DIY HD Projector Screen for $100

Want to build a high quality DIY projector screen? Check out how I built two 147" screens that look amazing for about $100 each.
Products used in this video:
Carl's FlexiGray Projector Screen Material - no longer sold on Amazon. You can still buy it direct here (bit.ly/35tIcpR) or you can buy comparable material on Amazon here: geni.us/mO62
Kreg Jig K4 Pocket Hole System: geni.us/j68Hw
Kreg Right Angle Clamp: geni.us/Xnf7
Kreg Pocket Hole Screws: geni.us/ehnV
DeWalt Compact Staple Gun: geni.us/YsGw3fp
Flat Corner Brace: geni.us/gyIfy
ProSensor 710 Franklin Stud Finder: geni.us/46Lnc
Short Throw projector (the one at my buddy's house - $647): geni.us/zLIw48
My projector (from video intro - $547): geni.us/E1mEjNP
Not Shown:
$40 Kreg Pocket Hole Jig: geni.us/OIR9pke
Kreg Jig Master System: geni.us/U4JXWA
Music in this video:
Credit: Panthurr
Track: I Think About You - You Don't Think About Me
spencer.panthurr
soundcloud.com/panthurr
Used with permission
Credit: LiamLRY
Track: Faith
soundcloud.com/liamlry
Used with permission

[@ericgustin3386]

never start on a corner. always start in the middle and do about a foot wide section. then do the opposing side pulling it tight. do the sides the same way and then keep rotating around doing the opposing sides. im sure yours came out fine, but starting in a corner can and usually does lead to wrinkles and or bunched up material at the end. have to to it like an engine block rotating and opposing sides is the best bet. as for the grey screen, you are correct. the problem with projectors in a lit room is that the light in the room washes out the dark colors. by having a grey screen, your helping the dark colors along. and theres no real sacrifice on the light colors in a dark room. kind of like priming a wall grey before painting it black or red. nice work.

[@LRN2DIY]

Good tips. Thanks, Eric!

[@craigevans1029]

DIY Nils can you paint that screen material?

[@JoshuaDay0550]

Craig, yes. They sell paint that acts as screen material at home depot. you just have to make sure your wall is nice and even

[@nayudusrini]

I was about to say same. You start at middle, do opposite side. Keep the tension and keep going.

[@KarnageBDM]

I built one back years ago and still use it to this day. I followed the same steps as your video but used counter top laminate instead of the screen. It's a bit more stable and easier to clean. I believe it was the Wilsonart Fashion Grey. I also built a frame and wrapped it in velvet to give a nice black edge in case I ever had overflow.

[@RaspingPompano2]

What I like about your videos is you tell everyone what tools your using and what they cost.

[@cjjlmorris]

In Seattle we have Tool Libraries. ..lending tool library for $20 or $30 a year. The tools are donated by that areas Resident's, or asked for donations, etc, etc The yearly fees are used to pay for someone to be there during certain posted hours (online). And/or volunteers help with hours. And if a big enough group they will use fees to pay for a qualified expert carpenter to be on hand to help explain tool usage and/or project usage and needs -:) Also secure storage of said tools.

[@greigotee8585]

I have stretched a stack of canvas for painting on same principle of what you have made, one thing i always do is start stapling fro the middle on all four sides this way you can pull out any kinks or loose spots . Works for me every time.

[@lynxcub7693]

Black Felt on the outer frame itself, can "hide" any light bleed over, and also adds a nice touch to the frame (in most environments)

[@weavermarkr]

I’m so glad I watched this. A different video had a really complicated system for hanging the screen that almost derailed me from the project. This looks like the way to go. Thanks for the simple explanation!

[@andyespenan5919]

I used your 2 screw method to hang the frame(without screen on yet) and added additional "french cleat" support between the 2 middle supports. Was easier to get it level with it already leveled on screws. Thanks for your video. I see is has helped quite a few people over the years as it did me.

[@lefox1974]

Awesome project! Very simple and profetional looking! Thank you for sharing!

[@eddyfernandez3710]

Carl's also sells a black velvet tape in 2"-4" thicknesses that makes a great high contrast border and allows you a little wiggle room in the event that you have some unevenness (where you'd need to use the keystone function) and want to blow up the image a bit to take up the whole screen.

[@Montauk198]

I went to the fabric store and bought Curtain backer (blackout) for $4.19/yd. which works really well also.

[@mikefree3408]

Nice job! I built one using the same design with a 2:35 aspect ~130" screen I also wanted to matte the edges so I used some wide hook/loop Velcro tape (just the smooth felt side) and stuck that around the edge of the frame. Looks really nice. Well done!

[@JusSleepTV]

Man this is awesome. That looks great.

[@jonathanabreu3782]

Great video, going to try this myself this weekend..

[@cook6052]

I love the simple install. I suggest you might usa french cleat made from a 1 x 4 and back light it leds. Awsome project

[@RileyMacabre]

That was pretty awesome! Thanks for the tutorial, man! Keep 'em comin!

[@EdmondHaddocks]

Amazing channel bro, keep it up!

[@twells9090]

this is a great video! im moving and debating between a projector and 75 in.... im going to go 60-65 and make one of these!!! your a live saver my friend movie night will never be the same!!!

[@LRN2DIY]

Thanks, Tory! I fully agree - movie night with a huge projected image like this is fantastic. We get way more use out of our basement than I think we otherwise would because it's a great setup.

[@MM-ob8ti]

Awesome project man!

[@MyBrothersMario]

I highly recommend getting the sample pack from this brand of screen material, it's 8.5x11 sections of all their options that you can use to compare what each looks like.

[@MrSmilingman2781]

That's amazing I wish I could what you do. Keep up the good work !!!!!

[@DarthHater100]

I just bought a $100 pull down 100 inch screen from Amazon.ca. Looks great, and it's nice that you can pull it down part way for 2.40 movies, so there are no black bars. Plus it's in front of my TV, so it's nice to have it roll up for TV watching.

[@JulesMariani]

Looks dope!

[@MyNameIzDave]

That's really awesome!

[@Whey2010]

loved it...very cost effective Nils!

[@srarcade]

looks great I'll be sure to check that screen company. You could also use a biscuit cutter and dados on the joints, that would keep them perfectly flush and add some strength.

[@Peter-fv9bj]

I guess youtubes new algorithm is working alright. Beautiful video! Glad I found this channel.

[@psinghiitr]

Very easy steps. Thank you guys 👍

[@croyleto2466]

Love The Drill With Flashlight 👍🏻

[@MALANDROVIC]

Awesome, will try this! 👍🏼

[@StevenLutz1970]

From an upholsterers frame of mind (pun intended), you should staple in the very center of every board, and then start working your stretch from center out on both top and bottom, and then finally the sides, same manner, center out. This method of applying fabric to any frame almost always guarantees that there will be no wrinkles or unintended pleating, especially if you are not working with stretch friendly fabric like you've shown.

[@pfog977]

I found one for 40 bucks on Amazon; saved me a lot of time and money

[@jrizz43]

add a black felt border to that and you're all set! looks great

[@DallasJohnson-tx1ht]

Love this.. have you done a video on how to DYI a seating system if you have two to three layers of seats?

[@davidsamuels6734]

NICE!!! Thank You for sharing

[@MapBot11]

If you cut a 45 degree angle on the bottom side of the top rail of the screen frame, you could hang it like a french cleat. It would probably be more secure than resting it on the head of two screws.

[@LRN2DIY]

Great idea!

[@chrisdechristophe]

Screws are a bit getto

[@jermainejohnson8911]

@@chrisdechristophe Just make your own video this is your second post of criticism.

[@bra1217]

I think it was awesome. such a great job.

[@LRN2DIY]

Thanks!

[@rtbarshaw3766]

This a really great video. Now do a rear projection screen please.

[@jimlawrence5653]

I use the wall in my room which is a grayish white color and super fine grain paint... Works great, but I enjoyed the video....

[@symon3003]

that was awesome 😊

[@charleestippens1658]

You are the best teacher omg love the work I'm gonna do you I just orders my projector..

[@TheQuirkyCoupleChannel]

That's really cool!

[@sadnessinside123]

great video. thank you for sharing

[@apple-guy9394]

Awesome man! 👍🏻👍🏻

[@partaydiyprojectionscreens1452]

Nice assembly, but as a recommendation, a spline/channel lock system is much easier than stapling and does less damage to material.

[@seeamerica1]

Super video, thanks

[@PEREZSS170]

thanks for the great idea

[@theundead1600]

thanks, i know now i wont by a premade one. great vid.

[@amely8393]

when building the frame glue the unions for a much stronger frame, in the end is only a couple of dlls for the wood glue and it makes it much stronger, clean the runs with a damped cloth at building time...

[@TechSpank]

I'm not entirely sure why I watched this: I don't have a projector and don't need a screen, but you did a great job showing the process. Well done - my only tip would be to stretch the screen like you would a canvas over stretchers -- it'll help make sure things start off and STAY tight for many years. :)

[@jeffreycurry4310]

Nice... I'm doing this for my kids play room...

[@brandonkeisler86]

FREAKEN AWESOME!!!

[@vestel777]

This is an AWESOME video. My screen would be 9-10 Feet by 250-300 Inches in width.

[@1061shrink1061]

I would suggest that for a crisp edge to the image, it would be better to put some "masking" around the edges. To achieve this, I'd actually create two frames, the inner one that you created here today, and an outer frame which is just the outside edges. The outside frame (which would sit proud of the rear frame) would be wrapped in a non light reflective black velvet like material. This would give a lovely clean edge to the images and also hide any unsightly edges on the screen material.

[@andychavez1278]

Great Video!!

[@mdbillal5158]

Super cool

[@Iamthecreator.]

Great Video 🤗👍

[@JoshuaDay0550]

if you want even cheaper, Carls blackout cloth (white) works great. A roll long enough to make a 110" screen was about 30$ on amazon.... then probably 10$ for the wood and L brackets from home depot.

[@carlosrios7088]

i was almost did this myself. i was going to go with the same carl gray screen. but amazon has the 120inch motorized one for just $100 bucks. since i have a tv behind it, it made send to go motorized. but when i own a home and have an actual theater room ill want to go this route.

[@ravirajsahani251]

Good job

[@Synthematix]

Wow, just Wow, i dont think id ever go back to a television after owning the Optoma HD131XE, such beautiful vivid colours, versatility and huge screen size, also no worry ever of screen burn, going back to a tv would be silly, (OLED Sucks) however, convincing the wife to buy one is always hard work. And yes, 50% black to 50% white mix is the ultimate colour for projector screens, this is why CRT televisions had a grey crt

[@mosesdcoach]

i did it and its great.

[@noahbromberg3675]

I used a white blackout shade for my theater room. whole setup for the projecter, the screen, and the mount costed about 150 bucks😀😀

[@kelllauget6813]

Thank you for the frame Directions, I finally found a very well made tutorial. Would it be different material for 4K?

[@LRN2DIY]

Glad you liked it, Raquel. No - the material should work for any resolution just fine!

[@DieselMike]

Excellent video Nils. After hanging the screen I noticed that the measurements you took were the dimensions of the inside of the 1 x 4 frame. Which is nice because it leaves a boarder. So to finish it off, will you ultimately lay 4" strips of black felt over the edges? I understand that a black board will absorb the light and make for a crisper picture toward the edges.

[@LRN2DIY]

On my buddy's screen we built it larger than we needed so he could add a border to it, like a black felt border border for absorbing light. When I built mine, I made it as close to the edge as I could, like you see in the beginning of the video, since I didn't plan on adding the border to it. I may change that later but I wasn't sure how much space I'd have to work with. Adding the light absorbing border helps your eyes take in all the contrast of the screen portion, so it is a good idea. Thanks for watching!

[@shaylynbishop9535]

any chance you have a video on how to build the unit that is around it. That what drew my attention in the first place

[@LRN2DIY]

Unfortunately I did not film my build of the shelving units but I love how they turned out. I may be doing some other built-ins in my house in the not too distant future and will be filming them if I do. Stay tuned!

[@tommarthaller]

First, great video. Planning to get a projector for a basement home theater. Looking for a good screen design. Second, I'm amazed by how many people don't have tools based on their comments. Seems like all you NEED is a saw, a drill, a screwdriver, and a staple gun. Do't most guys have these in their garage? Third, is Carl's still in business? All of their items show "not available".

[@vinster907311]

Good job on this built. Can u do a video on projector $200 for best native 1080p? Not too many 4K movies , so why not choose the best native 1080p?

[@ebkomboGAR]

thank you very much it's very helpful for bur can you send the list if I can find it here in Brazil.

[@tecnolover2642]

Carl's also sells the ALR ambient light rejection material which works much better.

[@adriyanmusic]

Of course I like it, man you are pro...

[@bennoroderick348]

very nice

[@cattywhompus1012]

New subscriber. Looks pretty cool

[@MrMoayadshaban]

have you tried a black screen protector? I've seen so many videos about black screen projector, it's awesome. if you have any ideas about it with me in new what do you think?

[@wesleyrhea4100]

Any tips on doing something like this but a portable version for outdoor viewing that can be collapsed down to take with you?

[@rickdeckard9810]

Thanks, at the intro the top left corner seems to be off, I'm assuming it's the projector and not the screen.

[@MSTEXANA80]

Keep doing these videos! Awesome work! Good knowledge. Thank you. Single mom here on diy tasks.

[@josegtt25879]

Hey friend, you are very similar to kimi Raikkonen...jiji good job is a nice projet thank you.

[@florestista9339]

amazing

[@sd1349]

Nice!

[@lucasdesouza9674]

what kind of projector is this. is really nice!

[@luc1ferblack]

i agree that it doesnt look any better but having a optima projector i use all the time im also aware that video of a projection never shows the true quality ot brightness. im pretty sure it makes a big difference because white was reflect alot of the light but i beleive projector screens absorb it or stop it throwing light around as much

[@tamilcultureincanada8836]

please advise what's the best led projector under 250 having around 3 to 4000 lumen thanks .oh I enjoyed your video thanks

[@benjmiester]

I have a question more about the projectors... Given that the jump from a 720p and the lowest priced 1080p ones, should I just stick to a 720p for my 1st projector/ budget build?

[@teddysurf]

So here’s a question not to second-guess you guys or anything but is there a reason why you didn’t just buy the projector paint and tape off and paint out a 16:9 rectangle on the wall? That’s what my brother did and there was less hassle and it looks pretty good because it’s seamless.

[@Krydolph]

how about borders? I have bought some black boarder tape, but I am unsure how to apply it so I ensure it gets straight, and not get crooked or anything like that...

[@MoK86]

Please make a screen for outdoors.

[@shankarh6915]

What kind of fabric is being used here for the screen? Does it sag under its own weight over time/because of temp differences through the year?

[@donnieharris6306]

this video is nice I think I'm gonna take my TV off the wall now and use that but my living room I think is too small for that

[@Wildernessoutside]

Donnie Harris if you've got a small room buy a benq 1080st it's short throw so you can project an image on the wall from 3 feet away

[@davidunknown402]

good job 😆

[@ChrisKadaver]

I dont know... In this case you could've just painted the wall. It's better to let the screen come out from the wall some more and use other materials for the frame like something "thicker" I think, just to add some dept and let it come out from the back wall some more. Also you should either add some black velvet at the edges of the screen or project the image all the way to the edges. Grey colour don't add any contrast. It just messes up the colors and the white level. So you could try and paint the screen with a mixure of white and metallic silver to get higher contrast. There are a couple of popular recepies put there, but it could also mess up the colors though. This guide don't cover if you're going with a non streatchable fabric. Maybe you should add a word about that.

[@snowpham9102]

Can I get the exact measurements on these, like the length of each piece

[@dallasnativo4130]

is that a pro sensor stud finder 710 Franklin or what kind is that? seems like it makes life a little easier instead of the beep stud finder

[@brentad2004]

I said over 10 years ago that projectors were the future of home media viewing, and it seems with the new technology including holographic, better lumens, UHD, etc. it could still happen, guess we'll see.

[@rasein]

Hi Nils, after watching your video planning to build the projector screen myself, explained in-detail. I got the same "FlexiGray Projector Screen Material", 145 Inch. Can you please share the Cut measurements for 1X4

[@LRN2DIY]

Hi, Mohamed. On mine the vertical 1x4s measure 63” long and the horizontals are 123”. The horizontals run the full length while the verticals are sandwiched between the horizontals.

[@rasein]

@@LRN2DIY Thank you for the Quick reply

[@bradburyrobinson]

Is the frame of the screen simply sitting on top of the screw heads or is there some sort of attachment? If it's on the screws, is this secure enough? Obviously most of the time this just sits on the wall but what if there are children around or somebody knocks it?

[@KindskopfUnterhaltung]

Can I paint my green projector screen black so it becomes grey-ish color in order to have a better picture?

[@aadhiash0189]

Pretty informative video. Thanks for sharing. Have a question, you are calculating the top and bottom at full width and sides and support at full height - width of top and bottom. But when you projecting the screen in the end, i see the image being projected inside the frame. How is that possible? did you reduce the screen size. Please help.

[@LRN2DIY]

The finished size was just a bit bigger than the actual projection area, but it didn't need to be. If the top and bottom piece are exactly as wide as the projection, and the vertical pieces are exactly as tall as the projection minus the 7" or so for the top and bottom boards, it should work out perfectly. It's not a bad idea to add a couple of inches all around for wiggle room or a black matte border.

[@ColinRobertson_LLAP]

Vandersteen's. Nice.

[@TTSetters]

For the screen you can get fpr abpit $90 is "Carl’s FlexiGray, Projector Screen Material, High Contrast Gray (16:9 | 71x126 | 144-in | Rolled) HD/High-Definition, In/Outdoor Projection Screen, Portable Movie Screen, Low Ambient Light, Grey" It's a roll. If you look you can build easily a 1x4" frame with a pocket hole system and go as big as you need (125" 16:9, there are many other variations). I mean I guess $100 for a screen vs paying whatever this projector costs (I didn't see the cost, I'm guessing 30+K??). I like projectors but hell they are more expensive than a TV, which at times doesn't make sense considering the amount of material in a tv vs a projector. I don't know crap about it though, feel like marketing tricks to me!