![thumbnail](https://i3.ytimg.com/vi/7JCU8Z0ZzdU/hqdefault.jpg)
Difficulty
Beginner
Duration
Under 2 hours
Presented by Rachel Metz of Living to DIY
Enjoy an outdoor movie night at home with this fun DIY project. This project will show you how to use a drop cloth, tarp and a few simple tools to build a large projection screen for outdoor use.
Gather Your Materials
![Tools and materials to create a DIY projection screen. Tools and materials to create a DIY projection screen.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/DIY-outdoor-projection-screen-step-1.jpg)
For this project, you’ll need an outdoor tarp with grommets, a drop cloth, construction adhesive and a wooden dowel. To install the screen, you’ll also need large hooks, eyehooks and two bungee cords.
The tools required are only a caulk gun, a drill, heavy duty scissors and needle and thread.
Lay Out Screen Back
![A person laying out the tarp base of a DIY projection screen. A person laying out the tarp base of a DIY projection screen.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/DIY-outdoor-projection-screen-step-2.jpg)
- Clear work area large enough to spread tarp and drop cloth out completely.
- Lay tarp out with inside surface facing up and smooth it out.
Lay Out Screen Face
![A person layering over the cloth face of a DIY projection screen. A person layering over the cloth face of a DIY projection screen.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/DIY-outdoor-projection-screen-step-3.jpg)
- Align the drop cloth on top of the tarp’s inside surface.
- Use the silver outline as a guide to keep it straight and between the grommets.
Glue Screen Pieces
![A person using adhesive to join the top and bottom of a DIY projection screen. A person using adhesive to join the top and bottom of a DIY projection screen.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/DIY-outdoor-projection-screen-step-4.jpg)
- Load a caulk gun with construction adhesive.
- Lift up one side of the drop cloth and dispense adhesive evenly onto the exposed tarp.
- Press and smooth out drop cloth over the tarp to adhere.
- Continue to glue the rest of the screen in the same manner.
Cut to Size
![A person measuring the length of a DIY projection screen. A person measuring the length of a DIY projection screen.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/DIY-outdoor-projection-screen-step-5.jpg)
- Measure up from the bottom of the screen to determine your desired length, and mark a cut point.
- Use heavy duty scissors and trim the screen to your desired length.
Attach Top Rod
![A person gluing the screen fabric to create a pocket for the top rod. A person gluing the screen fabric to create a pocket for the top rod.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/DIY-outdoor-projection-screen-step-6.jpg)
- Place a long bead of construction adhesive roughly four to five inches down from the side where you cut across.
- Lay a dowel across the screen above the glue line, then fold the screen edge over the dowel and adhere to construction adhesive.
Stitch to Secure
![A person stitching to secure the top of a DIY projection screen. A person stitching to secure the top of a DIY projection screen.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/DIY-outdoor-projection-screen-step-7.jpg)
Sew by hand along the glued edge for extra security.
Tip: Add waterproof sealant tape to the back to protect your stitches.
Attach Holder
![A person mounting a DIY projection screen. A person mounting a DIY projection screen.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/DIY-outdoor-projection-screen-step-8.jpg)
- Decide where you will hang up the screen. For stability, you will need to choose a location that will anchor the top and sides of the screen.
- Install two top hooks far apart enough for the projection screen to rest securely onto them.
Attach Eye Hooks
![A person anchoring the sides of a DIY projection screen. A person anchoring the sides of a DIY projection screen.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/DIY-outdoor-projection-screen-step-9.jpg)
- Install two eye hooks down below on either side of the area where the screen will be supported.
- Insert bungee cords into grommets of the tarp and then hook them into the eye hooks.
- Once the screen is stable, fire up the projector and start your movie night.
Tape for Storage
![A DIY projection screen rolled up for storage and secured with waterproof tape. A DIY projection screen rolled up for storage and secured with waterproof tape.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/DIY-outdoor-projection-screen-step-10.jpg)
- To store the screen, roll it up from the top with the tarp side out.
- Use a piece of waterproof tape to secure the roll.
Storage
![A DIY projection screen stored in the eaves of a gazebo. A DIY projection screen stored in the eaves of a gazebo.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/DIY-outdoor-projection-screen-step-11.jpg)
- The screen can be stored rolled, but to prevent warping, lay the roll flat rather than standing it on end.
- You can also store it rolled outside in the screen hanger. It should remain weatherproof.
Enjoy Movie Night
![A DIY projection screen set up outdoors. A DIY projection screen set up outdoors.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/DIY-outdoor-projection-screen-step-12.jpg)
Once you have set up your projection screen, add a projector, grab some snacks and get outside for a showing of your favorite films, TV shows or videos.
This DIY projection screen is a great starter project because it uses only a few tools and techniques and takes less than two hours. However, the result is a satisfying and fun addition to your home entertainment options.
Ready to start your project? The Home Depot delivers online orders where and when you need them.