How to Build a Rock Screen for Topsoil

Topsoil can have all sorts of debris in it including sticks, leaves and rocks. It is therefore important to screen your topsoil so that you can use it for planting grass, flowers or vegetables. You can make your own screen with ease using framing lumber and hardware mesh. The soil can then be sifted and used in your landscaping projects. These screens are also useful for sifting soil amendments together into a garden or flower bed. You can improve the quality of your topsoil by making and using this simple tool.

2 boards, 2-by-4-inch, 24 inches long
2 boards, 2-by-4-inch, 21 inches long
1 box coated deck screws
Screw gun
24-by-24-inch hardware cloth
Hammer
1 package wire staples

Instructions

- 1
  Place the two 2-by-4-by-24-inch boards on a work surface parallel to each other approximately 21 inches apart. The 2-by-24-inch sides should be flat on the work surface.
- 2
  Position one 2-by-4-by-21-inch board between each end of the 24-inch boards to form a 24-by-24-inch square box. The 2-by-21-inch sides should be flat on the work surface.
- 3
  Drive two evenly spaced screws through the 24-inch boards into the ends of the 21-inch boards to fasten the square box together using a screw gun.
- 4
  Lay the hardware cloth over the top side of the box and center it so that the edges are flush. Hammer a wire staple around the perimeter of the hardware cloth every 2 inches to secure it to the frame.

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