Purchase pressure treated lumber. I bought 4, 2″ x 4″ x 8′ and 6, 2″ x 2″ x 8′.
Measure and cut the sides and top from the 2″ x 4″ x 8′ cutting to the height and width you need. Add a 2″ x 2″ x 8″ to each side cut to the height you need.
Lay out your screen as you continue to build, measuring your pieces for exact measurements.
My horizontal slates were 4′ and 2″ apart
My 3 vertical slates were 2′ and were 12″ apart.
Drill pilot holes (where the green dots are) and begin to screw your screen together. I started by screwing the three vertical slates to the two horizontal 2″ x 2″; then screwed that piece into the 2″ x 2″ vertical side pieces; then screwed the 2″ x 2″ horizontal pieces into the side 2″ x 2″ vertical pieces. Screw the side 2″ x 2″ pieces into the 2″ x 4″ side pieces. Screw the 2″ x 4″ piece to the top.
Stain your screen.
Using 6″ aluminum metal flashing and wearing gloves, begin on the right side to weave the flashing in and out of the vertical slates. When you reach the left side, bend the flashing into an “L” and cut.
The “L” should be against the 2″ x 4″ side piece. Nail the flashing into the 2″ x 2″ side piece. Nail 3 nails into each piece of flashing.
Dig your post holes 12″ and add crushed rock to each hole.
Place your screen into each hole and make sure it is level. Add soil to each hole and firm until screen is steady.
Your screen is now the envy of the neighborhood. Get ready for the compliments!
I made an additional screen for the other side that is 2′ taller than the front screen. This hides the air conditioning until from the street yet allows access for maintenance on the other side.