DIY Geometric Fretwork Screen
Hi, it’s Amy from Hertoolbelt with another build plan. In case you missed the last project, we built a vintage crate shelf to get organized. This week our project will add a little style to any room, a DIY fretwork screen with a geometric rectangular motif, since geometric is both classic and presently trending, which is convenient. The inspiration for this project comes from this beautiful office space, this studio by Dallas Shaw.
How to Build a DIY Fretwork Screen
Materials
- 15 – 2″ x 2″ x 8′ (actual 1 1/2″ x 1 1 /2″ x 8′)
- 8 – 2″ hinges narrow utility hinge or around that size
- wood glue
- 2″ brad nails or 2 1/2″ screws
- 1 1/2″ brad nails for toenailing
- wood filler
- primer
- paint
Cut List
Quantity | Thickness | Width | Length |
6 | 1 1/2″ | 1 1/2″ | 80″ |
24 | 1 1/2″ | 1 1/2″ | 14 1/8″ with 45 deg cuts on each end |
15 | 1 1/2″ | 1 1/2″ | 13″ |
24 | 1 1/2″ | 1 1/2″ | 9″ with 45 deg cuts on each end |
48 | 1 1/2″ | 1 1/2″ | 2″ |
Step 1
Cut the 80″ pieces and set aside. Cut the 14 1/8″ and 9″ pieces with 45 deg cuts on each end. Assemble 12 inner rectangles, use wood glue and 1 1/2″ brad nails to secure in place. Allow the glue to dry.
Cut the 13″ pieces and the 2″ pieces.
Attach a 2″ piece to the outside center of each rectangle side. Use wood glue and brad nails to secure the pieces into place. You may need to toenail the brad nails if the nail gun doesn’t fit inside the rectangle.
Step 2
Glue and nail (2″)/screw a 13″ piece flush with the ends of 2 – 80″ pieces. Attach a rectangle to the bottom and side pieces with glue and nails (2″).
Add the next rectangle piece the same way, except the lowest 2″ piece will have to be toe-nailed into place. Repeat for the other rectangles. After the top rectangle installation, if the would isn’t quite 1 1/2″ wide, you may need to trim the 80″ sides to fit.
Repeat step 2 and create 3 total panels.
Step 3
Remove any excess glue, apply wood filler to holes, cracks and blemishes and allow to dry. Sand the wood filler and panels until smooth finishing with 120-150 grit sand paper. Apply paint primer to the panels and allow to dry. If you are painting the screen gold, I suggest using spray paint. I think that will be the easiest way to cover all the fretwork and leave a nice finish. Although I believe the original was gilded.
Once the paint is dry, add hinges to connect the panels. On the first panel, place all of the hinge pins on the back of the panel. On the second panel, place all of the hinge pins on the front of the panel, so the screen will fold up.
Enjoy your fretwork screen.
For more building plans, check out Her Toolbelt:
Scroll Console Table // 7 Drawer Dresser // Accent Table
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Love the open fretwork motif? Try it on these projects, too:
(just click the photo to go to each tutorial)
Amy is the tool lover at Hertoolbelt. On Hertoolbelt, Amy shares DIY furniture plans, handyman tutorials, and craft patterns. She has three pint sized 'helpers' that help fix things around the house and build fun projects.
Oh, Amy I love this! I’ll be pinning this for future project ideas! Quick question – would it be easier to attach the small 2″ pieces first to the frame (inner rectangles) and then put the frame together? Do you think maybe you wouldn’t have to toenail anything into place then?
Hi Jen, ya I bet you’re right. It’s always nice to have another’s perspective!
Wow! Just wow! That’s a beautiful screen!
Around how much did this actually cost you?
Just stumbled across your remodelaholic page and then I hope you don’t mind,I added it to my reading list.If I should get a brain wave lol 😉 I’ll pass it on here .The other half loves it lol. I also like also.I’ll keep checking back for more ideas,love them all.
Of course we don’t mind! We love new readers! Welcome and enjoy 🙂
I love this! Do you think I would be able to use this for a small closet door? Maybe two panels instead of three?
You’d have to make sure the dimensions would fit, but that could be really amazing! If you try it, I for sure want to see pictures.
Question. I love this. I am trying to get my hubby to make this. I wanted to use as room divider. So I was thinking of adding something to the back so the back was concealed. Any ideas?
What a great idea! I think fabric or paper would be easy. Metal sheeting might be interesting, too! I’d love to see what you decide to do.