🖼️
The project:
Fully Enclosed my back patio with self made bi-fold screens that can completely open up for a more open space, or be removed if there's an impending cyclone.
- Materials:
Weather proof shade cloth
All screws, hinges and fixings needed to complete the job were purchased at Bunnings
- Tools:
This Ozito staple gun was so easy to use in order to secure the shadecloth to the frames.
- Step 1:
To start with, I got all my measurements figured out for the frames. L+W+H per individual frame, plus overall length and height to enclose each open area, also counting the allowance between each frame for hinges. Also counting how many screws or fixings that would be needed to build each frame. I went with a 6 panel design for each of the larger openings. 3 on each side so that when opened they looked uniformed. For the end piece it is 1 complete panel in order to hang pictures and keep rain from blowing in.
Step 2. A quick trip to the bunnings timber yard where I got all the wood lengths sorted and got the cut shop to cut all needed lengths. (This saves time by having everything pre-cut). Then inside to purchase all screws, materials and fixings needed to complete the project.
Step 3. Make sure all timber cuts are of equal lengths, measure out and mark all lengths with equal and correct markings, pre-drill holes, apply wood glue in correct spots before clamping all 5 pieces of 1 panel together and screwing in long fixing screws to secure frame shape and stability. It helps to have clamps in place to prevent movement or warping of the frame.
Step 4, paint frames (as these are outside and exposed to rain, I wanted to extend their life by using a weatherproof outdoor paint) and apply all hinges. Remember to check how you want each section to fold before positioning and securing hinges. Also check if you wish them to fold or open towards you or away from the building structure before placing.
Step 5, lay frames flat, lay shadecloth over frames and trim to make application easier. I then stretched out and stapled shadecloth securely to the entire frame making sure all shadecloth was on the inside to create a smooth and seamless flow. I folded small seams along each edge as I stapled and cut off excess shadecloth as needed. I also cut smaller strip's to cover each gap area between screens in order to keep flies from having gaps to get in. These have to be placed on the inner side where the hinges fold in, in order to allow the folding movement. It's important to make sure brackets go in the correct side placement in order to allow each individual screen to fold back onto the other one.
Step 6, affix all brackets or fixings that you are using to secure screens to area. As the screens are designed to fold back on themselves, make sure that fixings can be easily opened or undone to allow this. I used barrel bolts for this. At this point I also nailed into each base floor protector pads and stapled a large roll of rubber strip to the entire bottom in order to create a weather seal. Where the two middle screens meet, place your desired handle on each side, and a way to lock them in place from the inside area in order to stop them being blown open.
Step 7, position your screens in their desired location and mark position of barrel placement or the hardware you have chosen to use. This is important as screens will have slight give where hinges are placed and pre-marking or drilling may lead to incorrect positioning. Once this is done, remove screens, drill holes so that barel bolt secures into roof or onto house for structural stability, and secure all screens in place. It is extremely important to make sure that each base frame or 1st screen is permanent and securely fixed in place to prevent loss of structural integrity. As I am in a rental, I created large brackets to go around the cement pillars and affix the screen to them for structural support. If you own, you can fix directly into the house structure.
Step 8, fix all screens into place and make sure that there is no movement. Otherwise strong wind can misaligne panels and decrease structural integrity. I also chose to use a completely clear tarp on the outside of the end piece for extra protection from the elements.
Final step, decorate and enjoy your new, fly free space.
