Michigan State University Extension
Home Maintenance And Repair - 01500163
06/24/03

Replacing Screen on a Wooden Frame


Step 1.
Remove wooden strips covering the edge of the screen. Be
careful not to break them. Pry up with the screwdriver
close to the nails to prevent cracking the strip.(Vis. 1)

Step 2.
Remove the old screen material by taking out the tacks or
staples. (Vis. 2)

Step 3.
Cut the new screen to the width between the shoulders on
the frame and 5" or 6" longer than the frame.
(Vis. 3)

Step 4.
Attach the new screen fabric at one end with regular 1/2"
carpet tacks. A stapler works well also.(Vis. 4)

Step 5.
Stretch the screen over the frame so it extends beyond
the frame at the opposite end. Stretch it tight. One way
is to nail two 1" x 1" strips to each side of the screen
and to the workbench or large piece of plywood. Be sure
the frame is snug up to the 1" x 1" with the loose end of
the screen extending over the end of the frame. Another
procedure is to clamp the frame to a board or table.
(Vis. 5)

Step 6.
Drive a wedge between the frame and the 1" x 1" on both
sides of the frame so it tightens the fabric over the
frame.(Vis. 6)

Step 7.
Nail or staple the screen fabric on all four sides of
each panel about every 4" to 6". Work from center to each
end to prevent a bulge from developing.(Vis. 7)

Step 8.
Cut off the excess screen with a knife, household shears,
or tin snips. A razor blade will also work for plastic.
Nail the loose end.(Vis. 8)
(Vis. 9)

Step 9.
Replace the wooden strips around each panel. If they were
broken when removed you may have to buy new ones. Paint
the entire screen.(Vis. 10)

Keep screen frames painted. When the paint peels off
moisture gets into the wood. This can cause the frame to
swell and will eventually cause the frame to rot.

This article was written by Anne Field, Extension
Specialist, Emeritus, with references from Michigan
Extension bulletin Repairing and Replacing Screens.

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