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7 Practical Repurposed Screen Door Ideas

Lowe's Editorial Team

By Lowe's Editorial Team
Published October 9, 2024

Repurposed screen door ideas transform your door into a one-of-a-kind piece that adds value to your home. Take on this project and make new accessories that are of use to you.

Considerations for Repurposing

It’s necessary to consider some key factors before you decide on an idea that fits your vision. These considerations ensure that your repurposed screen door is functional and appealing.

Examine the Condition of the Screen Door

The condition of your screen door will influence which idea you can do. Examine the frame of your door for any cracks or warping. These signs of damage need to be fixed before you begin your project. Inspect the condition of the mesh as well.  

Check for any tears, rust or holes. If there is severe damage, you might need to replace it before you start upcycling. Examine the door for any signs of damage caused by weather.

Ensure Your Safety

It’s essential to wear safety gear like gloves, eye protection and a dust mask. This is to protect yourself from any safety hazards while working. If you’re working alone, ensure you handle heavy screen doors carefully. This is to prevent any accidents or mishaps. Be careful with sharp tools as well.

Check Local Regulations

Once you decide on an idea for your old screen door, check local building regulations and codes. Certain outdoor installations or structural changes might require permits. Being aware of any zoning restrictions is also useful before you begin.

7 Practical Repurposed Screen Door Ideas

Your old screen door has been through some wear and tear but that doesn’t mean it can’t be salvaged. If you’re looking for decorating ideas for your old screen door, you’re in the right place. From bookshelves to jewelry organizers, you can make your screen door anything you desire.

Pantry Door

Use your old screen door to revamp your ordinary pantry door and give it a rustic edge. The open mesh design lets you peek at all the snacks in your pantry. It’s also the perfect rustic piece to impress your guests and relatives when they come over.

To make this, measure your pantry door to make sure your screen door will fit in the gap. Clean and sand your old door to remove any dirt. Now, attach hinges to the top and bottom of the screen door. Make sure they are securely attached to the frame. Lastly, install a latch or some lock to secure the door when it’s closed. Turn your screen door into a statement piece by painting it a bold color like yellow, red or blue.

Bookshelf

This repurposed screen door idea is perfect if you have too many books and not enough storage space. Attach shelves to your old screen door to display your favorite books and other items. This can become a conversation starter and allow you to talk about your DIY quests. Paint it a color that matches your home to create a cohesive look. 

Consider the size of your books and decorative items to decide the space between your shelves. Cut the wooden shelves to your desired size and install them to the screen door. Make sure to secure them using brackets or screws.

Porch Divider

Your screen door is perfect to divide your porch into an entryway and a seating area. This repurposed screen door idea works best if you have a large porch. The screen door will provide an intimate and private seating area. It’s the perfect outdoor space to bask in natural light. 

Check the condition of your screen door and clean it if necessary. If the wire isn’t in good condition, you can replace the wire for a finished look. Paint it with exterior paint in a color of your liking. To attach it to your porch, you can use the hinges already installed in it. Attach them to your home and add an L-shaped bracket to the bottom. This is to ensure it doesn’t swing and is stable on the floor of the house.

Trellis

Transform your old screen door to a vertical garden trellis and elevate the look of your outdoor space. You can do this by attaching plants or vines to the mesh. This adds greenery to your outdoor space and provides support for your garden. Securely attach your screen door to a post or fence with brackets or screws.

This is to ensure it doesn’t tip over due to any reason. Select climbing plants that are ideal for your climate, like ivy or ferns. You can paint your trellis a color that matches your outdoor space.

Jewelry Organizer

Turn your basic, old screen door into a decorative jewelry organizer. This old screen door idea adds value to your door and makes it useful. All you need to do is attach hooks or pegs to the mesh in desired locations. You can place your necklaces, bracelets and earrings in a decorative manner across the door.  

Be a little quirky by adding hooks and pegs of different sizes and shapes. Secure them with screws and nails to make sure they stay in place. You can organize your jewelry by size, type or style to make them easily accessible.

Chicken Wire Display

Your old screen door can double as a creative display piece. Replace the mesh of your screen door with chicken wire to add a unique touch. Attach it securely to the back of your screen door using staples or screws.  

You can use the chicken wire to display photos, artwork or decorative items. You can hold them in place using colorful clips or clothespins for an artistic twist. Hang the screen door on a wall using screws or place it on a stand.

Potting Bench

This repurposed screen door idea is one that will last for years to come. Your old screen door is perfect to create a sturdy and stylish potting bench. Using the door as the base, attach a wooden plank to the top using screws or brackets. You can attach shelves to the sides of the door or under the mesh for extra storage. Paint or stain the potting bench in a color that complements your outdoor space.

Tips for Repurposing Your Old Screen Door

  • It’s essential to clean and prepare the screen door before you start your project. Remove any dirt, grime or rust and sand the surface for a clean finish. 
  • Since you’re working with a wood surface, use the right finishing techniques for the best results. Paint, stain or apply a clear coat to protect the wood and enhance its look. 
  • You can decorate your finished projects with sturdy hardware, stencils or decals to add a unique touch. 
  • You might need to add extra support or reinforcement if you plan to place heavy objects on the door.