Door Screen Supplier
If you're searching for a reliable "screen company near me", you've come to the right place
Magnetic Door Screen Company sells online direct to the public so you can buy & SAVE $ on all types of screen doors & accessories.
Magnetic Door Screen Company are a family business with over 15 years experience & offers a wide range of products & services to meet your needs.
Our customers have always loved our prompt service, quality of products & price.
Let us know how we can assist you today.
Magnetic Screen Doors | Swatters
After introducing our Eco Pack packaging - we set the goal to working closely with our delivery providers to reduce our carbon emissions footprint. Thank you for being part of our journey to a brighter greener future.
Magnetic Door Screen Company sell online direct to the public so you can buy & SAVE $ on all types of magnetic fly screen doors.
Magnetic Door Screen Company is a family owned and operated business.
Our customers have always loved our prompt service, quality of products and price.
Easy DIY Easy Fit Insect Door Screens
Just measure your doors and choose from one of our set screen size options.
If you want an elegant, stylish, and classy magnetic DIY screen door you will find what you need here.
A magnetic fly screen door is a cost effective DIY solution, they allow an insect free house without compromising fresh air.
Magnetic Door Screen Company are perfect for single doors a must have for homes with sliding doors and is even great for campers and RV's because even when your hands are full Magnet Flyscreen Doors will snap close behind you.
That makes it great for pets too because instead of scratching and whining they can come and go as they please.
And it puts an end to slamming doors because it closes gently every time.
We provide free delivery all across Australia.
Once your payment has cleared; orders prepared the same day.
Magnetic screen door insect screens are the ideal solution for busy family homes and businesses.
Unlike standard insect screen doors, magnetic flyscreen doors can be easily DIY fitted to any and every door.
These insect screen doors go up in seconds and stay up .....no matter how often you, your kids or your dog walk through
So let the fresh air in and keep those annoying bugs out.
Best of all Screen Door Australia Flyscreen Doors saves you money because when it's nice you can leave those doors open and you won't have to use air conditioning.
DIY Screen Door Guide: Complete Instructions for Building and Installing Your Own Door Screen
Building your own screen door represents one of the most rewarding home improvement projects, combining practical skills with tangible results that enhance your home's comfort and functionality. DIY screen doors offer significant advantages over purchasing pre-made options including custom sizing for non-standard openings, material selection matching your specific needs, cost savings that can reach substantial levels, and the satisfaction of creating functional home improvements with your own hands.
Whether you need to build a complete screen door from scratch, replace screening material on an existing frame, retrofit a door that lacks screening, or repair damaged screens, understanding DIY approaches empowers you to tackle these projects confidently. The skills required range from basic to intermediate, making screen door projects accessible to most homeowners willing to invest time learning proper techniques. This comprehensive guide covers everything from planning and material selection through construction and installation, ensuring your DIY screen door project succeeds.
Understanding DIY Screen Door Projects
DIY screen door projects encompass several distinct approaches each requiring different skill levels, tools, and time investments. Understanding these categories helps you select projects matching your capabilities and needs.
Complete screen door construction from raw materials represents the most ambitious DIY approach, requiring woodworking or metalworking skills, specialized tools, and understanding of door mechanics. Rescreening existing frames offers simpler entry points requiring fewer tools and less expertise while still delivering significant cost savings. Screen repair projects address localized damage without full replacement, representing the most accessible DIY category.
Benefits of Building Your Own Screen Door
DIY screen door construction delivers multiple advantages beyond simple cost savings. Custom sizing accommodates non-standard door openings that make finding pre-made doors difficult or impossible. Material selection allows choosing specific mesh types, frame materials, and hardware matching your exact requirements and preferences rather than accepting whatever manufacturers offer.
The construction process builds valuable skills applicable to future projects while providing deep understanding of how screen doors function, making maintenance and repairs simpler throughout the door's lifetime. The pride and satisfaction of using something you built yourself adds intangible value that purchased items cannot match.
Skill Levels and Project Complexity
Screen door projects range from beginner-friendly tasks requiring minimal experience to advanced projects demanding significant skill and specialized equipment. Rescreening existing frames sits at the beginner end, requiring primarily patience and care rather than advanced skills. Building basic wood-framed screens requires intermediate carpentry skills including accurate measuring, cutting, and assembly. Constructing aluminum-framed doors with professional hardware approaches advanced territory requiring metalworking capabilities and precision.
Honestly assessing your skills and choosing appropriately challenging projects ensures success and prevents frustration from attempting projects beyond current capabilities.
Planning Your DIY Screen Door Project
Successful screen door projects begin with thorough planning addressing measurements, design decisions, and material requirements before purchasing supplies or beginning construction.
Measuring Your Door Opening
Accurate measurements form the foundation of successful screen door projects. Measure door opening width at top, middle, and bottom as openings are rarely perfectly uniform. Record the smallest measurement to ensure your screen door fits without binding. Measure height along both sides using the same approach.
For screen doors that will hang on hinges, measure the depth of the door frame determining how much space exists for mounting hinges and ensuring the screen door will not interfere with the main door operation. Note any irregularities, obstructions, or hardware that might affect installation.
Determining Door Style and Design
Screen doors range from simple flat panels to decorative designs incorporating wood trim, grilles, or artistic elements. Consider how much screening you want versus decorative framing, whether you prefer traditional or contemporary aesthetics, and how the screen door should complement your home's architectural style.
Functional decisions include whether to include pet doors, kickplates protecting lower sections from damage, or decorative elements like scrollwork or custom patterns in the screening area.
Selecting Screening Material
Multiple screening materials serve different purposes and offer varying characteristics. Fiberglass screening provides economical, corrosion-resistant options with good visibility and adequate durability for most applications. Aluminum screening delivers superior strength and pet resistance though at higher material cost. Specialty options include solar screening, privacy screening, or ultra-fine mesh for excluding tiny insects.
Consider your specific needs including pet damage resistance, visibility preferences, and insect challenges when selecting appropriate screening material.
DIY screen doors typically use wood or aluminum frames, each offering distinct advantages. Wood frames accommodate standard woodworking tools most homeowners own, accept various finishes and paints, and create traditional aesthetics many prefer. However, wood requires more maintenance and may warp or deteriorate over time especially with weather exposure.
Aluminum frames provide superior durability, weather resistance, and low maintenance while creating contemporary appearances. Working with aluminum requires different tools and techniques than wood including metal-cutting capabilities and understanding of aluminum joinery methods.
Essential Tools and Materials
Gathering appropriate tools and materials before beginning ensures smooth project progression without frustrating delays for supply runs.
Most DIY screen door projects require measuring tape, carpenter's square ensuring right angles, saw appropriate to your frame material (hand saw, circular saw, or miter saw for wood; hacksaw or metal-cutting saw for aluminum), drill with bits matching your fastener sizes, screwdriver, and utility knife for cutting screening material.
Screening-specific tools include screen rolling tools (spline rollers) for installing screening in grooved frames, and screening pliers or stretchers helping achieve proper tension when installing mesh.
Frame Construction Materials
Wood-framed doors require dimensional lumber appropriate to your design, typically 1x2, 1x3, or 1x4 boards depending on desired door weight and sturdiness. Select straight, knot-free lumber for best results. You will also need wood glue, screws or nails for assembly, and corner braces or gussets reinforcing joints.
Aluminum frames use either pre-made screen door frame kits containing all necessary pieces or individual aluminum channels purchased by length and cut to size. Frame kits simplify projects by including pre-cut pieces and all necessary hardware.
Screening and Attachment Supplies
Purchase screening material in dimensions exceeding your door size allowing margin for mistakes and ensuring adequate material for proper installation. For splined installation methods, obtain vinyl spline in the appropriate diameter matching your frame's groove dimensions.
Alternative attachment methods require staples and staple gun for wood frames, or screening clips for certain aluminum frame designs.
Screen doors require hinges sized appropriately for door weight and size, typically three hinges for standard doors. Door closers ensure automatic closure preventing insect entry when doors are left open. Handles and latches allow easy operation while keeping doors secured when closed.
Consider adding door stops preventing over-swing that might damage doors or walls, and wind chains limiting door opening during windy conditions preventing damage from excessive swinging.
Building a Wood-Framed Screen Door
Constructing wooden screen doors from scratch allows complete customization while using accessible tools and familiar materials.
Cut frame pieces to exact lengths ensuring perfectly square corners. For simple rectangular doors, you need two side pieces (stiles) running the full height and top and bottom pieces (rails) fitting between the stiles. Measure carefully and cut precisely as errors compound through assembly.
For designs incorporating cross braces, measure and cut these pieces ensuring they fit properly within the frame structure without creating gaps or requiring forcing into place.
Join frame pieces using appropriate joinery methods. Simple butt joints work adequately when reinforced with corner braces or gussets. More advanced woodworkers might use mortise and tenon joints, dowels, or pocket screws creating stronger, more professional connections.
Apply wood glue to all joints before fastening with screws or nails. Clamp assemblies square while glue dries ensuring frames do not become twisted or out of square. Check diagonal measurements which should be equal if frames are truly square.
Install corner braces, gussets, or cross braces preventing frames from racking or becoming loose over time. These reinforcements prove particularly important for larger doors or doors that will receive heavy use.
Wooden screen doors benefit from diagonal braces running from top corner on hinge side to bottom corner on latch side, helping maintain square and preventing sagging.
Creating Screen Attachment Points
For stapled screen attachment, the flat frame surfaces provide ready attachment points. For splined installation, route grooves around the inside perimeter of the frame opening using a router with appropriate bit, creating channels for spline installation.
Ensure grooves run continuously around the entire opening without gaps and maintain consistent depth allowing spline to seat properly.
Sand all surfaces smooth removing splinters and rough areas that might snag screening or injure hands. Apply appropriate finish including paint, stain, or protective clear coats depending on desired appearance and weather protection needs.
Allow finishes to dry completely before installing screening to prevent mesh from adhering to wet finishes.
Working with Aluminum Frame Kits
Pre-made aluminum frame kits simplify screen door construction by providing precision-cut pieces and necessary hardware in complete packages.
Understanding Frame Kit Components
Typical kits include extruded aluminum frame pieces for all four sides, corner connectors joining pieces at right angles, screening spline, and often basic hardware like hinges and handles. Familiarize yourself with all components before beginning assembly ensuring you understand how pieces fit together.
Assembling Aluminum Frames
Connect frame pieces using corner connectors following kit instructions precisely. Most systems use corner keys or brackets that slide into frame channels, secured with screws creating rigid corner joints.
Ensure frames assemble square by checking diagonal measurements and using carpenter's square at corners. Aluminum frames typically go together quickly once you understand the connection system.
Installing Screening in Aluminum Frames
Aluminum frames typically use spline installation methods where screening lays over grooves routed in frame faces, held in place by vinyl spline pressed into grooves over the mesh. This creates very secure attachment that maintains proper tension.
The process requires rolling screening into grooves using specialized spline roller tools, working around the perimeter while maintaining even tension preventing wrinkles or loose areas.
Installing Screening Material
Proper screening installation ensures taut, wrinkle-free mesh that looks professional and functions reliably.
Cutting Screening to Size
Cut screening several inches larger than the frame opening allowing material for handling and ensuring adequate coverage. For splined installation, extra material provides grip while rolling spline into grooves. For stapled attachment, excess allows pulling mesh taut while fastening.
Taut screening resists sagging and maintains neat appearance while loose screening looks unprofessional and may not function properly. Begin installation at one end, securing screening firmly. Work toward the opposite end while pulling mesh tight, using screening pliers or clamps maintaining tension during fastening.
For splined installation, the rolling process itself creates tension as spline presses mesh into grooves. Work methodically around the perimeter maintaining even tension preventing distortion.
Spline Installation Technique
Position screening over the frame with excess material extending beyond grooves on all sides. Starting at one corner, press spline into the groove over the screening using a spline roller. Work along one side rolling spline into the groove continuously while keeping mesh flat and wrinkle-free.
At corners, continue the spline around without cutting, maintaining continuous installation. Once the perimeter is complete, trim excess screening close to the spline using a utility knife, leaving clean edges.
Stapling Screening to Wood Frames
For wood frames without grooves, stapling provides effective screening attachment. Begin stapling along one edge spacing staples approximately one inch apart. Move to the opposite edge, pulling screening taut while stapling to create proper tension.
Complete the remaining two sides using the same approach, working from center toward corners preventing wrinkles from forming. Trim excess screening close to staples creating neat edges.
Exposed staples appear unfinished and may snag on clothing or skin. Cover them using screen molding, narrow wood strips nailed over stapled edges creating clean, professional appearances while securing screening additionally.
Proper hardware installation ensures screen doors operate smoothly and reliably while protecting against damage.
Install hinges on the screen door first, positioning them carefully to ensure doors hang straight and swing properly. Typical installations use three hinges spaced evenly along door height with top and bottom hinges positioned several inches from door ends.
Mark hinge positions precisely, drill pilot holes preventing wood splitting, and attach hinges with appropriate screws ensuring they sit flush and square.
Position the hinged screen door in the opening, supporting it at the correct height with shims or helpers while you attach the hinges to the door frame. Check that doors hang level and plumb, adjusting shim positions as needed before final fastening.
Test door swing ensuring smooth operation without binding or rubbing on frame or floor. Make adjustments as necessary achieving perfect operation before proceeding to additional hardware installation.
Door closers ensure automatic closure preventing insect entry when doors are left open. Follow manufacturer instructions for specific closer models as mounting requirements vary. Typically closers mount to the top of the door and the door frame with adjustable tension controlling closing speed.
Adjust closer tension finding the balance between reliable closure and comfortable opening resistance that does not make doors difficult to use.
Adding Handles and Latches
Install handles at comfortable heights typically around 36 to 40 inches above the threshold. Coordinate latch installation with handle positioning ensuring components align properly and operate smoothly.
Test latching mechanisms thoroughly confirming secure closure and easy operation from both inside and outside.
Screen Door Repair and Rescreening
Existing screen doors often need repair or rescreening, creating DIY opportunities requiring less effort than building complete doors.
Examine screen doors thoroughly identifying all damage including torn screening, bent frames, loose joints, failing hardware, or deteriorated finishes. Comprehensive assessment helps you plan complete repairs rather than addressing issues piecemeal.
For splined screens, remove spline using a screwdriver or awl to pry it from grooves. Once spline is removed, screening lifts out easily. For stapled screens, carefully remove staples using pliers or staple removers taking care not to damage wood frames.
Repair loose joints by regluing and reclamping or adding reinforcing hardware. Straighten bent aluminum frames carefully using appropriate tools, though severely damaged frames may require replacement. Sand and refinish wooden frames showing weather damage or deteriorated finishes.
Installing Replacement Screening
Follow the same screening installation processes described for new door construction. Rescreening existing frames typically proves easier than initial installation as you work with rigid, fully assembled frames.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Understanding typical DIY screen door pitfalls helps you avoid frustrating setbacks.
Measurement errors cause ill-fitting doors that bind, leave gaps, or simply do not fit openings. Double-check all measurements before cutting and follow the carpenter's adage of measuring twice and cutting once. Account for door clearances ensuring adequate gaps for smooth operation.
Screen door frames must be perfectly square to function properly and install correctly. Check square constantly during assembly using diagonal measurements and carpenter's squares. Correct any issues before assembly proceeds too far to make adjustments.
Loose or Wrinkled Screening
Improper screening installation creates unprofessional appearances and may compromise function. Take time achieving proper tension and working methodically around frames. If results are not satisfactory, remove screening and reinstall rather than accepting poor results.