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7 DIY Projector Screens You Can Make Today (With Pictures)
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A projector screen is essentially a blank flat surface upon which images are projected. This has gained a lot of popularity over the years because it’s an incredible medium for both communication and entertainment.
We believe DIY projector screens are way cooler than commercial screens, seeing as they provide the same benefits at zero cost—you can make one using basic household items.
Also, since nobody else understands your needs better than you, you can customize them according to your preference. If you’re looking to transform one of your rooms into a home theater or would like to enjoy your favorite movie under the night sky, the plans we’re about to share will get you what you want!
This is actually the perfect plan for somebody who prefers to live a frugal lifestyle. The 100-inch DIY home cinema will cost you less than $25, and it’s an easy build. You won’t need a lot of tools or materials to get the job done. Just the usual stuff, including adhesive glue, wood, blackout cloth, a leveler, nails, a hammer, and a saw.
The images created will be crystal clear as the resolution will be the same as that which you’d typically get from a commercial screen. If you’d like to go bigger than 100 inches, you’ll need more wood for the frames, and that would mean more money.
Did you know studies have revealed that families who love taking part in group activities end up forging stronger emotional bonds? Activities such as watching blockbuster movies outdoors during the warm summer nights.
The DIY outdoor movie projector screen is an installation that will help you and your family forge those bonds. Ultimately creating a sense of belonging and security for everyone involved. All you have to do is look for a pocket-friendly frame that’s sturdy enough to support the screen for years to come.
The 16×10-foot 226” projector screen is the kind of installation that we would typically go for if we were holding something like a cookout—an event that has friends, family, and relatives present. Nobody will complain about not being able to see anything with a screen this size!
The building instructions are simple to follow and very clear. You’ll need a sizable tarp to act as the surface, some conduit pipes, and a few other things. We promise you that you won’t have to break the bank to build this projector.
Are you in the market looking for a portable screen that can be used indoors and outdoors? Well, how about we just build one that has a stand?
Because the screen will have a solid rectangular stand, you will be able to move it from one room to the next without breaking a sweat. Putting it up and taking it down only takes a few minutes, and if you feel like enjoying your movie outside, you will be able to do so. Storage will be easy, as the screen can be rolled down and squeezed into a small space.
You should know this Projector Screen With Stand plan will give you a 150-inch installation, but you could size it down should you feel the need to.
The giant projector screen uses PVC pipes as well—but lots of them. The good news is, irrespective of the number of pipes you use during construction, the screen will always be light because PVC pipes are hollow and lightweight. Moving the screen from one room to the other might be difficult owing to its size, but it will never be because of its weight.
The giant projector is the perfect installation for outdoor activities—you can only use it indoors if you have a very large room. Its thin screen makes it easy to store, and you’ll be glad to learn that its sturdiness and stability make it difficult to tip over.
This plan will not only help you to build a customized projector screen, but it will also show you how you can set up a home theater—two, for the price of one! It’s not the best setup for outdoor activity, so you’ll have to look for a room that you think will be most appropriate.
The fact that it includes a home theater doesn’t mean that it’s an expensive build. It’s just as cost-effective as the screen plans discussed above, except that it will require a little bit of experience. Nevertheless, if you’re good at following instructions, you’ll be A-okay.
This projector screen is special in that it utilizes backlighting to enhance the user experience. The instructions will show you how you can build a projector screen, and then mount these cool LED panels to the walls. The panels light up to provide backlighting, somehow making the screen look like it’s glowing from the sides.
The time taken to build the backlit projection screen and mount the LEDs will be relatively long, but we promise, it’s worth it. The steps are also understandable and easy to follow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the cost of a projector screen?
Depends on the kind of installation you’re planning to buy. Assuming you’re looking for a cheap projector screen, your budget will have to run from $50 to $100. If you’re going for a premium setup, it could range from $4,000 to $10,000—possibly even more.
The price will be influenced by a couple of factors. It could be higher or lower depending on the type of surface, size, screen, or any special features.
What’s the best projector screen size?
Some people will argue that size doesn’t really matter, but it does. And we know it does because we have experienced the glory of a 150-inch projector screen.
The height and width of the screen will be dependent on where you decide to use it. If it’s an indoor screen, it can’t be bigger than the size of your walls. But if it’s going to be used outside, you can explore larger options.
Who uses a projector screen?
Anyone can use a projector screen. We’ve business executives use them to make Excel and PowerPoint presentations in the boardroom, but they can also be used in classrooms. As a teacher, you can use a projector screen to enhance the learning experience of your students. You can then carry it home and watch a few movies with your friends and family.
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to be a DIY expert to build some of these screens. Most of the instructions are easy to follow, and the tools & materials required to get the job done are easily accessible. Purchasing a commercially-produced projector screen is cool and all, but there’s this feeling of satisfaction that you’ll experience once you’ve built one from scratch.
Featured Image Credit: Kuznetsov Dmitriy, Shutterstock
Robert’s obsession with all things optical started early in life, when his optician father would bring home prototypes for Robert to play with. Nowadays, Robert is dedicated to helping others find the right optics for their needs. His hobbies include astronomy, astrophysics, and model building. Originally from Newark, NJ, he resides in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where the nighttime skies are filled with glittering stars.
