How to Make Your Own Mesh Screen

  • 2-4 hours
  • Beginner
  • 50-100
What You'll Need
Fine Wire Mesh
Scissors
Wooden Frame
Hammer
Stapler
What You'll Need
Fine Wire Mesh
Scissors
Wooden Frame
Hammer
Stapler

Making a mesh screen is not as hard as it sounds. Different mesh screens are used for different projects. You could use a stainless steel mesh screen as a cover for your aquarium. Another application for a mesh screen would be to cover the drums of speakers with a polyester thread-like material. Each type of mesh screen has its own method of production. Here are instructions for making a mesh screen for a window. From this example you can extract and adapt the information necessary to make your own specific mesh screen.

Step 1 – Find a Wooden Frame of Needed Size

Purchase a wooden frame that is just a millimeter smaller than your window. Make sure it fits perfectly. If it is too small, it would easily slip out of the window, thus accuracy in size is essential. Some wooden frames come with clips that attach to the periphery of the window for further stability.

Step 2 – Place Wire Mesh over Wooden Frame

The ideal wire mesh should be quite fine. Keep in mind the function you intend to use the mesh screen for. If insects are a nuisance, a fine wire mesh is a necessity. To produce a high-quality mesh screen, you should stretch the wire mesh over the wooden frame properly. Cut the wire mesh at least 1 inch larger on each side of the square/rectangular wooden frame.

Step 3 – Staple the Wire Mesh to the Frame

Using a strong stapler, staple the wire mesh, in overlaps with the border of the wooden frame. Staple every few inches around the periphery to make sure that the wire mesh is stable and does not move. For a neater finish, you could purchase staples the color of the wood you are using. To make sure the wire mesh is stretched properly when stapling, another person can hold one side of the mesh while the other staples.

Step 4 – Snip Off any Excess Wire Mesh

Use a scissors to cut off any of the excess wire mesh. Make sure that no point pieces of wire mesh protrude over the outer periphery of the wooden frame. Check that the mesh is stable and is not easily torn away from the frame. If this occurs, staple where necessary, keeping the wire mesh as taut as possible.

Once your mesh screen for your window is complete, you can be guaranteed fresh air and ventilation, and yet protection from insects and other unwanted animals such as mice or rodents. Always maintain the mesh screen properly and keep a lookout for any holes or tears in mesh itself. Remember that whenever it rains, you should remove the mesh immediately and close the windows or doors. Water can penetrate the finest of wire meshes.