Projector Screen Frames

Outdoor Movie Screen Kits

Outdoor Movie Screen Frames and Kits

One of the things that some people really love about the backyard theater hobby is that it can be a lot of fun figuring out how and where to put up a big outdoor projector screen. Some people suspend them from trees or poles while others mount them right on the side of a house or garage. However, there are some who prefer to have a freestanding screen out in the middle of their yard or a field, and that gets a little more tricky.

One thing that many people consider is building a structure out of PVC pipes and fittings. PVC is cheap, light, and widely available, but it's also very flexible. On a big 10' or greater span, the structure requires many members to keep from sagging, and in that case, the cost of fittings really starts to add up.

So, I did some experimenting with alternate materials, created a couple freestanding screens, and I came up with what I thought was the best overall solution.

This frame is constructed using 1" EMT (electrical conduit) and special structural fittings. These fittings can be hard to find, so I'm adding them to the Carl's Place catalog to make it even easier to get going in setting up a backyard theater!

Below you will find frames and kits in two sizes: small and large. Small kits are sufficient for screens that are up to 9' wide. For screens that are wider than 9' and up to 9' tall, the large kit is needed. The pictures above shows an assembled large frame.

Everything listed below requires the addition of tubing, which is not sold on this site, due to the impracticalities of shipping. It can be found at any hardware store or building supply store for $5-$7 per 10' length. Each kit includes instructions on exactly how much tubing is needed and at what lengths it will need to be cut in addition to assembly instructions.