can go on almost any structure around the home, including fences, pergolas, gutters, eaves and shade structures.
This guide covers the surfaces that work, how high and how far apart the nozzles should go, and how the wind should shape your plan. If you're after the full step-by-step install, our guide to setting up a DIY outdoor misting system walks through it.
Can I Put Misters on My Fence?
Yes, and it’s a popular option with our customers. Fence-mounted misting creates a cooling curtain around the edge of your yard, which cools you, your guests and your pets at the same time.
On a steel panel fence or similar, a confident DIYer can hide the misting line inside the top rail. Once it’s in, the only visible part is the nozzle peering out from under the fence capping. Timber and masonry fences work well too, with the line fixed along the top or the inside face of the fence.
As a guide, we recommend spacing the nozzles 750mm to 1m apart.
Pergolas and Patio Roofs
Pergolas are the most popular spot for a misting line, because the line can run around the outer beam and create a curtain of mist around the whole entertaining area.
A few tips for pergolas:
- Run the line around the outside edge rather than across the middle, so the mist forms a barrier against the hot air coming in.
- Use stainless steel line if it will be on show. It looks clean and neat along a beam.
- Our nozzle extensions (5, 10, 15 and 20 cm) let you aim the mist in a particular direction, which helps on beams that sit higher than usual or where seating is close to the edge.
Eaves, Gutters and Roof Edges
If you’d like the cooling without seeing a pipe, the roof line is a great option. A handy DIYer can run the misting line along the inside lip of the guttering, so all you see are the nozzles peeking over the edge. Make sure the line is fixed so it doesn’t block water flowing through the gutter.
The line can also be fixed under the eaves or along the fascia of an alfresco roof.
Shade Structures, Sails and Canopies
Shade structures, canopies and gazebos are all good mounting points, and they're especially useful over play areas, pool lounges and outdoor dining spots. For shade sails, a handy DIYer can run the misting line along a suspended cable between the posts, or around the flexible edge of the shade sail. Flexible nylon misting line is the best choice here, as it moves with the sail in the wind.
What About Umbrellas?
Market umbrellas and portable shade tend to move around, so they usually aren’t suited to a permanent misting line. For umbrella-shaded areas, a pedestal misting fan is often the simpler option. It sits beside the seating, moves with the umbrella, and adds a cooling breeze as well as mist.
We can also supply misting attachments for some umbrellas. Not every umbrella is suitable, so get in touch with our team before ordering and we’ll help you check whether yours will work.
Other Places That Work Well
- Pools and water features: nozzles at the water level or on a waterfall add a dramatic fog effect as well as cooling.
- Pathways and gardens: low-mounted nozzles along a lit pathway, spaced about every 3 metres, create a striking fog effect.
- Trees: a medium-sized tree of around 10 metres can take 5 to 10 nozzles in its canopy for a magical misty look.
- Dog runs and pool fences: a simple way to keep pets cool on hot days.
These are the kinds of ideas we cover under mistscaping, where misting becomes part of the landscape design.
What Surfaces Can a Misting Line Be Fixed To?
A misting line can be fixed to wood, brick, stone, concrete and block, aluminium, sheet metal or steel, and even run through soil for garden setups. In other words, there’s very little around a home that can’t carry a line. The fixings you’ll need depend on the surface, but the system itself stays the same.
Your kit includes pipe saddles for fixing the line. For masonry or metal surfaces, you may need screws or plugs to suit, which are available from your local hardware store.
How High Should the Nozzles Be?
The mist needs a little time and space to evaporate before it reaches anyone. Mount the nozzles too low and people sitting nearby may feel damp. Mount them too high and you lose some of the cooling effect before it reaches the seating area. As a guide, around 2.4 to 3 metres suits most outdoor areas.
On most patios, the outer beam, gutter line or fence top puts the nozzles at a sensible height. If your structure is unusually high or low, nozzle extensions let you adjust the angle and direction of the mist. If you're unsure, send us a photo of your space and we'll suggest the best position.
Let the Wind Work for You
Mist travels with the breeze, so think about where your prevailing wind comes from on a typical summer afternoon. Mount the line on the side the breeze comes from, and the wind will carry the mist into your space as it evaporates. Mount it on the downwind side and the mist will blow away from you.
If the wind changes a lot in your area, a line around more than one side of the space, or a misting fan to control the airflow, gives you more consistent results.
Don't Forget the Pump
The pump needs a spot that's close to water and power, out of direct weather and easy to reach for maintenance. A wall-mounted pump cover raises the pump off the ground and helps shield it from rain, sun and debris. Placing the pump around a corner or behind a screen also keeps any noise away from the seating area.
Ready to Plan Your Layout?
Our misting kits come with all the parts you need and installation instructions, and most standard home setups go in within a few hours. Browse the misting kits, learn more about our misting systems, or see more ideas on our installation advice page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put misters on my fence?
Yes. Misting lines can be fixed along the top or inside face of a fence, and on steel panel fences you can hide the line inside the top rail so only the nozzles show.
Where should misting lines be mounted?
Around the outside edge of the area you want to cool, ideally on the side the breeze comes from. Common spots are pergola beams, gutters, eaves, fences and shade structures.
How high should misting nozzles be installed?
High enough for the mist to evaporate before it reaches people, which on most patios means the outer beam, gutter line or top of the fence. Nozzle extensions help you adjust the direction on unusually high or low structures.
Can you mount misters on a pergola?
Yes. Pergolas are one of the most popular spots. Run the line around the outer beam to create a curtain of mist around the entertaining area, and use stainless steel line if it will be visible.
Need help working out the best spot for your system? Contact us or call 07 4946 4702.