Window Screens

Excellent build. How is the screen held in the frame? Thank you in advance for any consideration you can give this matter.

-- They call me Mr. Silly

Nice. I have the same question. I’ve got a screen door project I’m about to launch into.

-- I do this for fun.

The screen is stapled to the frame, covered by the mitered moulding and then trimmed flush. The key is to impart a slight bow in the frame as you staple down the screen so that when you release the tension on the frame it pulls the screen tight.

I’ve made a good number of screens.
I run an 1/8” groove and put the screen in using rubber spline rather than staple the screen for two reasons:
1. The screen will stretch over time and it can be pulled tight in place by removing the trim.
2. When the dog or cats rip the screen, it can be completely replaced easily.
Stapling the screen increases the risk of it tearing sooner than later.
The frames look very nice.

-- Gary, Florida

Thanks Gary. I may give the groove and spline a try for the next batch. I just replicated the setup they currently had in place but I like the idea that it is easily replaceable for when the screen gets damaged. What size spline do you normally use in a 1/8” groove to keep the screen taught even with wood movement?

Hey CJ
The 1/8” spline material works great in an 1/8” groove.
I make the groove using either a router and straight bit or the table saw—depending on the size of the screens.
For instance, our front porch has 8 screens—4 are roughly 4’ X 7’ and 4 are roughly 4’ X 9’.
They’re built using halflap joints. On the inside, they have a 1/4” X 3/4” rebate. The groove is in the rebate; the screen is pulled tight using 1/8” rubber spline material and 1/4” X 3/4” trim is tacked in over the screen and spline. Thus, it’s flush trimmed on the inside instead of raised like yours.
I expect the difference is just a personal preference but the screens match the screen doors I built.
I think your method is quicker to build; I’m guessing mine is faster and easier to repair.
I’ve replaced 3 screens because of our daughter’s dog without taking the screen out and several others because of cats. I’ve tightened 2 which just stretched by pulling off two pieces of trim and pulling it tight again.

-- Gary, Florida