How to Build Window Screens

Measure the outer part of the windows that will be screened. Don't measure just across the bottom and one side of the windows; confirm by measuring that the top is the same width as the bottom.

Inspect the boards and discard any that have knots. Cut them to the appropriate lengths.

For screens that are simply screwed or fastened into place, cut a 45-degree angle on each board end. Lay the boards out in a rectangle and hammer one Skotch fastener over each corner joint. Skotch fasteners are large, strong staples that you drive in with a hammer.

If you want a more finished look or if you will be using hinges to attach the screens to your house, use a table saw to cut half-lap joints on the board ends. A 1- by 2-inch board is actually 1 1/2 inches wide, so to make a half-lap joint, you must cut off half the thickness of each board from the last 1 1/2 inches of each end. Put glue on the joints and overlap the pieces to form the rectangle for your window.

Cut the screening to size and staple it to the frame. You can cover the edge of the screen by keeping that side facing toward the house, or you can tack thin strips of wood over it.