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Step

1. Remove wooden strips covering the edge of the screen. Be careful not to break them. Pry up with the screwdriver close to the nails to prevent cracking the strip.(Vis. 1)

Step

2. Remove the old screen material by taking out the tacks or staples. (Vis. 2)

Step

3. Cut the new screen to the width between the shoulders on the frame and 5" or 6" longer than the frame. (Vis. 3)

Step

4. Attach the new screen fabric at one end with regular 1/2" carpet tacks. A stapler works well also.(Vis. 4)

Step

5. Stretch the screen over the frame so it extends beyond the frame at the opposite end. Stretch it tight. One way is to nail two 1" x 1" strips to each side of the screen and to the workbench or large piece of plywood. Be sure the frame is snug up to the 1" x 1" with the loose end of the screen extending over the end of the frame. Another procedure is to clamp the frame to a board or table. (Vis. 5)

Step

6. Drive a wedge between the frame and the 1" x 1" on both sides of the frame so it tightens the fabric over the frame.(Vis. 6)

Step

7. Nail or staple the screen fabric on all four sides of each panel about every 4" to 6". Work from center to each end to prevent a bulge from developing.(Vis. 7)

Step

8. Cut off the excess screen with a knife, household shears, or tin snips. A razor blade will also work for plastic. Nail the loose end.(Vis. 8) (Vis. 9)

Step

9. Replace the wooden strips around each panel. If they were broken when removed you may have to buy new ones. Paint the entire screen.(Vis. 10)

Keep screen frames painted. When the paint peels off moisture gets into the wood. This can cause the frame to swell and will eventually cause the frame to rot.

This article was written by Anne Field, Extension Specialist, Emeritus, with references from Michigan Extension bulletin Repairing and Replacing Screens.

Replacing Screen on a Wooden Frame Pictures

Visual title - Visual size	Visual title - Visual size
Screen in Wood Frame Step 1 - 13K	Screen in Wood Frame Step 2 - 14K
Screen in Wood Frame Step 3 - 11K	Screen in Wood Frame Step 4 - 13K
Screen in Wood Frame Step 5 - 12K	Screen in Wood Frame Step 6 - 14K
Screen in Wood Frame Step 7 - 11K	Screen in Wood Frame Step 8a - 10K
Screen in Wood Frame Step 8b - 12K	Screen in Wood Frame Step 9 - 11K

MSU 2003