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How to build a party backdrop trio

Blue and beige party backdrop trio surrounded by potted plants

Overview

Creating your own D.I.Y. decorations is a fun way to save some money. Plus, you’ll have a stunning, unique backdrop for parties that will make an instant impression on your guests. Follow this step-by-step process to create your own party backdrop trio.

Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

Steps

  1. 1

    Decide on your design

    Start by deciding on the pattern you want to create for your party backdrops – for example, straight, wavy, or zigzag edges. In this guide, we'll focus on curvy edges, and we'll be crafting three D.I.Y. backdrops at different heights (2.2m, 1.8m, and 1.5m).
    Team Member holding backdrop design template
  2. 2

    Create a template for your pattern

    Once you've chosen your pattern, it's time to create a template. Take a 3mm sheet of MDF (approximately 500mm long) and mark your desired pattern on the edge of the sheet. Make adjustments until you're satisfied. Use a jigsaw to cut out the template.

    Green Bunnings hammer
    Tip: While cardboard is a possible alternative, MDF is sturdier and provides a more precise template.
    Team Member drawing out template design
  3. 3

    Trace the template onto your MDF board

    Begin at the top of your 2400 x 1200 x 6mm MDF board and trace your template onto the sheet. Follow the outline along the sides and top of the MDF, working your way down. This top-down approach ensures precise edges for your backdrop trio.
    Team Member tracing out template design
  4. 4

    Cut your pattern with a jigsaw

    After tracing the pattern all the way around, cut out the shape using a jigsaw. Take your time and aim for precise cuts, especially on the curves. If you end up with any rough edges, you can easily sand them off using an orbital sander, which will give you a clean and polished finish.
    Green Bunnings hammer
    Tip: Remember to wear a dust mask while sanding.
    Team Member cutting out pattern design
  5. 5

    Trace and cut your second and third backdrops

    To create consistent backdrops, use your first sheet as a template. Place it on top of your second 1800 x 1200mm MDF sheet, ensuring the top is flush with the bottom. Clamp to secure and use a pencil to trace the design onto the MDF. Once traced, cut out the shape using a jigsaw.

    For the 1.5m high backdrop, measure and mark 300mm from the bottom. Draw a line and cut along it. Repeat the tracing and jigsaw cutting process for this section, aligning with the marked measurement.

    Team Member tracing out backdrop design
  6. 6

    Create supporting backing rails

    Now that your trio of backdrops are complete, you’ll need to add support to ensure stability. Remember: you'll still need to weigh down the legs for additional stability during use.

    To create the supporting backing rails, you'll need three rectangles made from 700 x 450mm pine, each measuring 80cm in width and approximately 200mm shorter than the height of your backdrops. In our example, we’ve cut vertical lengths at 1.9m, 1.6m, and 1.3m. Connect these lengths using wood adhesive and mending plates. If you don't have a fixing gun, use a hammer and nails instead.

    Team Member constructing backdrop supports
  7. 7

    Make braces for a square backing brace

    To ensure your backings are square, you’ll need to attach a cross brace to each rectangle. Measure and mark the pine to length, cut with a jigsaw and then screw them in with your plates.
    Team Member attaching cross brace to backdrop supports
  8. 8

    Attach the backing braces to the backdrop

    Adhere and fix your MDF sheets to the rectangle frame. Ensure that the frame is centred and aligned with the bottom of the MDF sheets for a clean fit.
    Team Member applying liquid nails to backdrop supports
  9. 9

    Create backdrop legs

    To provide sturdy support for your backdrops, construct legs using framing pine measuring 700 x 450mm. For all backdrops, the flat base should be 450mm long. For the 1.5m and 1.8m backdrops, you'll need four 600mm pine lengths, while two 800mm pine lengths will suffice for the 2.2m backdrop.

    To prepare the legs, cut one end of each pine length at a 45-degree angle. This angled cut will be used later to create half of a French cleat. Once cut, attach the vertical length to the leg base. Mark the centre point on each leg base and secure the vertical piece in place using wood glue and 300 x 100 x 50mm angle brackets.

    Six pine backdrop legs in a row
  10. 10

    Create second half of the French cleat

    Your French cleat will allow you to connect your backdrop to the legs. To do this, cut six lengths of framing pine at approximately 200mm long. Next, cut a 45-degree angle on one end of each length.
    Team Member cutting framing pine
  11. 11

    Attach the French cleat to the backdrop

    To determine the placement of your 200mm lengths on the backing board, measure from the base of the leg along the vertical to its longest point. Mark this length on the back of your party backdrop, starting from the bottom.

    Next, screw your 200mm blocks onto the back of the frame, ensuring that the shortest point of the 45-degree angle aligns with the mark you made. This assembly will create your French cleat, resulting in a neat and polished finish.

    Team Member attaching French cleat to the backdrop
  12. 12

    Attach extra backdrop support

    Prepare six pine lengths measuring 67mm x 18mm. Attach these lengths to your leg base, leaving a 6mm gap to accommodate the width of your MDF backdrop. This added support will ensure its stability and prevent your backdrop from slipping forward.
    Team Member attaching extra supports to the backdrops
  13. 13

    Paint and style to finish off

    To add the final touches to your party backdrops, start by filling any sheet holes with Spakfilla. Allow it to dry, then sand the surface to achieve a smooth finish. Next, apply a primer to your sheets and paint them in colours that match your party theme. Allow them to dry.
    Green Bunnings hammer
    Tip: Remember to stabilise the backdrops by weighing them down with sandbags.
    Team Member painting party backdrops
  14. 14

    Create a picnic table for your party

    Check out our step-by-step guide on how to build a picnic table.
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Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.