Here’s How to Make Your Own Outdoor Movie Theatre

Building your own outdoor movie theatre is a great way to enhance your summer entertaining. It can also be a nice complement to other backyard activities like cookouts and kid’s parties. You can even invite fellow sports fans over and live-stream the big game. Perhaps best of all, a DIY movie theatre doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. Here’s some tips and info to get you started.

DIY Movie Screen

Take full advantage of your outdoor space by building your own backyard movie theatre. It’s easier than you might think. A few basic building supplies – lumber, canvas drop cloth, hardware and acrylic latex paint – are all you need to create our DIY standalone movie theatre and enjoy the big-screen experience at home. Begin by mapping out the best spot for your screen, remembering that you’ll likely want at least 10 feet viewing distance between screen and seating area. A projector and speaker are also required of course, but there are many affordable options available on that front. Your best option is to begin now, so you can truly optimize your outdoor entertainment all summer long.

Here's How:

1. Assemble all the materials and tools for your project: 

• pressure-treated lumber 

• canvas drop cloth 

• acrylic latex paint 

• fence rails 

• pole sockets 

• bungee cords 

2. Paint your canvas and let it dry completely overnight. 

3. Cut your lumber to create the bottom frame of your movie screen. 

4. Cut and build the sides; they’re designed as T-Braces, so you can create a standalone screen. Attach the bottom frame to the two vertical sides with screws. 

5. Cut your lumber to form the top of your movie theatre frame – one piece for the top-front face, one for the top-back face and one piece for the top that caps the theatre frame. 

6. Mount the pole sockets that will hang the canvas screen. 

7. Cut the two rails that will hold the screen at the top and bottom. 

8. Cut and fold the canvas screen, using two long strips of wood to bring the canvas together and create a loop. 

9. Install the canvas screen. First, insert the top rail through the canvas loop on both ends and then into the sockets on both sides of the frame. 10. Insert the bottom rail into the canvas loop. The rail acts as a weight to keep the canvas straight. Secure the bottom rail into place by wrapping bungee cords around each end and around the theatre frame. 

Learn how to build your very own standalone DIY outdoor movie theatre here.

Powering Up

Before your first backyard movie night make sure you’ve got all the wires and connectors you’ll need. That includes AV cables, extension cords and power bars.

Comfortable Outdoor Seating

Now that you’ve taken care of the theatre creation, it’s time to consider your outdoor seating. Can your existing outdoor sectional be repositioned? Will some people be viewing from the pool? Here’s some options to consider:

• Plastic chairs are lightweight and stackable 

• Folding lawn chairs offer convenient storage 

• Folding camping chairs offer the same, with the added benefit of cup holders 

• An outdoor coffee table or several well-placed small tables can hold drinks and snacks 

• Floating chairs and inflatable loungers for chilling in the pool on hot summer nights

Comfy Cushions & Pillows

All seating will need outdoor cushions for making lengthy sitting more comfortable. Outdoor pillows can be used as headrests, or for kids who get sleepy or like to sprawl on the grass.

Keeping Warm

Keep a few camping blankets on hand for adding warmth on cooler nights, and add hot water bottles for extra heat. Laying a waterproof tarp on the grass will keep kids dry. You can also add outdoor patio heaters, portable electric heaters and even heated chairs to your outdoor movie theatre. If your space permits, an outdoor fire pit will add some wonderful ambiance.

Mood Lighting

Outdoor lighting will add ambience to your backyard movie night and provide safety for people moving about. Various types of patio and garden lights are available, including patio lanterns (some include mosquito repellent features), string lights, pathway markers and tiki torches.

Dinner & A Movie

You could make your night-time event even more special by offering diner before the movie. You may want to upgrade to a bigger BBQ or smoker, and make sure all your grilling accessories are in order. Set up a folding table or picnic table for serving, and use disposable or compostable plates and cutlery to minimize cleanup at the end of the night.

Movie Snacks & Refreshments

And last, but definitely not least, don’t forget movie snacks! Popcorn is a must and kids will love their own popcorn popper. Kids drinks can be put in portable coolers, and adult drinks in a convenient cooler bench. You could even build your own patio bar, which could be a great starting point for an outdoor kitchen.

Outdoor movie nights can be a ton of fun. Invite the neighbours, call some friends, and tell everyone to bring the kids. You can always start the night off with some cartoons or kid-friendly feature films. Then have a brief intermission to settle the little ones, and roll out the movie for grown-ups.