Watching movies outdoors can be a magical experience. With a starry night sky above you and the ability to play a movie as loud as you want without disturbing the neighbors, an outdoor movie screening is the perfect way to enjoy cinema under the stars. But to have the ideal outdoor movie night, you need a high quality, well-made outdoor movie screen.

Making your own DIY outdoor movie screen is easy, affordable and can provide a movie watching experience just as good as professional outdoor screens. With a bit of effort, some basic tools and materials, you can make a screen that’s optimized for outdoor movie viewing. This article will provide a step-by-step guide to making your own outdoor movie screen that looks great and enhances your outdoor home theater.

Things to Consider Before Making an Outdoor Movie Screen

Before you get started constructing your DIY outdoor screen, there are some important considerations to factor in to ensure you build the right screen for your needs:

Screen Size

The size of the screen will have a big impact on the viewing experience. For proper home theater immersion, experts recommend going as big as your yard allows.

• Smaller screens around 6 feet work well for intimate gatherings of 2-4 people.
• 8-12 foot screens are ideal for medium-sized backyards and groups of 4-10.
• Extra large screens of 12-16+ feet are best for big backyards and groups 10+.

Measure out the space where you plan to place the screen and buy materials for the largest screen size the area can accommodate.

Screen Material

Using the right screen material is vital for good picture quality. Matte white screen material designed for projection provides the best image, as it diffuses projected light evenly and avoids issues like glare. Some good budget options include white polyester, PVC and vinyl blends.

Projector

Make sure your projector is bright enough for outdoor use. Outdoor projectors need at least 4000 lumens to produce a crisp image. Place the projector 20–25 feet away from the screen for best focus and picture clarity.

Sound System

Amplified outdoor speakers or a portable Bluetooth speaker will let guests hear the movie audio properly. Place speakers towards the front left and right of the seating area.

Seating Area

Arrange a seating area 12–25 feet from the screen so guests can comfortably watch the movie without straining their eyes or necks. Have seating both in front and behind the projector so the projected light doesn’t shine directly into viewers’ eyes.

How to Build a Wooden Frame Outdoor Movie Screen

Building a DIY outdoor movie screen using a simple wooden frame is easy, relatively affordable, and provides excellent results. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Gather the Materials

You’ll need:

• 1×3 or 1×4 lumber boards (quantity depends on screen size)
• Power drill with bits
• Saw (table saw, miter saw, handsaw or jigsaw all work)
• Nails or screws
• Hammer
• Tape measure
• Level
• Screen material (matte white recommended)
• Staple gun with staples
• Corner braces for extra support (optional)
• Black spray paint (optional)

Cut the Lumber

Measure and cut the 1×3 or 1×4 lumber boards to the desired screen dimensions. Most DIY screens use boards in the following lengths:

• Top & Bottom Boards: Cut to the full width of the screen. For example, cut two 8 foot boards for an 8 foot wide screen.
• Side Boards: Cut to the height of the screen. For example, cut two 6 foot boards for a screen that’s 8 feet wide by 6 feet tall.

Cut a little extra length on the top and sides to make attaching the screen material easier.

Assemble the Frame

Lay the boards on a flat surface and assemble them into a rectangle using nails or screws. Use a carpenter’s square or tape measure to ensure the corners are 90 degree angles.

Reinforce the joints by pre-drilling holes and inserting corner braces on the inside of the frame. This provides extra stability.

Paint the Frame

For a professional look, spray paint the wooden frame black. This helps the frame blend in when viewing movies and makes the white screen really pop. Use multiple coats to ensure full coverage.

Attach the Screen Material

With the frame assembled, flip it over and lay your screen material over the back. Pull it taut. Use the staple gun to attach the material to the inside edge of the frame, keeping it tight and wrinkle-free as you go. Fold over the excess material at the corners.

Once fully secured, flip the screen back over – construction is complete!

Hang the Screen

There are a few options for hanging your outdoor movie screen:

• Freestanding: Place the screen on a flat surface and weigh down the legs with sandbags or cinder blocks.
• Tripod: Mount the screen to a heavy-duty tripod or projector stand.
• Hanging: Suspend between trees or poles with rope and eye-bolts.
• Wall Mount: Attach to a wall with a French cleat.

Position the screen where it will get the least glare and reflections. Angle it slightly towards your seating area.

Building an Outdoor Movie Screen with PVC Pipe

For a lightweight but strong DIY outdoor screen, PVC pipe makes an ideal frame material. Follow these steps:

Gather the Materials

You’ll need:

• 1/2″ or 3/4” PVC pipes (10′ lengths)
• PVC joints – elbows and T joints
• PVC cement
• Hacksaw or pipe cutters
• White screen material
• Power drill
• Self-tapping screws
• Eye hooks
• Rope
• Black spray paint (optional)

Cut the PVC Pipe

Measure and cut the PVC pipes to your desired screen dimensions. You’ll need two pipes cut to the width for the top & bottom, and two pipes cut to the height for the sides.

Cut a little extra length on the top and sides to make attaching the screen easier.

Assemble the Frame

Use the PVC elbow and T joints to connect the pipes into a rectangle frame. Apply PVC cement to fully seal the joints. Screw eye hooks into the top corners to use for hanging ropes.

Paint the PVC (Optional)

Spray painting the PVC frame black gives it a slick, professional look. Use flat black spray paint formulated for plastic.

Attach the Screen

Lay your white projection screen material over the PVC frame. Use a drill to insert self-tapping screws along the inside edges to securely fasten the material to the frame. Go slowly and keep the material taut as you insert the screws.

Hang the Screen

Run ropes through the top eye hooks and tie them to trees or poles to hang the screen. Place it where it will avoid glare and reflect the projected image back towards your seating area.

Building an Inflatable Outdoor Movie Screen

Inflatable screens provide a convenient, portable outdoor movie watching solution. Follow these instructions to make your own with PVC pipe and an air blower:

Gather the Materials

You’ll need:

• 10-20’ wide x 6-8’ tall white vinyl tarp material
• 1” PVC pipe lengths
• PVC joints
• Duct tape
• Box fan or electric leaf blower
• Bungee balls and cords
• Stakes

Make the Frame

Assemble top, bottom and side PVC frames using the pipes, elbows and T joints. Make them a little smaller than the size of your vinyl tarp so the material can stretch over them.

Tape the joints securely with duct tape. Attach the fan or leaf blower to the center of the bottom frame using duct tape or zip ties. This will be used to inflate the screen.

Attach the Tarp

Lay the vinyl tarp on the ground and position the PVC frame on top in the center. Pull the material over the frame and tape it to the pipes using duct tape. Try to keep it tight and wrinkle-free.

Leave openings at the bottom corners for air intake when inflated.

Inflate and Hang

Turn on the blower fan to inflate the screen. The vinyl should become taut. Tie bungee cords through grommets in the top corners. Stake down the bottom corners or weigh them down with sandbags.

Angle the screen slightly towards your seating area for optimal movie viewing!

DIY Outdoor Movie Screen Materials

The surface material you use for projection is crucial to get a bright, crisp picture outdoors. Here are some great budget-friendly screen materials to consider:

Matte White Paint

You can turn any smooth, flat surface into a DIY projector screen with matte white paint. This diffuses projected light evenly for a sharp picture. Use flat or eggshell exterior paint on wood, stucco, concrete, cinder blocks or sheet metal. Primer helps the paint adhere.

White Polyester Fabric

Medium weight white polyester fabric from the fabric store, like muslin or canvas, works excellently for outdoor movie screens. The matte fabric surface avoids glare while letting projected light pass through easily. Stretch it tight over a frame.

Rear Projection Film

Special rear projection film has a soft white matte surface optimal for projection. It’s lightweight and easy to install. Purchase projection screen film or repurpose older rear projection TV film.

Bed Sheets

A king sized white bed sheet stretched over a PVC or wood frame can make a simple DIY outdoor movie screen! Avoid glossy, satiny sheets. Opt for soft white cotton or poly-cotton blends.

PVC or Vinyl Tarps

Heavy duty white PVC or vinyl tarps work well as portable outdoor screen material. Look for laminated vinyl with a matte coating to avoid glare. Tarps are waterproof and easily attached to frame with grommets.

White Landscaping Fabric

Landscaping fabric is an inexpensive option for outdoor screens. Look for porous, breathable material to allow air flow but diffuse projected light evenly. Staple the thick material to a frame to keep it taut.

Outdoor Movie Screen Accessories

Include these optional accessories for an enhanced outdoor theater experience:

Screen Frame Skirt

A black skirt around the screen frame improves picture contrast and makes distractions like speakers less visible. Use thick, black fabric or landscaping material.

Rope Lighting

White LED rope lights around the screen create cool ambient lighting. You can also install them along aisles and seat rows. Use a dimmer for adjustable brightness.

Movie Themed Props

Add fun props like a popcorn cart, movie clapperboard or inflatable palm trees around the screening area to play up the movie theme.

Themed Snacks & Drinks

Offer movie theater snacks like popcorn, candy and sodas to recreate the authentic cinema experience. Make it a potluck and ask guests to bring themed dishes.

Outdoor Speakers

Place rock speakers towards the front left and right of seating for full, clear sound. Connect them to an A/V receiver with the projector. Wireless Bluetooth speakers also work for audio.

Outdoor Movie Night Tips

These tips will ensure an amazing outdoor movie night under the stars:

• Pick a good location – Set up the screen where it will get minimal glare and reflections. Angle it slightly towards the viewers.
• Level the Projector – Use a table or tripod and adjust its height and angle to project directly onto the screen.
• Check Picture Focus – Achieve optimal clarity by focusing the lens and adjusting the projector’s distance from the screen.
• Arrange Seating – Face chairs towards the screen and elevated behind the projector so the beam doesn’t shine into viewers’ eyes.
• Check Audio Volume – Be sure to test audio volume ahead of time and adjust as needed during the film.
• Use Bug Repellent – Citronella candles, torches and bug spray help keep pesky insects away.
• Account for Weather – Monitor the forecast and have a backup plan in case of rain. Portable gazebos and pop up tents provide shelter.
• Create Ambiance – Use string lights, lanterns and tabletop fire pits to set the mood. Supply cozy blankets for chillier nights.
• Test Ahead of Time – Do a trial run before guests arrive to ensure the technical elements work properly.

FAQs About Building Outdoor Movie Screens

What is the ideal screen size for an outdoor movie night?

For backyard use, a 12 foot wide screen is ideal for most homes. Bigger is better, so maximize the size based on your available yard space. Screens should be 1.5-2 times the desired viewing distance.

What is the best material to use for an outdoor projector screen?

Matte white screen material specifically designed for projection, like vinyl, polyester or rear projection film, provides the best picture. White paint and other DIY materials can also work well when pulled tight.

How do I keep bugs off an outdoor movie screen?

Using bug repelling plants like citronella and eucalyptus around the screening area helps deter insects. You can also install inexpensive mosquito netting over the frame to keep bugs off the screen surface.

Should I build a fixed or portable outdoor movie screen?

Portable screens using PVC pipe or inflatables make set up easy and allow you to store the screen away when not in use. Fixed wood or metal screens provide a permanent backyard movie theater. Choose based on your space and needs.

How do I prevent glare on my outdoor movie screen?

Reduce glare by positioning the screen where it will avoid light reflections. Make sure it faces away from light sources like lamps, fires and indoor lights. Blacking out the screen borders also increases contrast.

Can I just project movies onto the side of my house?

Projecting onto a traditional house surface usually results in a dim, blurry picture. Dedicated projection screen material or a coat of matte projector paint maximizes brightness and clarity for optimal outdoor viewing.

What projector brightness do I need for outdoor movie night?

Look for a projector with at least 4000 lumens of brightness. Higher brightness allows clear images even in ambient outdoor light. Shorter throw projectors also work better outside.

How do I make DIY outdoor movie seating?

You can arrange folding chairs or build simple benches from lumber for seating. For comfy seating, use large bean bag chairs, outdoor couches or make cushions for lounging on the lawn.

Is an inflatable screen or fixed screen better for outdoor movies?

Inflatable screens are super portable, quick to set up and easy to store. But fixed screens provide a more durable, permanent outdoor theater. Choose based on your space constraints, budget and needs.

Final Tips for an Epic Outdoor Movie Night

Creating your own DIY outdoor movie screen is simple and fulfilling. With the right materials and some effort, you can build a screen that rivals professional outdoor cinemas. Consider hosting regular movie nights for family and friends all season long.

Maximize comfort by providing snacks, blankets, bug spray and cozy lawn seating. Pick a great movie lineup of classics, new hits and your own favorites. Under the stars, even an average movie seems magical.

With an outdoor projection screen upconverted to 4K resolution, you can experience films with incredible clarity, color and sound. Just sit back, relax and enjoy the show! From epic action flicks to romantic comedies, outdoor movie night is a blast for guests of all ages.

Conclusion

Making an outdoor movie screen for your backyard, patio or deck can take your home entertainment to the next level. With the help of this guide, you now have all the information needed to build a screen specially optimized for outdoor movie projection. Pair it with a bright projector, cozy seating and some movie theater snacks, and your DIY outdoor cinema will be the hit of the summer! Have fun showing favorite flicks under the stars.