Cut the Lumber

• 1). Cut 1 foot off the end of two 8-foot porch posts with a circular saw. These 7-foot posts will be your screen's end posts. The two remaining 8-foot porch posts will be the center posts.
  
  
• 2). Cut two pieces of 1-by-4 inch lumber, 6 feet in length, into eight 36-inch sections. These are the rails for the side panels.
  
  
• 3). Cut the 8-foot-long 1-by-4-inch board into two 48-inch sections. These are the rails for the center panel.
  
  

Paint the Parts

• 1). Apply exterior primer to an oval picture frame with a paintbrush. Allow to dry. Apply two coats of white exterior paint and allow to dry.
  
  
• 2). Apply exterior primer to the side and center rails with a paintbrush. Allow to dry. Apply two coats of white exterior paint and allow to dry.
  
  
• 3). Apply exterior primer to the side and center screen posts with a paintbrush. Allow to dry. Apply two coats of white exterior paint and allow to dry.
  
  

Build the Frame

• 1). Dig two 18-inch deep holes 48 inches apart with post hole diggers. Dig a hole 36 inches to the left of the first post hole. Dig a fourth hole 36 inches to the right of the second post hole.
  
  
• 2). Place gravel 2 to 3 inches deep in each hole. Insert a center post into one of the holes in the center and fill with soil. Push the soil down with your foot and add more as needed to steady the post. Repeat with the other center post. Add the end posts in the same manner.
  
  
• 3). Place the top rail for the center panel between the center posts and secure with a screwdriver and 1 1/2-inch screws. Place the bottom rail 3 inches from the bottom of the posts and secure with screws. Repeat to attach the side panel rails in the same manner.
  
  
• 4). Place a 4-by-8 foot lattice panel behind the center posts. Stand in front of the posts and trace around them with a pencil to mark where the panel will be cut. Trim along the lines with a pair of tin snips. Repeat to trim the panels for each side to the correct size.
  
  

Finishing Touches

• 1). Lay the center panel on a flat surface. Position the oval picture frame on the panel and trace around it with a pencil. Cut along the lines with tin snips. Secure the frame in the hole with four clamps.
  
  
• 2). Secure the lattice panels to the frame with 1-inch screws. Place the screws 18 inches apart.
  
  
• 3). Cover nails, screws and blemishes with white paint.