How to Build a Screendoor

Screendoors keep fresh air freely circulating indoors while keeping bugs and other insects out, especially in spring time. To build a new one, here are procedures on how to build a screendoor.

Things Needed:

Measuring tape
Some C clamps
Circular saw
Chisel (3/4 inches)
Utility Knife
Glue (Polyurethane)
Disposable brush Glue
Screen molding measuring ¼ by ¾
Lumber 5/4 (with and a frame of 1¼ inches)
A drill
Staple gun with some staples
Spade bits
Cleats (1 by 1 lumber)
1-inch nails
Aluminum screen roll
Paint and varnish
Screendoor hardware

Procedures:
1. The first step on how to build a screendoor is to cut the various parts and lay them out on the floor. Prepare the horizontal and vertical lumbers needed. Position the door rails. Cut the vertical portions of the wooden board. Make them according to one’s preferred length size. Cut also the door rails according to the width appropriate.

2. Prepare the half-lap joints and cut them. Put boards in the jig for a guide for saw-cutting. The depth for cutting should be set at 9/16 inch. Or cut to half the depth of the board. When the cutting is done, smooth the edges of the joint with a chisel. Smoothing is important in how to build a screendoor with good quality.

3. Before putting everything together permanently, do a mock assembly of the screendoor. Place the parts and joints together and see how they fit each other. Then, see how they fit the door opening as a whole. If everything fits to a tee, glue all the parts and joints with polyurethane. Use the glue brush. Next, clamp the pieces together. Check now and then for perpendicularity of corners and edges using the square. This step ensures the way how to build a screendoor symmetrically. Check that the diagonals of the frame of the door are equal. Allow the glue to dry.

4. Staple the screen to the main face of the screendoor. To have it recessed to the ¼-inch thickness of the screen molding, drive ¾ by ¾ inches cleats to the 5/4 door frame and apply glue. This flushes the molding on the inside of the door.

5. When the glue is dry, start varnishing or painting the wood. Let it dry when done. This step should precede actual installing of the screen. If the screen is installed prior to painting, the job will become complicated because the paint is likely to damage the screen. This should be remembered when dealing on how to build a screendoor.

6. When the paint is dry, fasten the screen on the door. Rest the screendoor on wedges to allow space beneath. Clamp it down at mid section. Apply the screen on the door and fix with staples to the rails. The screen should remain tightly stretched while stapling goes on. Trim the sides of excess screen using the utility knife. Cover staple metal with wood molding.

7. Finally on how to build a screendoor, affix the door hardware. Us a spring hinge with a face-mounted type. Screw a handle on each side of the door. Place the screendoor on the door opening and install the hinges to the door jamb. Four hinges are ideal. To raise the door while screwing the hinges, place cleats beneath it. For a final touch, install a simple lock from the inside.