Two years ago we had a number of calls from clients who wanted to create a protected space but there was no roof structure from which to hang the curtain. Obviously, the curtain needs to hang from something. Up until now, the choices were to either buy an awning, construct a pergola, or buy a pretty but flimsy aluminum gazebo kit that you had better not lean against.

Deck screen enclosure

What if you could construct a frame in a day that was tastefully made of painted pipe? These DIY pipe frames are inexpensive, seasonably removable, the corner fittings are rigid and don't require critical bracing required for wood frames, and they are much more attractive than you might first envision. With a netting roof panel, you won't block the light that comes into the house. Because our fabric is pulled from 123" rolls, it is perfect length for a 10ft tall spacious ceiling.

Pipe can be purchased at Home Depot or Lowe's in 10ft lengths along with all the necessary connectors. These stores will even cut your pipe to length and re-thread it for you. We have found that 3/4" galvanized pipe works perfectly. A 10ft wide x 20ft long x 10ft tall frame, including spray paint and connectors, tallies to around $150. The pipe frame will take longer to paint than it does to erect, all in about a day (mostly spent staring at the paint to help it dry faster).

The only constraint you will have is that one dimension of the roof panel should be less than 12 ft. The other dimension can be any length you like. We have devoted an entire web page explaining the details.

10' x 20' x 10' frame was $143
Curtain with roof panel $575