DIY Screenhouse

Considerations

• Speak to a code inspector to determine the regulations for a DYI screenhouse, including the frost line and the roof's slope. Many municipalities require plans and a permit before you start building the structure. The most common and simplest method is to attach the structure to a wall of the residence. A deck or concrete slab can serve as the floor for the screenhouse.

Floor & Posts

• Lay out the dimensions for the screenhouse concrete floor with strings attached to stakes. Place the stakes about 3 inches outside the finished dimensions to account for the forms. Excavate 4 inches of soil and fill with gravel. Use a hand tamper to pack the gravel. Make the forms out of 2 inch by 4 inch boards, but make sure they are straight.

  Pour the footing and the slab and set the posts simultaneously. Follow the codes for the width and depth of the footing. The depth of the posts should be the same as the footing. Since the screenhouse will be attached to the house, you will need a post at each corner at the front of the concrete floor. Depending on the width; you may be required to place a post every eight feet. Use 4 inch by 4 inch timber for the posts.

  Use 2 inch by 4 inch boards as braces to hold the posts in straight and in place until the concrete sets. Make the slab even stronger by laying reinforcement bars. The finished level of the floor should be about an inch above the lawn.

Framing the Structure

• Secure a 2 inch by 6 inch ledger board under the edge of the roof. Use half-inch diameter lag screws to mount the board to the house studs. Install a pre-fabricated cross beam on the posts or make your own. The final height of the cross beam must be low enough for the roof slope, which is usually a quarter-inch per foot. Install 2 inch by 6 inch rafters 16 inches on center and flush with the ledger board. Rest the rafters on top of the beam. On center means the center point between each two rafters is 16 inches. Install plywood on the roof and cover with roll roofing or shingles.

Installing the Screens

• Follow the instructions for installing the channel. Generally, you will need to install channels on the perimeter of the beam, floor, posts and house wall. Make sure you frame out the opening for the screen door. Now, all you need to do is install the screen panels per the manufacturer's instructions.