DIY Outdoor Movie Screen

If you want to show movies like the old drive-ins of yesterday but don’t have a screen, here’s an easy DIY outdoor movie screen project that takes minimal supplies and will last for years of enjoyment.

How to Make an Outdoor Movie Screen

I love the idea of showing movies outdoors at night during summer. It reminds me of days gone by and those late night drive-ins that my mom and dad took us kids to.

Well, you can enjoy this same experience and in the privacy of your own backyard. Best of all, you can do it with minimal supplies and a little sweat equity.

RELATED: 8 Great Tips to Hosting a Backyard Movie Night

What I love about this project is that you’ll make something that will serve as an anchor for a large movie screen but also for badminton and volleyball nets, too.

It’s super simple to do and with minimal supplies and a little tool know-how, you’ll find that this project comes together in no time at all.

And, as for the screen itself. You have the option of using an old sheet, tarp, or even a blackout screen that is made specifically for this purpose. It’s totally up to you.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Supplies

• Blackout Cloth  (66 inch x 110 inch)
• 2-8 foot pressure treated 4’x4′ posts
• 12 screw eye hooks
• Lord and Hodge Grommet Kit
• 2-5 gallon empty paint buckets*
• shovel
• 40-pound bag of Quikrete concrete mix
• 4 tent stakes
• 8 mini (10 inche) bungee cords
• 100 foot of rope (clothesline will do nicely)

Instructions

FOR THE SCREEN:

On each of the short end of the black out fabric grommet 4 times equidistance (approximately every 16.5 inches). And, be sure to grommet in about 1 inch in from edge.

Note: The mini bungee cords will hook into these grommet holes and also to the standard.

FOR THE STANDARDS:

1. Fill the buckets with Quickrete and water.
2. Follow the concrete bag instructions for mixing.
3. Put a 4’x4′ post in the middle of each bucket. Hold or support until set.
4. Let the pole stand in the concrete mix overnight in a dry area.
5. On both posts, measure down from top approximately 3 inches and from there screw in the 4 eye hooks, 16.5 inches apart.
6. On the opposite side of each post, measure down 3 inches and attach 2 eye hooks 36 inches apart.

TO SUPPORT:

1. Attach mini bungee cords to both screen and to standards.
2. Pull screen taunt.
3. To offer more security, tie off on the outside eye holes and stake with the rope (approximately 15 feet for each tie-off).

DIY TIP: As a caveat for making this project, you can also use these posts as standards for a volleyball or badminton net. Sweet!

For more great fun ideas for your summer days and nights, check out my Pinterest Board: Summer Ideas from Wisconsin Homemaker, as well as these family favorites:

• Homemade Bubbles
• Kool-Aid Tie Dye
• Glass Candlestick Garden Totems
• Seashell Candelabras