Build a Garden Screen

Add shelves to your wooden screen
to place potted plants.

Have you ever wanted your air-conditioning unit or some other unsightly object to disappear from your landscape? One possibility is to hide it behind a fence, but a fence is so ... permanent. We offer another option: A folding screen that can be stored when not in use. This hinged, rough-cut cedar screen also doubles as a plant stand and holder. It's simple to construct, and you don't need a shop full of tools.

The screen's pieces fit together
without the need of many tools.

• Table saw or circular saw
• Jigsaw
• Speed square or clamp-on straightedge
• Tape measure
• Drill; 1/8-inch, 1-inch Forstner, and 1/4-inch Forstner drill bits
• Pencil
• Coffee can (36-ounce size)
• Orbital sander and 120-grit sandpaper
• Safety glasses
• Dust mask
• Clamps
• Two 8-foot pieces of 1 x 12 rough-cut cedar
• Six 2-inch butt hinges
• Four No. 8 x 1-5/8 stainless-steel wood screws
• Paint or stain, if desired