Backyard Movie Screen

For a great summer night out, don't try to find a drive in movie.... Make your own!!

I have a pair of PVC cutters, but apparently they were designed for smaller pipe. With the 1 1/2 inch pipe, I found it was easiest to just use a hack saw and miter box.

You will need the following lengths (all in 1 1/2 inch, schedule 40, type 1 PVC):

• 4 legs- 24 1/4 in.
• 2 frame verticals- 63 1/4 in.
• 2 frame horizontals- 110 3/4 in.
• 2 'risers'- 9 1/4 in. (I used the leftovers from cutting the 10 ft. PVC down to make the horizontals)

You can make the dimensions whatever you like, though! This size fits my screen, which I made to be 16:9 widescreen.

You will also need the following PVC fittings (again, all 1 1/2 in.)

• 4 knockout plugs
• 2 90 degree elbows
• 4 drain T's

To keep the frame easily transportable, it is important to NOT glue it completely together!

The different fittings I've glued together make it really easy to not only assemble with one person, but it stays together very well. (Mine is still up in the backyard from a movie last night :) )

1. Glue 2 legs into a drain fitting
2. Glue the knockout plugs into each end
3. Set aside to dry!

By gluing the fittings in this way, the bungee cords that hold the screen to the frame will help hold everything together, while still making it easy to set up and tear down

1. Glue the 90 degree elbows to the ends of a 110 3/4 frame horizontal piece
2. MAKE SURE the elbows are in the same orientation before the glue sets!! (which is quick!)

1. Glue a drain T onto the bottom of each 63 1/4 in. vertical piece
   1. Make sure that both drain T's are in the same orientation
   2. I made mine curve upward (not the picture), so the frame has rounded 'edges' around the screen
2. Glue the risers onto the bottom of the drain T
3. That's the last of the gluing!

Lay out all the pieces to see how the frame goes together, then assemble!

1. Connect the verticals into the top piece
2. Fit the lower horizontal (only 'plain' pipe, nothing glued to it)
3. Pop the legs on
4. Lift the frame by the top pipe to stand it up!

Since I am reusing a screen from a previous frame, I don't have photos for making the screen... But here's how to do it!

1. Get your material- any large, white cloth will work (mine is actually an old table cloth!)
2. Final screen size: 108 1/2 in. x 56 in.
   1. Allow an extra 2 1/4 in. around the edge, as you'll need to overlap the hem for the grommets
3. Sew around the edges to finish your movie screen!

The grommets allow for the screen to be easily attached to the frame. You will need:

• 32 grommets: 3/8 in.
• 36 canopy ties: 10 in. (the bungee loops with the plastic ball on one end)

Grommet placement wasn't an exact science... I measured them about 10 1/2 in. apart, but moved them a little to make them look even. Either way, these measurements will get you mostly there:

• Along the top and bottom of the screen, place grommets at:
  • 1, 11 1/2, 22 1/4, 33 1/2, 44, 54 3/4, 65 1/4, 75 3/4, 86 1/2, 97, 107 1/2
• Along the bottom, place grommets at:
  • 3/4 (in the top row) 10, 18 1/2, 28, 36 7/8, 46 1/2, 54 7/8 (in the bottom row)

I've included pics on how to put in the grommets, but there should be instructions with any grommet kit you buy

I start hanging the screen by the corners, then go across the top, down the sides, then along the bottom.

But you can do it your way :)

The only spot you will need 2 canopy ties in 1 grommet will be at each corner. This keeps the screen in place best.

Adjust your projector and enjoy a good flick with friends!