Create a custom screen to hide outdoor objects

Curb appeal and se­rene backyard views can be thwarted by unsightly (but necessary) eyesores. I built this simple screen to hide a central air conditioner, but its size could be adjusted to conceal a conspicuous composter or any other unattractive outdoor fixture at your home or cottage.

Download the illustrated outdoor custom screen here!

Materials needed (all sizes T x W x L*):
Corner posts (4): 1 1/2" x 1 1/2" x 37 1/2" 
Front lattice panel: 3/8" x 29 1/2" x 37 1/2"  
Side lattice panels (2): 3/8" x 29 1/2" x 29 1/2"  
Front crosspieces (2): 1 1/2" x 1 1/2" x 37 1/2"   
Side crosspieces (4): 1 1/2" x 1 1/2" x 29 1/2"  
Vertical retaining strips (6): 3/4" x 3/4" x 28"   
Front horizontal retaining strips (2): 3/4" x 3/4" x 37 1/2"   
Side horizontal retaining strips (4): 3/4" x 3/4" x 29 1/2"  

*Length indicates grain direction. All parts made from western red cedar

Size it up
First, determine the approximate size that your screen should be by measuring your air conditioner and factoring in generous clearances. In the case of this project, build in about 8" of space on all sides to ensure full air circulation. You could go slightly smaller for a composter. Next, fine-tune the dimensions based on the size of lattice you bought. You’ll get best results if you make each screen side some multiple of the lattice grid, eliminating the possibility of a partial slat or gap landing on the edges. My air conditioner is about 24" square, so I made the screen 321⁄2" x 401⁄2". The extra width accommodates pipes and wires on the right side of the unit.

Begin by cutting the corner posts and crosspieces to length using a sliding compound mitre saw. To create the decorative peaked tops on each corner post, tilt the blade to 30º from square, then make a cut on all four sides of each post, starting a couple of inches down from the end. If done correctly, the cuts will all meet in the centre at a peak. And to improve the corner posts’ appearance further, add a detail line near the top of each post. Simply adjust your mitre saw to a maximum cutting depth of 1⁄8" below the surface of the posts, then make straight passes that meet each other on all four sides below the post-top bevels.