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How to make D.I.Y. screens this summer

By Bunnings magazine /

Outdoor chair in front of patterned summer screening.

Overview

The summer months have many of us heading into our backyards to enjoy the fresh air and warm weather. Extend the use of your home’s outdoor space with a screen to cut glare and create privacy. It’s easily achieved with laser-cut bamboo fence extensions sandwiched between a painted timber frame. Follow our step-by-step D.I.Y. guide to screen off your outdoor room and make the most of the summer months ahead.

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

Tools and materials

    Steps

    1Adjust your panel heights

    To screen your space, ensure there are two solid fixing points, then adjust the height of the panels and the timber lengths to suit. We secured a 90mm x 42mm H3 pine post to the house wall studs with 70mm batten screws. Our frame uses five 500mm-wide panels with 30mm gaps.
    Green Bunnings hammer
    Tip: Predrill all holes with a combination countersinking bit. 
    Close-up shot of a white wall with a screw in.

    2Measure, cut and secure

    Run a string line level between the posts to measure and mark the top of the frame under the rafter and the base in line with the deck fascia. To centre a support at the base, predrill to secure an angle bracket face down into the side of the deck with 30mm button screws. With a mitre saw, cut a post offcut to fit inside the bracket to the string line, predrill and secure through the top of the bracket.
    A measuring tape is put up to the roof, underneath the rafter.

    3Cut and secure posts and rails

    Cut four 92mm H3 pine rails to span between posts along front and back of the panels. Clamp front rails at the top and base, check for level, predrill and secure with 40mm screws. Cut two 42mm sides to fit between the rails, predrill and secure to posts. Cut four 92mm uprights the same length as the sides.
    Green Bunnings hammer
    Tip: Before assembling, apply two coats of exterior paint to the pine pieces to seal ends.
    Two, white, pine rails are placed between the side of the house and up to the roof of the outdoor area.

    4Cut, sand and prep bamboo panels

    Using a circular saw, cut the bamboo panels to fit the full height of the frame, trimming equally from both ends. Sand with 180-grit abrasive paper, install cover caps in the original centre holes with construction adhesive, and wipe away dust with a cloth. Apply two coats of marine varnish with a roller, leaving to dry after each coat. 
    Varnish is held in a paint tray with a paint brush lying on top.

    5Install the rails

    Predrill through the base rail into the frame support, securing with 40mm screws. Clamp the first panel flush with the frame edges, predrill and secure with 25mm screws. Use a 30mm spacer to position and clamp the remaining panels, predrill and secure.

    Note: Our rails are 2620mm long, the bamboo panels are 2150mm high and the sides and uprights are 1970mm long.

    A drill is used to place holes at the top of the timber.

    6Add the finishing touches to your summer screen

    Position and clamp a back rail along the top of the panels, predrilling to avoid the screws underneath and secure with 25mm screws. Centre the uprights between the panels to secure down the sides, then install the back base rail. Smooth over all screws with filler, leave to dry, then sand and touch up with paint on the frame and varnish on the panels.
    A paint roller with white paint is used to paint the back of the frame.

    7Want more outdoor styling ideas for the summer season?

    Discover our deck design ideas for a beautiful outdoor retreat.

     

    Photo Credit: Natasha Dickins

    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.