DIY Window Screens

[@GuteisFinger]

This is one of the best instructional DIY videos I've seen. Thorough explanations, well staged and edited. Not having to watch paint dry=100 bonus points.

[@alexcordero6672]

Folks, I just finished the first screen (of 13 more to) go using the exact instructions in this video and I was told that they look professional. Also, I'm not a carpenter. Amazing instructions, thank you!!!

[@TheCraftsmanBlog]

Way to go Alex!

[@elpollorios8684]

Good job boddy!!

[@billcoleman2227]

I am going to try building this for a new customer on a house from the late 1800's. It would be a sin to install a modern screen on such an old, historic house. Thank you for taking the time to make this video!

[@tigger6186]

Our house was built around the 1860's and I've wanted to do something like this for a while now. I'm glad that I'm not the only one who wants to keep things original in these beautiful historic homes.

[@cynthiagiebler8860]

Thank you so much for this video! I have minimal carpentry skills and this was so easy to follow. I am making screens for my 120 year old farmhouse. 7 down, 4 to go.

[@marieellis6084]

I have family in Pakistan and you'd be surprised at how many houses in the villages that DONT have any screens on their windows or doors. The mosquitos can just come right in. I very much want to make screens for the windows and they aren't like American windows it's no casing no windows that open and shut. Its basically a hole in the wall with a solid shutter over it to open and close the window.. so a hanging screen like this would be absolutely perfect! Thank you so much!

[@robertboenau259]

Awesome video, Having built windows and doors and cabinets for 50 years, sometimes I watch a video to see if someone has a trick for something like in this case stretching and stapling screen. I just want to add my thumbs up to an excellently produced how to video. Very efficient use of time, no wasting of viewers time. Everything well explained and demonstrated. Refreshing to see this quality of sharing. I already had made my frames using dominoes, but this method seemed fine and very accessible for normal folks with limited tools available. Nice details like suggestion to paint the hardware to match the frame or the trim.

[@ChgoWildcard777]

Thanks so much for this video. I replaced all 13 screens on my 1910 bungalow this past summer. they look fantastic. Better than the old, slightly rusted screen material that was there probably since the 60s

[@timothystewart3431]

Hey Scott. Great video. I’m going to make these screens per your instructions. I don’t have a flat surface to attach the hinge hardware. Just stucco molding and then stucco. My metal current screens use two little channel guides but they are 7/16” and I’m gonna use 3/4” clear Doug fir. Where can I get 3/4” guides? I have used West Systems epoxy for a lot of wood for marine applications. Why don’t people use west systems epoxy to seal wood on windows or these screens prior to painting them? It’s seems like to would make them last way longer. Thanks for all your content and assistance!

[@timothystewart3431]

Bump

[@oriecat]

I just had my mnd blown by seeing how those old pieces of hanging hardware are actually used. Great video. Might inspire me to try making some.

[@TheCraftsmanBlog]

Ha ha! Glad to help!

[@philribaudo4126]

I Scott, You used staples for a screen. What method would your recommend to affix 20 gauge clear vinyl instead of staples for a screen?

[@bobw1731]

Phil, I'm about to make a similar frame using 20 gauge leaf vinyl. Did you use staples or something else to secure it? Thanks for any info.

[@philribaudo4126]

@@bobw1731 Hi Bob, I haven't done it yet, but plan on doubling and tripling up on the vinyl wrapped around a piece of wood to help prevent ripping. That is my plan anyway,

[@bobw1731]

Thanks for the reply and info. Good luck with your project.

[@twinkielight64]

My house is 220 years old and all the windows need repair. Thanks to your video I just fixed our bathroom window! Now, 31 more to go and we'll be done!

[@TheCraftsmanBlog]

Go get ‘em!

[@ethereal_synapse]

This video is exactly what i was looking for. Just bought a 103 year old craftsman home and the one thing it is lacking is screens. Now i got myself a good spring/summer project. Even all of my storm windows already use the exact hardware you recommend.

[@TheCraftsmanBlog]

Awesome! Hope the project goes smoothly for you!

[@ethereal_synapse]

Looking back at this, i noticed a relief cut around the inside of the frame. Was that done with a router? I am looking to restore my storm windows as well and i need that relief to lay the glass into the frame, but i am a little unsure of how to do that and haven't found much information on how it's done elsewhere.

[@TheCraftsmanBlog]

I have another video called DIY Storm Windows and that shows the process in detail. Feel free to check it out!

[@davondd]

This is great. I remember seeing these as a kid, can’t remember where 🤔, but I see them many times and this video is super simplistic, though I would’ve never though they would be so.

[@mattbikeyoung]

Just made two and they look great! Thank you! 6 more to go to complete the second floor.

[@ronohlsi2262]

Cool! I'm gonna try when the material isn't so expensive. Great instructional

[@richardwirsbinski4473]

You say cypress, is there other woods that will work? I made one that ended up warping. I can't remember what kind of wood I used. Also I recommend painting all 4 sides of the screen molding as mine had to be replaced after the first rain.

[@dva1946-WpAppsForThat]

I was not expecting such a simple and yet elegant screen (and as you said storm). We just purchased a 1954 home in WI with old fashion windows & storms, but not sure screens are in the garage attic. If no screens, will be building your version in a couple of months.

[@TheCraftsmanBlog]

Awesome!

[@Jin-Ro]

Thanks mate. We don't have these in the UK. When I went to the USA I thought they were a bloody brilliant idea. I'll be following this to install my own, Maybe set off a trend :)

[@maggiechan4489]

Looking for guidance to make a medium size screen door for a local food pantry to keep the birds out. I'm going to use your model. Not sure about the wood or terminology in my country, but you have such clear instructions I will know what to look for when I go to the hardware store today. Thank you. I feel confident I can do it now.

[@funkyjones]

Can you show us how to make the routes?

[@eddiecartagena7731]

awesome job, would you happen to have done an arched window?

[@elizabethdigeorgio7822]

Great explanations and details. We wondered why there weren't any screens on our Craftsman style home. Now we know how and what to do. Can't wait to get started.

[@Ocdoutdoors]

I'm going to be making some 8' screen windows for a customer's camp. Will be doing it very similar to this project.

[@Glitterslug]

i like how he says no fancy tools- proceeds to bust out all fancy tools

[@fencerider1492]

Can you use self tapping screws and drill directly to the window frame with these custom screens?

[@michaelbush8062]

Had been looking at aluminum screen systems. They're probably faster to install but I like the look of removable wood screens. I'll be using this video as the guide to screen my deck.

[@neil139]

Excellent video. Perfectly edited 100% useful information with no added fluff. Great job, super helpful.

[@doctorfeinstone6524]

I'm in the process of doing this now. But I'm using small hinges instead of hooks

[@FLIguy317]

That’s nice… I have a few old ones on my house like this I want to replace… have you done storm glass frames like this???

[@dexterink8392]

This is great but definitely not easy. I mean you make it look really easy but it's all about the space and tools. Great video

[@TeddyRumble]

It's actually pretty easy once you do about 10 of them.

[@stephenfishman4964]

You used an oil-based satin/paint for exterior applications but you didn't use Kreg's exterior pocket hole screws. Will the standard screws hold up outdoors even with dowels in the holes?

[@bobcat9314]

So simple very nice finished project..i think I will follow your method..thank you for the video..and taking the time to share your knowledge

[@rogeriomercon5535]

really nice to see some hand made wood work. Great work!

[@dmk5n1]

Great video. Looks durable. Making some this weekend. Q: how to replace when the screen gets busted? pry off everything, resand and paint. and restaple I guess. (I have kids playing ball in back and that happens.)

[@ChaseEsteves]

I've started to make these screens for my 100 year old Dutch colonial house. They're beautiful and the video is super easy to follow! I wish there was a video for crank out casement windows too. I have 6 of them I would love to screen them as well. I know they would be interior screens, but a great video to follow like this would be amazing!

[@TheCraftsmanBlog]

Great suggestion!

[@jolewington1811]

Hi there, LOVE your video and have never used an oblique pocket jig. Can I ask how you know you’ve drilled deep enough without going through the other side? And also the brand of your jig please? Many thanks!

[@hwebster100]

Will the razor knife cut copper screening?

[@ColinRBelle]

Did you route the inside edge to create a recession? at Mark 3min 23sec, you can see what looks like a routed recession?

[@ClayCrenshaw]

Very grateful for this video, but am I crazy or would these screens look better if they were hung flipped -- that is, with the staple side facing the window? (Assuming your casing allows the depth for the trim strips) Thanks again for posting this video!

[@717UT]

Those are beautiful

[@atkgrl]

I didn’t see the top hanging hardware in your links?

[@ozziestrom9793]

I know it's an older video, but how would you keep rainwater from building up at the inside sill? Drilling weep holes at the bottom?

[@deanslegos1990]

I'm gonna have to use some different hardware for the top but this is great

[@robertacabrera1464]

hello, Let me start by thanking you for a great tutorial and exactly what I was looking for... are you stapling on top of the rabbet? did you use the table saw for the rabbets? at what moment during the video did you get them done? when you use the pocket hole jig, rabbets are not there but when you are cutting/sanding the dowels off, the rabbets are there now...

[@mikeymo4]

its from another video: diy storm windows. he mixed them together where they were on the same step. the rabbets are gone after painting. there are no rabbets on these. those are for glass.

[@jimb7922]

Sure looks like rabbits are there ! Both when stapling the screen and the flush fit of the strips on top of the screen !!!

[@jimb7922]

I was wrong ! I went back and looked at the video ! No rabbits and the strips are not flush !

[@TheCraftsmanBlog]

Sorry to disappoint but there are no rabbets on this screen.

[@someonespadre]

This is what I started today. Wooden casement windows, very simple, like a small door. Screen on inside. The window has a pushrod operator. Will make a little sliding door at the window lock. My plan is two cross pieces above and below lock then one vertical between them to make little square hole (5"). Put the screen on like video then cut out hole. Slide door over, unlock window, slide door closed, use pushrod at bottom to operate window, it has a knurled knob that tightens on the rod locking window in place. I've used HD screen kits, take out screen, open window, put screen back in but they kind of need too much maintenance and not everyone in household is gentle, if you know what I mean.

[@sheridan3028]

I did not expect to find exactly what I needed - thank you! I have one (and only one) of these old screens. Guess I'd better get busy! Thanks, again.

[@jovanvazqueztorres8656]

Excelente trabajo💪😎 Estaría de lo mejor si apuntaras las medidas y tipo de madera 💪🤔 Gracias

[@tom4137]

Nice job! I have hinged windows that push out and needed an idea for screens. I will try this on the inside of the house to see how it works. My other option is to to go side-hinge. Thanks

[@TheCraftsmanBlog]

These are often installed in a similar fashion with only slight changes for our swing casements.

[@pecan11]

Wonder if u could use the black and simply overlay a white window and how it would look. I like the hangars as the stuff they use now is crap. I rescreened my existing metal frames but I think I like this better

[@udaysaiphanindra3138]

Perfectly done

[@dupree46]

Great idea! What was the final cost for the screen? Had to be better than buying the flemsy ones from big box.

[@Eddy-ou8kw]

How was the screen tightened?

[@LeeDumas]

I'm using this method on our screen porch. Thanks a lot for a great DIY solution!

[@MichaelSmith-nk4yq]

Thanks and perfectly timed for me, as I at the stage of painting my screen and was debating whether to screen each area of the door or do a complete cover all at once. You have helped in my decision. Many thanks for such a simple yet clear and informative video. 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

[@IchGluckspilz445]

Great idea! Good alternative for expensive aluminium screens

[@mariavako]

What happens if the net breaks? I'd use tiny screws instead of nails, so I get to unscrew the frame to replace the net if needed.

[@seemamajid855]

Great video, how can we make a screen with a mesh which cannot be cut for safety from intruders. The readymade ones are extremely expensive. Also how to install it do that no crow bar or anything can uninstall or destroy it. Thanks in advance.

[@shockbonker]

Perfect video! Exactly what I want my husband to see. I did this many years ago when I was a teen! Yes we stapled the screen and used trim board it’s not difficult to add or remove screening (which was the only part I was tasked with repairing) We didn’t have the KREG but I’ll be getting that. Like one comment said it takes time...anything worthwhile does. 😊THANK YOU!

[@TheCraftsmanBlog]

So glad you found it helpful!

[@PPMOCRG]

This is excellent! I need to make cat proof screens for my house. Thank you.

[@joyanncorton4904]

What's the tool u used to to hold the wood in boring the ends of the mortise?

[@skygh]

A lot of window screens were made this way but staples will not hold on a screen door unless it is never used. The best method uses a kerf cut and a roller to secure the screen which is many times stronger than staples. Someone should do a video on this as it is almost a lost art and it works amazingly well. I'd make the video but you know, my back and all.

[@michaelhilsman8360]

It looks like there is a groove/stile that the moulding fits into (you can see it on the screen at 3:21) did you make that with a router?

[@rogerandre67]

if you use aluminum screens do these trim as easy as the fiberglass after the molding goes over the staples?

[@frankreynolds7957]

Thank you I thoroughly enjoyed your video. Your results look wonderful and professional

[@elizabethetienne1595]

Did I miss something in the video like a router to add that lip on the parameter edge of the windows? I didn’t see anything but straight cuts but when you flipped windows over before painting I see there is a lively crafted router edge. Where is this process in the video?

[@sentinelstoragesolutions2910]

I'D LIKE TO KNOW THAT AS WELL. MAYBE I HAVEN'T READ ENOUGH COMMENTS YET TO FIND IT. GOT STUCK ON MEAN PEOPLE JUST MAKING NEGATIVE COMMENTS.

[@blaze806]

Great tip on painting the hardware 2 colors to help it blend in

[@jcxj]

Great from all , videos this is my next way of doing mine

[@dulcecandiesuarez7988]

Do I need the middle part

[@jeremyparker1415]

What clips were those?

[@sebytro]

I have to make one to fit inside the window hole (not sure how it's called) for a hut. I'll have to improvise how to make it sit there by itself, but overall I really like the way you did yours and I'll definitely steal some of your design. :)

[@ferdieL]

Nice job buddy!

[@alexcordero6672]

Love, love, love this--I have to make 15 of them. I had no clue how to do make them and I couldn't afford the estimates. The only thing that bugs me is that the screen seems tough to replace. It's not like pulling out the spline out of a modern aluminum 5/16th frame. Is this right? Or am I missing something? You'd have to pull up the molding and staples--wouldn't you?

[@TheCraftsmanBlog]

You’re right. That’s exactly what you have to do the replace the screening. There is another option to route a channel in the face of the screen and use spline to hold it in place too.

[@alexcordero6672]

@@TheCraftsmanBlog I thought about that but it sounds like a pain in the butt. I'll go with the staples. Not replacing screens frequently. Again, great tutorial!

[@Rael64]

Nicely done and shown. Sadly, I don't have the room (shop), the tools, or the motivation to spend my limited money on my landlord's property. So I'll be building a very scaled down version for the 3 windows that need screens so I can open them in the heat of the summer.

[@wahinenuiloa]

Great video. Nice and simple. Thanks

[@williamarias444]

Thanks, that's exactly what i need at home

[@karlgallagher7750]

Just completed my first screen of 17. Video was perfect. Had to bevel bottom to match window sill. Left appx 1/16 inch gap to allow for rain to drain and wood expansion. Any other way to do this?

[@TheCraftsmanBlog]

That’s perfect!

[@meboyotube]

Wait where did the rebate happen. I see it all around the edges. Maybe I missed something.

[@iCeGungrave]

3:23 onwards I noticed the inside edges look like they've been run through with a router bit. Is there any reason for doing so?

[@TheCraftsmanBlog]

They have not been for the screen. The inside edges were from a video shot I made about storm windows. The process is the same here except you don’t have to rabbet that out for a screen.

[@4nciite]

Simple drilled holes and wooden dowels with glue is a lot easier than pocket holes and sanding etc.

[@sarahandjay1721]

Exactly what I've been looking for to make my 130 year house authentic *And replace some missing screens. thanks!

[@Marco-bh9im]

question: why didn't you paint the hangers and the screws first, and then screw the hangers down. Not sure why you did it the other way around🤔

[@walkerross891]

Hi, this is a very helpful video. After you fastened everything together and filled in the holes with the dowels and flipped the screen over, the wood appears to have been beveled. Is that right? Was this shown in the video? Thanks!

[@TheCraftsmanBlog]

It is not beveled. Several people have mentioned that but there is no need to bevel the wood or cut a rabbet.

[@walkerross891]

@@TheCraftsmanBlog Great, thank you!

[@grateful108]

Great instruction video. thank you.

[@myme78]

Good idea

[@trevororr5494]

It’s time I replace my screens. My originals have the bottom angles to match the sill. Think I can get a way with not doing that?

[@franciosjeanbaptist5659]

Thanks Very helpful

[@annaks6957]

This is better than expected. I now have to figure out screen for our window that opens outward. 🤔

[@coltoncrabb6234]

Consider magnetic window screen for that window. It easily comes off just enough so you can open the window and stick it back

[@MaryOKC]

This is where having a shop comes in handy…I don’t have a shop wish I had a shop.

[@juliepearce1564]

Brilliant explained in easy step by step thank you

[@jeffcaston8676]

Very easy to follow

[@jersonguzman7008]

Thank you, very helpful and direct to the point instructions - easy to follow.

[@kondeetesood8664]

I have been watching tons of diy screen and I love this most but I don’t have any tools at all

[@nancyhalley79]

Awesome. You are the craftsman I need to help make 11 screens on my 1920's home in Wailuku, Hawaii. You wouldn't happen to live here....would you? Or do you know anyone on Maui that could create these window frames like you. It is pretty easy, but I don't have the power tools and there is also an angle cut at the bottom of the frames so it sits flush on the angled window sill...so water falls off and doesn't sit on sill.

[@TheCraftsmanBlog]

I don’t but I am willing to travel to Hawaii!! Ha! You can have them made and flat pack shipped to you ready for assembly. My company AustinHistorical.com can do that for you.

[@margarettamilan5657]

Ang galing mo naman.sna magaya ko yan.

[@wtfu812omg]

Did you route out one side? Maybe trick of the camera on my eyes but it looks routed

[@TheCraftsmanBlog]

Nope, no routing necessary.

[@heathernordquist505]

@@TheCraftsmanBlog I am with meckleboy. Looks to be routed between sanding and painting.....

[@heathernordquist505]

@@TheCraftsmanBlog 03:25 of video?

[@TheCraftsmanBlog]

I mention it in the video that some of the shots are from my storm window build video which does have a routed rabbet, but for this screen you do not need to rout anything.

[@bill72pa]

@@TheCraftsmanBlog Ah yes, that threw me off too, seeing the routing. Great video!

[@mcgilliom]

This is great, thank you. I'd like to build a bug screen that doubles as a cat safety screen (I'm on the 9th floor). I'd like to make sure the design is safe for a squirrely cat that could climb up the netting. I've found animal-resistant mosquito netting that should do the trick, but I wonder if the 1/4in staples would support a cat's weight. Any thoughts? (I will also have to adapt the fasteners to my situation.)

[@TheCraftsmanBlog]

There is pet screening you can use that is tougher for just that purpose and attaching with some larger fasteners wouldn’t hurt either, but I would never assume this was meant to keep something from falling.

[@BeckRD1]

How awesome. Just what I need for my house, but I don’t have equipment for making them.

[@TheCraftsmanBlog]

You can use some simpler tools if you need.

[@dontcallmeviv]

Thank you! Do you have any suggestions on how to seal up the gap between the frame and the screens so that bugs can’t get in when I open the windows? I’ve tried weatherstripping (both pile and the foam kind) but either the screen becomes impossible to pop in, or the weatherstripping isn’t flush enough and spiders still make their way in.

[@TheCraftsmanBlog]

That’s tough. The pile it a good way, but you might also look into a vinyl fin that gets routed into the perimeter of the screen.

[@muhammadkunhi.a8669]

Best idea good work

[@samtee3607]

Great job

[@TheCraftsmanBlog]

Thanks!