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What's the easiest way to add a room? Divide an existing one in half. What's the easiest way to make the split? With this easy-to-build screen.
Before You Begin
Step 1: Prep the Panels
Step 2: Create the Cutouts
Step 3: Assemble the Screen
You can cut the panels to size with a table saw or with a circular saw and a straightedge guide. Simpler yet, have them cut to size at your home center. Once you have the panels, the only tools you need are a drill, jigsaw and paintbrush.
You can use any geometric shape for the cutouts as long as it's easy to repeat (we repeated ours 35 times!) The paint is up to you. Go metallic like we did—or, use any colors that fit your décor.
Apply a coat of primer to both sides of the precut panels. While the primer dries, create a template for your cutouts using 1/8-in. plywood. With the panels laid side-by-side, trace the cutouts onto all three panels.
Drill a 3/8-in. starter hole in each cutout, insert the blade of the jigsaw, and cut out the shape. Use 120-grit sandpaper to smooth the edges, then apply a coat of paint to both sides of the panels and a contrasting color to the cutout edges.
Lay two of the screens side by side on the floor and use 3 non-mortise type hinges to join them together. Flip these panels over and secure the third panel in place using hinges.
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