Hey there fresh air seekers! There’s nothing better than throwing open a window during those first few days of spring and letting the fresh air in. That is, unless you have a torn or missing window screen. Then there is nothing worse than letting bugs, bees and flies into your house! No worries, because today I’m going to show you how to replace a window screen!
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Last week I was telling you about how I needed a new window screen for my bathroom. I built a new window screen frame and shared plans for a DIY wood window screen frame you can build yourself.
When we left off last time, the frame was complete, but missing one critical thing to make it a window screen… the screen! Today we’ll take that empty frame and install the screen. I’m installing the screen on a new frame, but you can also use this technique to replace a window screen on an existing frame. On a side note, I just noticed the drop cloth I used in this pic looks like Rorshach inkblot test! I’ll have to get a less distracting one for future pics!
How to Replace a Window Screen
Printed Plan
Click here to download a PDF of the How to Replace a Window Screen instructions
Supplies
Window screen
.125″ diameter spline
Tools
Screen Rolling Tool
Utility knife
Flathead screwdriver
Step 1. Cut a piece of screen larger than the frame opening.
Step 2. Start the spline by using a flat head screwdriver to push the spline in the groove.
Step 3. Insert the spline by pulling firmly on the spline and using a back and forth motion with the Screen Rolling Tool to push the spline into the groove until you reach the corner.
Step 4. Turn the corner and push the spline on the next side into the groove with a screwdriver. Continue around the frame using the instructions described in Step 3.
Step 5. When you reach the final corner, cut the spline with a utility knife.
Step 6. Remove the excess screen using a utility knife.
That’s all there is to it! Now you can replace a window screen on your own. Just install the frame and your home will be bug, bee and fly free!
Before you go…
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And please work safely. EVERY TIME!
How do you keep the screen straight when you put the spline in.
Hey Keith – After I initially get the first bit of spline in, I stretch the spline with my left hand while keeping my left hand on the screen to keep it straight. Once you get the first side done and start on the second side the screen pretty much keeps itself straight. Good luck and let me know if you have any other questions.
How do you actually attach the screen frame to the window frame? Are there special fasteners you use for that? I have a 1912 house with no screens at all in the wood windows now, and I am planning to make some. Some of my windows are double hung windows, but the upstairs are casement windows that swing inward. I’m trying to figure out how to install screens on both types, but especially the upstairs ones.
Hi Hannah – There is specific fasteners for antique style window screens. On the outside of the house there typically would be “window screen hangers” mounted on window trim and at the top of the screen. Then mounted lower on each side of the trim would be “window screen wing clips” that would hold the screens in place. I thought this would look a little “clunky” on my 1850s house so my aunt came up with a great idea. She suggested I attach two screws on the top of the window screen (one in each corner). Then using a Forstner drill bit, drill two corresponding holes in the underside of the top trim piece. The screws slip into the holes and the screen is held in place on the inside using a hook and eye. This way there is no clunky hardware to distract your eye on the outside of the house/window.