Build a Decorative Screen

Adding a custom screen can add a separation of space, as well as a unique element to a room. For more great design projects, visit Carter Can.

Carter Can : Episode HCCAN-202 -- More Projects »
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eight 1 x 2 x 78-inch pieces of wood for vertical beams
20 1 x 12 x 2-inch pieces of wood for horizontal beams
36 17-7/8 x 2 x 78-inch pieces of wood for cross sections
eight 78 x 2 x 1/2-inch pieces for vertical facing
20 12 x 2 x 1/4-inch pieces for horizontal facing
nine 3-inch non-mortise hinges
safety glasses
tape measure
pencil
carpenter's glue
2-inch nails
1-inch brads
nail gun
brad nailer
router
3/8-inch rabbet bit
belt sander
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Figure A
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Figure B
Steps:

1. Cut all of the wood down to size. Place one of your horizontal beams at the top between two vertical beams. Attach with 2-inch nails. Make sure that the horizontal beams are flush with the vertical (figure A).

2. Measure down 17-1/4 inches, and place a second horizontal beam. Do this all the way down until you reach the bottom.

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Figure C
3. Once you have a section complete, take your router and rabbet a groove 3/8" wide x 1/2" deep on the inside of each square section (figure B). Sand the tops of the 1/4-inch cross pieces so that they're rounded and smooth (figure C). Make sure each piece fits diagonally into the corners of each square.
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Figure D
4. Place two cross-sections in each square so they form an X. Use 1-inch brads to secure to the frame. Repeat in the remaining squares (figure D).

5. Place the facing on the horizontal and vertical pieces. This will hide the grooves and the ends of the cross pieces from sight, cleaning it up to be a solid, clean piece. Repeat steps 2-5 until you have four identical sections.

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Figure E
6. When finished, paint the sections. To attach them, use 3-inch non-mortise hinges at the three middle horizontal beams (figure E).
Also in this Episode
Carter Can : Episode HCCAN-202
•Green Solution: Formaldehyde-Free Soy-Based Adhesive
•Build a Decorative Screen
•Build a Floating Bedside Table