EASY STEPS TO BUILD A SCREEN

Hide an ugly view or create a standalone garden feature with a decorative screen. You can pick up the rusted steel design straight off the shelf – then you just need to build the frame!

Gather your supplies

• 90 x 90mm x 2.4m (3) and 90 x 90mm x 3.6m H4 treated pine posts

• Black exterior paint

• 1800 x 900mm Tuscan Path Leaf screen panel (2)

You’ll also need Circular saw; drill; long 5mm bit; 150 and 75mm galvanised batten screws; tape measure; hammer; chisel; post hole digger; spirit level; wheelbarrow; concrete mix; bucket; painting gear; 2.5mm drill bit; 30mm galvanised button head screws

Here’s how

STEP 1 Out of 3.6m post, use circular saw to cut a length 1800mm long for top piece and 1620mm for cross rail. Butt 2.4m posts into top piece with 1 at each end and 1 in centre. Predrill using long 5mm bit, then screw together using 150mm batten screws.

STEP 2 On posts, mark position of cross rail, the bottom of which is 1800mm down post from outside of top piece. With your saw set to cut 45mm deep, make multiple cuts across centre post where cross rail will sit. Knock out waste timber with a hammer. Smooth bottom of housing with sharp chisel.

STEP 3 On cross rail, use saw and chisel to create a housing where the rail will sit over the centre post.

STEP 4 Sit cross rail over centre post so housings in both interlock. Predrill, then screw through them together, using 75mm batten screws. At sides, predrill and screw through outside posts into cross rail, using 150mm screws.

STEP 5 Use post hole digger to dig 700mm deep holes for posts where your screen will be located.

STEP 6 Sit screen frame in holes, make level and plumb. Mix concrete in a wheelbarrow, then use a bucket to pour concrete into holes around posts. Double check for plumb, then brace to hold while concrete sets.

STEP 7 Apply 2 coats black paint to screen frame, leaving to dry after each coat.

STEP 8 Predrill holes for screws around edge of screen using a 2.5mm bit. Hold first screen against frame and screw together using 30mm button head screws. Repeat to attach second screen panel.