More often than not we take to DIYing projects out of financial necessity. This new wood screen door is no exception.
I really loved the pattern on the door, but not the price tag. It didn't take any effort to convince the Mr. to build it for me.

Off to Rona to pick up some 2 x 4's, 1 x 2's and a 2 x 6. Choosing very straight boards is essential.

Assemble the frame, ensuring it is square before you fasten it all together using counter sunk 3 inch screws.

Start the pattern by building an X across the lower half with the 1 x 2's. This gives you 4 quadrants to repeat the pattern. We started with the top quadrant and worked counter clockwise.

A 3 inch space between the 1 x 2's ensured an even spacing all the way throughout as we continued to repeat the pattern in each quadrant.

After the second quadrant was finished, the last two zipped along easily and quickly.

And before we knew it, the pattern was finished, and we were dry fitting it to the frame before filling screw holes and giving it a good sanding to prep for painting.

We choose to paint it white, but you could just as easily stain it instead.

You can see the entire tutorial on the blog at www.redcottagechronicles.com as I tried to capture the process as Tim went about his work.