Copper Fireplace Screen

Combine hardware store items for an industrial fireplace screen. Figure A Figure B Figure C Figure D

3/4" copper pipe
2 copper elbows
12 copper T fittings
4 copper end caps
stainless steel screen (NOT fiberglass)
expanded sheet steel
1/2" aluminum flat stock
sheet metal screws
drill
nut driver
steel wool

Note: Be careful when moving the screen around as the copper will get hot.

Steps:

1. Measure the fireplace opening. The screen should be slightly taller and wider than the opening. The featured project was based on an opening 18 inches tall and 30 inches wide.
2. Make two sides or ends for the screen. Each consists of an upright outside with a leg and an inside runner to support the expanded sheet. Cut one piece of copper pipe 22 inches long.
3. At one end, attach a copper elbow and at the other, attach a T fitting (figure A). Both the T and the elbow should face the same direction.
4. Cut two pieces five inches long and insert into the elbow and the T. Onto the ends of both of these pieces, attach another T.
5. Cut two pieces of pipe six inches long and insert into the Ts. Onto both of these, another T will be installed and a length of pipe between them to connect them together. Measure and cut this connector.
6. Repeat Steps 2 through 5 above for the other side or end and connect the two with four pieces of pipe cut to the proper length.
7. For the feet, insert and short length of pipe into the lowest Ts (about 1-1 /2") and follow that with another T. By adding six-inch lengths of pipe to these Ts , the feet are created. Cover all exposed ends with copper caps (figure B).
8. Attach the expanded sheet to the center section of the screen with sheet metal screws in the four corners (pre-drill holes first)(figure C).
9. Leave copper as is or rub the entire piece with steel wool.
10. Attach the steel mesh screen to the entire backside using the aluminum flat stock as a backer. Pre-drill and use the sheet metal screws to secure (figure D).