Screening is a great way to make a porch more versatile, but before the screen can be installed, the space will require a simple frame.
First, the areas to be framed are measured and the wood is cut to specifications using a miter saw (figure A) (figure B).
Note: Always wear safety glasses when cutting wood or operating heavy machinery. And since cedar is a soft wood, predrill all holes to avoid any splitting before securing the frame in place with 3" deck screws (figure C).Studs are next installed into the framing, creating extra support for the screen. The studs are based on a 48"-wide screen and must be placed evenly within the frame to accommodate the width of the screen with minimal stretching. For this porch the 2"x4" studs are set at 40" and must be seated flush with the outside face of the 2"x6" to create a smooth finish when the screen is in place. They are secured into the framing by driving the screws in at an angle, a technique commonly known as toenailing. When using this technique, it's important to get the correct angle and use long enough screws to get a good bite into the second piece of wood (figure D).
The next step of the framing is to build an opening for the new door. A good trick is to build a mini wall next to the door framing, to ensure proper stability. The door measures 36"x80", but the rough door opening needs to have an extra 1/4" opening all around the frame, making the rough opening 36-1/2"x80-1/2". Installing a 2"x6" header above the door frame gives strength to the frame; once it's level, fasten the boards to the frame with wood screws (figure E). A block of wood added to one side will provide a nailing surface for the screen system (figure F).As a last step, horizontal boards are put in place between the studs, approximately 24" up from the ground (figure G). Not only do these boards act as reinforcement for the screen, they will also prevent the children from accidentally running through the screened walls.
RESOURCES :
Black and Decker tools
Website: www.blackanddecker.com
Black & Decker, Inc. (Corporate)
Website: www.bdk.com/main_bd.htm
Porter-Cable Tools
Porter-Cable Corporation
Website: www.deltaportercable.com
Irwin Industrial Tool Company
Website: www.irwin.com
Ames True Temper Tools
Ames-True Temper
Website: www.ames-truetemper.com
American Society of Landscape Architects
Delta Tools
Deltak Power Tools
Website: www.deltamachinery.com
Screen Tight Information
Screen-Tight's™ unique system is easily adapted to most screen porches. The base component attaches to wood framing with 1" wood or sheet rock screws. Make sure to put a screw in each slot. Fastener should be snug, but not so tight that the base strip bends. Put a screw no less than 4" from the end of each base component. The excess screen is cut and removed, allowing cap to snap into base. This completes the installation.
Screen Tight™
Website: www.screentight.com
Cedar lumber and plywood
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