How to Build an A-Frame Wood Cover for an Outside Air Conditioner

Measure the dimensions of your air conditioner, and draw it to scale on a piece of paper. Draw an A-shape that spans the dimensions of the air conditioner without touching or crowding it. Measure the length of the two legs of the A. This will be the height of your two panels. Determine the width by measuring the width of your air conditioner and adding 12 inches. An average size to cover an air conditioner would be a panel measuring 36 inches wide and 60 inches long.

Cut two pieces of 3/4-inch-thick plywood 36 inches wide and 60 inches long.

Lay the two pieces of plywood on a flat surface with their ends butted together. Lay two hinges on the joint between the two pieces of plywood, with each hinge 4 inches from the edge of the plywood. Screw the hinges onto the two pieces of plywood with 1/2-inch-long screws.

Fold one piece of plywood over the other so they are lying flat together. Carry the assembly outside to the air conditioner, and spread the bottoms of the pieces of plywood out to form an A-shape. Position the assembly over the air conditioner.

Measure the distance between the edges of the two pieces of plywood at a height of 24 inches off the ground. Cut two pieces of 3/4- by 2-inch wood to this length.

Screw the two pieces onto the sides of the assembly with 2-inch-long screws, so they span between the edges of the two pieces of plywood, like the horizontal line in a letter A. This will stabilize the assembly and keep it from blowing over.