How to build a timber screen

The first thing to do is establish the installation points for your screen. In this project, we’re using an existing post and the fence line, but if you need to install your own posts, check out our guide to setting a post.

The frame needs to fit in between the posts. Measure the distance between the two, then divide the total measurement by the width of slats and desired spacing. This will tell you how many slats you'll need. Next, work out how high you’d like the screening to be by measuring from the floor to your desired height. We’d suggest going high enough to create a sense of separation between your spaces, or to hide whatever you’d like to conceal. If you’re working with a fence line, we’d suggest aiming for the same height as the fence.

Using these measurements, it’s time to mark and cut the timber. Put on your safety equipment and measure where you will need to cut. Don’t forget – measure twice, cut once! Carefully cut at your marks using a circular saw.

You’ll need pieces for top, bottom and sides, as well as intermediate ones. If you’re installing the screens vertically, you will need horizontal rails to attach it to. 

Once you have the timber for your frames, it’s time to paint. Lay down a drop sheet and get to work on each piece of timber with a paintbrush. You can use any colour paint or varnish you like, but make sure to cover all of the gaps.

Once you’ve finished one coat, leave it to dry before completing a second coat. This will help protect the timber from the elements. 

Once the timber is dry, it’s time to assemble your frame by screwing all of the pieces together. We’d suggest doing this on the floor for ease.

Once the frame has been assembled, lift it up and pop it between the posts at your desired height. A great way to do this is to screw some blocks of wood to the bottom of the posts for the frame to sit on. This will ensure it stays at the right height. When you’re happy with where it is sitting, secure the frame with screws.

Once the frame is secured, remove the blocks of wood from the bottom of the posts.

It’s time to start on the slats. First, measure the height they need to be to cover the frame. Divide the width of the screening by the width of a slat, and the size of the gap you’d like. This ensures the gaps are even all the way across the screen. Generally, the gap should be at least 5mm, but the wider the gap, the more see-through the screening will be.

Using the tape measure, measure each slat, marking where you will need to cut each one. Put on your safety equipment and cut at your mark using a circular saw.

The last thing you want is uneven slats, so it’s important to ensure each one is perfectly placed before screwing them into place. To do this, use a fixing gun to tack the slats in place before finally screwing them in. Tack each slat in at the top, using a packer as a spacer between the slats.

Once all the slats are in place, use chalk line to mark the centre of the horizontal pieces of frame. This marks where you’ll need to insert the screws.

Put your safety equipment back on and use a timber counter-sunk bit on your drill to screw in each slat with stainless steel screws. Insert them at the top, in the middle and at the bottom of each slat, making sure you screw each one in the centre.

All that’s left is the final touches – remove the bottom timber guide and wipe off the chalk.

Don’t forget to give your timber another coat once it’s installed. This will ensure your screen will last for years to come.