Sash windows have lots of charm so don’t cover them up with a huge flyscreen on the outside. You could use a handy aluminium adjustable flyscreen but why not try this custom-made beauty instead? Made from pine and lace, this DIY screen is budget-friendly and very easy to make. Stay simple and paint the frame to match your windows or go for your fave colour. Just slide up your window, pop it in and enjoy a fly-free life. The lace is also great for softening dull views – like your wheelie bins!
There are no complicated joins in this project, you just glue and screw the pieces together to make a timber frame, then staple the lace fabric to the back. Simple!
Gather your supplies
* Lace
* 42 x 19mm dressed pine
* 20 x 8mm dressed pine
* Paint or varnish (optional)
You’ll also need
Handsaw; scissors; staple gun; drill; 65mm screws; wood glue; hammer; nails; pliers; painting supplies (if using)
For you to note
lf you want to paint or varnish your flyscreen frame it’s best to do it before assembly. Apply 2-3 coats of exterior paint or varnish to components, allowing it to dry between coats.
Step 1
Measure your window opening to find the size of the flyscreen frame. Cut top, base and side pieces for screen frame from 42 x 19mm pine using a handsaw.
Step 2
Drill 2 clearance holes (see DIY tip) in top and base pieces, 10 and 30mm from each end in top edge, then countersink holes for screws.
Step 3
Apply glue to end of one side piece.
Step 4
Position side against top, predrill through clearance holes, then screw through top into side. Repeat to attach other side to top, then glue and screw base piece to sides.
Step 5
Measure frame to cut lace to size with scissors.
Step 6
Lay screen frame face down and position lace on the back. Secure lace to frame with staples, pulling fabric taut as you work your way around the frame. Trim excess.
Step 7
Cut 8mm pine to length to create a smaller butt-joined frame that covers the edges of the lace. Position over back of frame, hold nails in place with pliers and hammer in.
DIY tip
A clearance hole is wider than the screw, allowing it to pass through. The screw thread then bites into the pilot hole of the second piece, pulling the two tightly together.
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