Do-It-Yourself Tin Room Dividers

Purchase enough tin panels or tiles to create a divider in the size desired. Divide the panels or tiles into three piles, each making up one component of a three-panel divider.

Weld all the panels together to create three tall, narrow panels. The resulting three panels should be exactly the same width and height. Tin is a thin metal that can be easily damaged by too much heat. Use thin wire for your solder, since it requires less heat to melt. Work in small sections, allowing each to cool before starting a new weld. Wear a face mask, as galvanized finishes on tin can release fumes when welded.

Glue two wood legs to the back of each panel so the outside edges of the legs line up with the outside edges of your panels. Choose a wood post that provides sturdiness, such as one with a thickness of 2-by-2 inches. Since you have three long panels, you’ll need six lengths of wood. Cut to desired length with a hand saw.

Use a heavy-duty glue made specifically to handle wood and metal or an epoxy. Clamp the wood to the tin with C-clamps to promote adhesion. Allow the glue or epoxy to dry fully before proceeding.

Attach the three panels with hinges mounted along the wood legs. Screw in two hinges near the top of the legs of what will become your middle panel, exactly at the same location on either side. Place two more near the bottom of the legs on that panel, exactly at the same location on either side. Place two more halfway down the sides of the legs of that panel. Attach the two other panels to this one by screwing the other side of the hinges on your middle panel to them.

Stand your new room divider upright. It’s now ready to use.