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How to create an outdoor cinema

Outdoor furniture in front of a wall with canvas screen and fairy lights

Overview

Host movie nights under the stars with your very own outdoor cinema! If you have a blank wall in your garden, you can create your very own viewing area with just a drop sheet and a few comfortable pillows. Follow this simple D.I.Y. project from Bunnings Warehouse and soon enough, you’ll be enjoying blockbusters in your backyard. 

Steps

1Identify an area

The first thing to do is to figure out where your outdoor cinema will be. The best spot will be a plain wall that you can attach a hook to. Ideally, there will be no trees or big obstacles in the way!
Large blank end wall of a white weatherboard house

2Cut holes and attach eyelets

Use a hammer and the hole cutter from the grommet kit to cut two holes at the top of the canvas sheet (for the hooks). Use the punch and flange to fit an eyelet into each hole.
Person making a hole in a sheet of canvas using a hammer and punch

3Measure the length

Measure the length of the drop sheet using a tape measure.
Person measuring a sheet of canvas with a measuring tape

4Measure and mark

Measure and mark the length of the sheet on the wall with a permanent marker.
Person standing on a step ladder measuring a wall using a measuring tape

5Screw in the hooks

Pre-drill two holes on the wall at the marked points. Screw a hook into each hole.
Person screwing an cup hook into a weatherboard wall

6Attach the drop sheet

Use the mini bungee cords to attach the canvas to the hook so that you now have a screen.
Person attaching a canvas sheet to a cup hook using shock cord

7Set up projector and seating

Now that your screen is ready, set up your projector so that it lines up with your screen. Add some comfortable cushions and chairs and you’ll be ready to watch movies for nights on end. 
Outdoor table and chairs in front of a wall with canvas screen and fairy lights

8Sit back and relax

Once the kids pick the movie, sit back and relax.
An image projected onto a canvas screen at night

9Get ready for your next movie night!

Start preparing for your outdoor cinema by exploring our range of outdoor furniture.
Outdoor furniture in front of a wall with canvas screen and fairy lights
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.