How to Attach a Wire Mesh to a Wood Screen

Attach Window Screens or Halves of Screened Doors

• 1

  Cut the new screen approximately 1 inch longer and 1 inch wider than the window or door you’re covering. You can use a utility knife to complete the cut.

• 2

  Place the wire screen mesh across the wooden door or window starting at the top edge of the wood. Use a staple gun to secure the screen to the wood.

• 3

  Nail a 1-by-2 inch cleat to the flat surface you’re working on like a bench. Leave a gap between the cleat and wooden frame. Roll the screen down until it rests over the cleat. Using a hammer, nail the second 1-by-2 cleat on top of it.

• 4

  Insert wooden wedges in the gap between the wooden frame and cleats on each side. The wedges go over the screen. Use a mallet to tap the wedges into the gap until the screen pulls tight.

• 5

  Use a staple gun to attach the wire mesh screen along the sides and bottom of the wood. Generally, you want to place staples every 3 inches until attached.

• 6

  Cut the excess wire mesh screening with a utility knife. You want to cut along the edges.

• 7

  Hammer the screen moldings onto the edge of the wood. You may want to fill any nail holes with wood putty.

Attach Mesh to a Larger Unit

• 8

  Set up the two sawhorses. Remove the wooden door. Place the door on top of the sawhorses. Secure with C-clamps

• 9

  Attach the wire screen at the top and bottom of the door using staples.

• 10

  Lift each end of the door slowly to place two 2-by-4 blocks -- approximately the same length as the wooden frame across the sawhorses. The blocks slightly curve, or bow, the door upward.

• 11

  Staple the screen onto the door starting at the sides. Remove the blocks from under the door then attach the screen’s moldings.