3 Panel Chicken Wire Screen Project DIY

We wanted to share how to build a 3 Panel Chicken Wire screen, for displays or backgrounds. 

Above is the finished product, so let's start from the beginning.

Each panel is 25 1/2" wide x 72" tall, so when folded into itself that is the width and height. 

List of tools used 

Miter Saw 

Table Saw

Drill

Screw Gun

Countersink drill bit

Wire Cutters/ Tin Snip

Staple Gun

Tack Hammer

Materials used 

1 x 4 old barn boards ( new pine will work just as well, but will not have chippy colors )
* if you don't have a table saw get 1 x 2 boards instead of ripping down 1 x 4's***
Wood Glue
Screws 1 5/8"
Staples 3/8"
Hinges
Chicken Wire 24" wide x 25' roll

Okay lets get started. 

 Take the 1 x 4 boards and rip them on the table saw to 1 3/4" wide to make the sides of the panels and the diagonal braces. Below shows all the parts cut.

6 pcs 1" x 1 3/4" x 72" sides 

9 pcs 1" x 4" x 22 1/2" cross members

24 pcs 1" x 1 3/4" x 5" (?) diagonal braces 45° cuts * because there are so many of these I did not measure the length exactly, I just line them up with the edge of the fence of the miter saw (see below)

The next step is to drill all the holes for the screws, with the countersink drill bit set to a depth that is just a bit shorter than the wood width.

 Now we are ready to start putting it all together. I used the jig pictured above, which is just 3 pieces of plywood attached to two 2 x 4's. The plywood is spaced to match where the cross pieces will land.

I started at the top and screw the 2 sides to the top cross piece. and then the bottom cross piece and that is about 6" from the bottom. The middle cross piece is centered. I always glue the joints before screwing to add strength and stability.

Adding the diagonal bracing, this is what really adds the torsional strength and makes everything tighten up. I did not measure out the location for each one, just put them where the fit right and screw down.

Okay, so framing built. Next Step.

  This part we do on the floor inside (A/C). Roll out a little of the chicken wire and staple to the back side of the first panel, starting at the bottom cross member. Be sure to stretch out the wire before stapling it down in the different areas. We also used the the tack hammer to pound down the staples that were sticking up.

 The last step is to add the hinges to the panels. We used 3 hinges per side, and you will need to verify which edge, and side to add the hinges to make sure that the finished screen all panels are facing the right direction.

If there is anything that I left out, or if I was not clear on anything, and you have any questions. Please feel free to ask. 

Here are some pictures of other ones that we built. The first 2 are for local photographers and they use them for backgrounds for senior pictures, by hanging school spirit items on them. The last one is the same screen as above in our space ready to sell.

 

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