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.

Isn’t that gold fretwork screen fun!  It was previously available on One King’s Lane for $599.  We can build a DIY version for a small fraction of the price.

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)