A DIY screen door for <$20

[klpauba]

I finished up a mod to add a screen to the upper opening of the dutch door.

I picked up a universal screen kit at lowes (around $12), cut it to the dimension of the opening minus 1/4" or so and then assembled it.

Next, I used a length of 1/2" adhesive-backed magnetic tape (around $2) and applied it to the bottom of the screen frame. Notice the two holes that I drilled (just through the back portion of the frame). These were made so that the rivets that hold the latch that joins the two halves of the door (that is attached to the bottom half of the door) recess themselves in the bottom piece of the screen frame (take a look at that picture).

I then removed some old weatherstrip foam from the top stop on the bottom dutch door, cleaned it with TSP and applied another strip of adhesive-backed magnetic tape ($2). See the two rivets there?

Now, the bottom of the screen is magnetically joined to the door. It holds well yet is easy to separate with just a bit of force.

I then fashioned a sheet metal (aluminum) hinge using scrap and some trial-and-error. Yeah, it's a little rough but I'll file it for smoother curves before I paint it. I had a magnetic version but I wasn't satisfied with its holding power so I opted to screw the hinge to the top of the door.

The hinge has a hole that slips over the hinge pin of the main door.

The final two pictures show the door with the screen attached in the open and closed positions.

All that I have left to do is paint the hing and install the screen. I might have to put some type of stop on the lower door when the screen is installed. As it opens to the maximum, the hinge interferes with the top half of the dutch door that is latched open.

[dscher]

I used your fabricated hinge idea and used velcro on bottom of screen to hold it on lower door. It is perfect!

[campernurse2012]

klpauba,
Thanks for the great pics ! With your help I made our screen door using your pattern through pictures you posted , just have finish up with paint and fine tuning . The only difference is I put 3M outdoor tape to hold the manufactured piece to the screen and added industrial Velcro to the bottom of the door and screen , works really well .

[klpauba]

That looks like it'll work great. Funny you should post the response today. I wasn't particularly happy with the "roll formed" aluminum frame -- it seems too flimsy for my liking. Just today I ordered a heavy duty extruded aluminum frame. I'll use your (and dscher's) idea of 3M tape and velcro. The tape will look better than the screws and the velcro will hold the bottom of the frame to the door better.

I'm also going to use another member's idea to store the screen behind the support arms of the rear bed. It'll be safe and sound during travel and won't be at the greater risk of damage inside the trailer.

Kudo's to you!

[frogfan40]

Will most definitely have to get my hubby to do this for ours. The mosquitoes here in Alabama are almost big enough to tote us off, lol so this will be great. Thanks for sharing

[klpauba]

I had purchased some C.R. LAURENCE WSF17XW CRL White 29/32" x 7/16" Heavy Wall Extruded Screen Frame on Amazon to replace the noticeably flimsier product from Lowes. Yes, it's a bit pricey ($30 for 144" and cut to rough lengths for free), but it is definitely worth it.

The screen spline was from Ace Hardware, right off the shelf. Make sure you get the same size.

I used the CRL Aluminum Corner that matches the frame but I had to order a minimum quantity for more money than I'm willing to admit.

As a service to the Sponsors of this site (those that have paid the $12 to support the forum) I will send 4 of the aluminum corners free on request ... just PM me at [email protected] and include your forum login ID/handle. I will ask that you pay actual shipping charges and the cost of a small shipping envelope to put them in. While supplies last.

Please request them only if you plan on making a screen for your TM door.

[Bill]

Interesting. The price is rising - quite a bit. Frame. Spline. Fabric. Corners. And no hinges. No magnet tape. No instructions. No diagrams. No assembly pictures. No support. No replacement parts if you mess up. No shipping.

Hmmm.

Bill

[klpauba]

Yeah, I probably should change the title to "A DIY screen door".

Originally Posted by Bill

Interesting. The price is rising - quite a bit. Frame. Spline. Fabric. Corners. And no hinges. No magnet tape. No instructions. No diagrams. No assembly pictures. No support. No replacement parts if you mess up. No shipping.

Hmmm.

Bill