A Step by Step Guide to Make DIY Screen Doors

Installing a DIY screen door in your home is great for preventing bugs and pollen while allowing the flow of air and light without obstruction. It’s also an added form of security. The most important thing you must consider when building a screen door is to inspect the door frame.

It’s important to ensure your current frame does not have any damage or rot. It may seem like an intimidating task but installing a screen door is straightforward. With the right guidance, you can have your screen door up within 1-2 days.

How To Build a DIY Screen Door

There are different types of screen doors available (which you would learn about as you read on). But this simple DIY screen door is both budget-friendly and easy to install.

Essentials You’ll Need

• 4 1×2 lumber, each 8-foot
• 4 4-inch galvanized flat corner braces
• Metal or nylon screen fabric, 48-inch roll
• Double-roller catch with spear strike
• Galvanized door handle
• Wood screen molding with wire brads (optional)
• 2-inch galvanized screws
• 2 4-inch galvanized flat T-braces
• Stain and sealer or paint (optional)
• Flat hinges

Handy Tools

• Paint brush
• Tape measure
• Carpenter’s square
• Power miter saw or circular saw
• Screw gun
• Utility knife
• Straightedge
• Hammer

Instructions 

Step 1: Cut the Frame Pieces

Using the power miter saw or circular saw, measure and cut out the parts needed to build the frame.

A standard screen door frame will have the following measurement for each part,

• Frame sides- 77 inches
• Center rail- 33 inches
• Top and bottom rail- 36 inches
• Upper Latch Standoff- 6 inches
• Lower Latch Standoff- 3 inches

Step 2: Build the Screen Door Frame

Place both frame sides of 77 inches and the top and bottom rails of 36 inches on a flat surface. The combination will make a rectangle of 80 inch x 36 inch.

Perfect the corners with a carpenter’s square to get an accurate square. Take a flat corner brace and place one at each corner. Attach it with a screw gun and galvanized screws.

You must measure the diagonals to ensure each side is equal. If both measurements are the same, the door is in a perfect square.

Step 3: Put in The Center Brace

Put the center rail between the frame side pieces, the rail should be at the middle point. Using the two galvanized flat T braces and screws, attach the center rail to the frame sides.

Step 4: Paint/Stain The Frame

Painting or staining the frame of your DIY screen door protects it and increases the durability. However, you can decide to leave your frame as is but this will make it more likely to warp and break down.

Here’s the proper way to protect your screen door frame with each method,

Painting: Exterior-grade paint is the best option for painting your wood frame. For a long lasting and attractive result, apply one coat of paint and allow it to completely dry before applying the next coat.

Staining: Stain the screen door frame on both sides and,

• Wipe with a clean cloth to get the stain out of the metal braces.
• Allow the stain to soak in for two hours before staining for the second time
• Finally, apply two coats of exterior polyurethane sealer

Step 5: Take Out The Screen Fabric

It’s time to roll out the screen fabric over the back of the screen door. Ensure it overlaps the side with a few inches for precise measurement and cutting.

Step 6: Staple the Screen Fabric

Hold the screen fabric firmly and staple around the perimeter. It helps if you can get help from someone else to hold the fabric taut over the frame. Your assistant will pull and stretch the fabric over while you staple it down for better precision.

Step 7: Trim The Excess Fabric

Using a utility knife, trim off the excess screen fabric after it has been stabled down. For a cleaner job, you can use a metal straight edge as you cut. In addition, consider covering the edges with wood molding for a clean finish.

Step 8: Mount and Secure the Screen Door

In the rough opening, place the screen door in the desired position. Hold it in place with shims while ensuring there’s an even gap between the screen door and frame of the perimeter.

Use flag hinges to secure the door to the frame by screwing them in.

Step 9: Create and Add a Standoff

To make a standoff for the inside of the door, stack up the 3-inch and 6-inch wood blocks for the spear strike part of the double roller catch. Put the standoff by the handle side of the door and use the 2-inch galvanized screws to attach it to the center rail.  

Step 10: Install the Double Roller Catch on your DIY Screen Door

Finally, Install the double roller catch on the doorframe. Using the screws attached to the catch, fit the spear strike on the standoff. After this, attach a door pull of your preference to the exterior side of the screen door.

By following these steps, you will build your DIY screen door with ease.

Important Tips For Installing a DIY Screen Door

To get the best out of your screen door, check out these tips,

Consider What Type of Screen Door You Want

Different types of screen doors serve distinct purposes. The material also affects the look and use of a screen door,

• Traditional Swinging Screens: These screens are usually made of aluminum, cost effective and functional. They’re not the most attractive of the bunch but are effective in protecting your home.
• Storm Doors: Storm doors are 2 in one doors that are mostly used in areas with adverse weather conditions. Storm doors serve as an extra protection barrier from wind, dust, and can contribute to maintaining ventilation during hot months.
• Retractable Screen Doors: These doors are much more pricey compared to traditional screen doors. However, they blend into the door frame better and can be rolled back when not in use. They offer an amazing view while protecting your home from bugs and pollution.
• Sliding Screen Door: Sliding screen doors cover the door in one direction. They are perfect for sliding doors and work with many modern home designs. Plus, it is easy to maintain and install.
• Motorized Screen Doors: Motorized screen doors are the peak of modern technology. They are innovative and offer expert protection against different types of pollution. It’s difficult to make a motorized screen door at home, you will need a credible installer to do an excellent job.

Do a Thorough Inspection of Your Doorway

You must have a thorough look at your doorway before installing a screen door. Check for,

• Signs of rot
• Insect infestation
• Warping and bowing
• Loose hinges and screws
• Gaps between the door and frame
• Weatherstripping
• The space of the door frame
• Secure door latch and lock

It’s important to ensure all of these areas are fully functional and intact. This will make sure your screen door is effective and durable.

Assemble Your Materials and Tools Before You Begin

To avoid forgetting any essentials you need for your screen door project, it’s important to gather your tools. Make a list of the things you need beforehand, get all of them assembled before you start the process.

Similar to replacement windows, screen doors require a lot of materials. Having all the tools assembled in one place will save you multiple trips to your garage while you build your screen door.

Measure Everything Accurately 

Your measuring tape is one of the most important tools when building a DIY screen door. The last thing you need is a screen door that doesn’t fit the frame or isn’t properly aligned. You must measure every part properly to get a properly functional screen door.

Double check all of your measurements for any door and window project if possible, get a second opinion before you proceed.

FAQ

What Wood is Best To Make A Screen Door?

The best wood to make a screen door are those that are resistant to weathering and rot such as mixed grain dough fir. Other popular alternatives are cypress, mahogany, oak, and western red cedar.

These woods are also excellent for building your home.

How Much Does it Cost to Make a DIY Screen Door?

The cost of making a DIY screen door is around $75. Most of the materials you need can be gotten from your local Costco or Home Depot stores. The pricing also depends on different factors such as the type of wood and screen fabric.

What Type of Screen is Good for a Door?

Stainless Steel screens are the best for your door. They are great for keeping insects away while promoting air and light flow. In addition, it maintains its shine overtime.

How Do You Seal a Wooden Screen Door?

You can seal your wooden screen door with multiple coats of Spar varnish. This solution fills the pores of the wood to prevent moisture and subsequent damage. It also has UV blockers that protects the screen door from fading out due to sun exposure.

How Thick Should a Screen Door Be?

A screen door should be at least 1⅛” (1.125 inches) thick. This level of thickness offers adequate balance for installation and performance.