Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Hide That Grill • DIY Grill Screen

If you are sitting at our dining table enjoying a delicious meal, you will also enjoy a scenic forest view out the large glass doors. Unfortunately that is the long view. The near view is of the gas grill. Yup, right there just six feet out in all its undesigned glory. Face it, the gas grills most of us have are ugly. Our is. I decided to create a screen to improve that view.

I have been thinking about it for awhile and even posted it as one of the design challenges I wanted to address. I didn't want a solid solution to block the light and air flow but an open screen. I have been working on a rustic solution (most appropriate here in the woods!) and will share with you the process along with photographs.  This is what I see today with the grill screen structure complete.


My solution was to build a fence using some of the branches from the storm damage last fall. I supported it with a top and bottom keeper frame constructed from pressure treated lumber and attached it to the existing small deck between the grill and the dining area slider.

My inspiration came from this garden gate which crossed my Pinterest world several weeks ago.


And here are my before and after photos taken from approximately the same location.

Before

After

I am really liking the fence and the natural branches. I am still working on adding some other ideas to some of the spaces - but that is for the next post so stay tuned!

Here is the process I went through building this project:

I started by collecting branches.  These were from the brush piles of debris, not green wood but not old and brittle either. I was specifically looking for ones with Y branches to use.  I found that I need quite a variety to have flexibility with the composition.


Originally, I had thought that I would use many thicker branches but once I started arranging them, I was much happier with the thinner ones. As I laid them out I adjusted the location of intersections and the pattern of the interweaving.



I cut a pice of brown paper the actual size of the finished fence and worked on that surface to refine my design. 


I had two lengths of wood left from the bridge construction project of last year. I decided on the best length and height for the location to maximize view coverage but not interfere with traffic flow. David cut the lengths for me using the skill saw (not a favorite tool for me to use!)


Once I had the layout of branches finalized, I marked them all clearly with magic marker. This helped getting them back in the same location. I also marked where I wanted to cut them and then cut them all on the band saw although these were small enough that a hand saw would have worked as well.


My construction technique was to use pressure treated decking which is 1 x 6" (Which in reality means it is only 5" wide.) I used a full board for the base of the keeper and split a board lengthwise to create the two side rails. I screwed one rail and both ends together using deck screws.  I left off one of the rails to allow for assembly later.



I then painted all the pressure treat with exterior house paint that matches our doors.  The color is Benjamin Moore Regal Green and although it looks teal when wet it dries to a much darker green.  This green is one shade deeper than the stain on our house.


Below is a great view of the parts placed together. Because of the free form nature of the branches I decided to leave open one side of the end frames, place the branches, screw them in place and then screw on the last side of the keeper. I was worried about how the irregular branches would fit.


I moved indoors because it was blistering hot outside and it was easier to work up on David's workbench.


I pre-drilled holes into all the bigger branches about 1" from the end. I didn't want them to split from the screws. It saves a lot of time to have two drills, one with the drill bit and the other with the screw driver bit. All I need is a twin holster and I'd look like a cowboy!


The smaller branches I pre-drilled with a tiny bit and used small nails to anchor them.  They aren't providing any support but I wanted them fixed in place. Both the screws and nails will be hidden by the final keeper strip.


 After all the branches were either screwed or nailed in place, I screwed the last keeper in place. The screws were counter sunk and the holes filled and repainted.




Here is where we got the first look and I liked what we saw. Rustic, kind of funky.....


Here it is in its final location, obstructing the view of the gas grill.



Quite an improvement. But there is more to come because those spaces in the branches are just calling out for additional creativity! Visit again in a day or two to see what other ideas I am working on.

Update: 7/19/12
I have just posted about the first addition to this grill screen. Click here to see the mini tea light lanterns I crafted for the spaces. Easy and romantic!

Update: 7/21/12
Yesterday I posted about the second idea for the screen. Click here to see a DIY tutorial on creating wood slice flowers to hang on this fence ( or your Christmas tree!)

Previous Posts of Interest:
Sharing this post at the following Link Parties:
©2012 Ashbee Design, Marji Roy

36 comments:

  1. totally genius!

    hope you have a moment to drop by and do check out my giveaway on the sidebar.

    smiles.

    michele

    ReplyDelete
  2. That is fabulous! I "pinned" it for future reference. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for visiting and commenting. Be sure to come back and see the enhancements tomorrow or maybe not until Thursday!

      Delete
  3. Amazing!

    You make it sound so simple but there's the vision and the art to put it together...

    Thank you for sharing,

    Teresa

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The vision and the art only improve by doing ( and by looking at tons of inspiration on Pinterest!) I didn't photograph and share all the branch layouts I didn't like.

      Delete
  4. I really enjoyed seeing how you put this together. It turned out really good. Maybe, just maybe, I'd be able to make one myself.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Visit again to see what else I have planned for this screen. Still easyand doable!

      Delete
  5. Marji, that is beautiful! It completely complements your gorgeous view. You are so talented!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Bettsi. I agree about the view and fell blessed regularly. It is always good to go on a trip and then return home to be reminded of how beautiful this part of Connecticut is!

      Delete
  6. AMAZING!!!! Not only can it hide a grill.. I can easily separate two spaces.. so UNIQUE!!

    Thanks so much for sharing this at The DIY Dreamer.. From Dream To Reality!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I see this screen as a solution to many division problems- probably even better indoors. Imagine it as a room divider in and open spaced loft?

      Delete
  7. What a fabulous idea! We have lots of twigs in our yard that I may have to put to good use :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We have so much downed branches that it has continuously inspired my crafty side. Thanks for visiting and commenting!

      Delete
  8. I love your screen. What a creative use of broken branches. The result is beautiful.

    Yael from Home Garden Diggers

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Welcome to the site Yael. Have you seen my Red Dancing Sticks yet? Great for gardens. Been looking for some garden blogs. Off to visit yours.

      Delete
  9. Wow, such a great idea! Looks fabulous! Liz

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Stay tuned to see the variations! Thanks for visiting.

      Delete
  10. what a clever idea. I love the rustic look of the branches. What a great way to use and recycle broken tree limbs.
    Hugs,
    Jann

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am digging the rustic look as well. Works here in the woods!

      Delete
  11. Look at that view! HA I'll take it with or without the grill...your place is lovely

    I am not very creative so the most imagination that I'd have here is to have a planter next to the branch screen that has some sort of flower that is going to trail up it ...

    It will be fun to see what you do in the end ! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. A climbing plant would be lovely....except everything I put in this corner dies! No light and no green thumb!

      Delete
  12. I have a friend who is using a similar technique for all the railings in his new log cabin... the look is great... good job... Larry

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Larry, I have seen and loved similar interior railings as well, also ones forged out of metal to resemble branches. Here is a link to an earlier post on my blog about stair railings. And at this post there is a beautiful metal railing as well, all branch themed.

      Delete
  13. Wow - nice job. It looks so fabulous!! Thanks for linking up at Romance on a dime! Pinning this.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Oh Em Gee. This is amazing!! Thank you for sharing - Love it!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Now that is creative!! Love it! thank you for always sharing such great ideas at uncommon!! Sharing on our Fb page tonight! ;)

    ReplyDelete
  16. This is so awesome and one of the most unique projects I've seen in a long time. Thanks for linking to the Home Decor and Organizing Link Party. This is one of my features today.

    ReplyDelete
  17. As you can see from the above comments I have been sharing this on lots of links parties. My thanks to everyone hosting the parties. It seems to work for sharing ideas.

    ReplyDelete
  18. time to pick up some sticks!!!!!! I can do this to disguise our ac unit! I think!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Great idea! I can see this working in different sizes or densities for all types of house uglies, ac units, garbage cans, grills, etc.

      Delete
  19. I'm featuring this tomorrow at Romance on a dime's TIOT party!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Such a beautiful project, Marji! Wow! Great tutorial too! I also check out the ideas for filling in the space (the candles and wood disc flowers) and both are adorable! I love it!

    ReplyDelete
  21. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Wow! That's really beautiful! I'd love for you to come link up to our party where we can show off all of our old or new projects! :)
    http://www.cutesycrafts.com/2013/04/an-oldie-but-goodie-12.html - Jessica

    ReplyDelete