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Because nothing can compare to a self-made mini theater.

You have hosted picnics outdoors and played games with your family, but the outdoor activity you may not have tried is watching one of your favorite movies in your backyard. People who live near the drive-in theater can always watch the show there, but for those who don’t have a DIY outdoor movie screen is the next best choice. In addition to providing an affordable experience, creating your own outdoor facility is also an intimate and memorable activity for the whole family.

To start your DIY theater project, you must first determine how much time and effort you want to invest. For a one-off movie night, you may want to choose a simple structure that uses materials you may already have. If you plan to host multiple movie nights in the summer, it may be worth trying some more elaborate events, which require more planning and execution. No matter which route you choose, you will build something that will surely be the highlight of the season. The last step is of course to decide what movies to watch, but fortunately, you can't go wrong with summer blockbusters, Hollywood classics, or anything in between.

The homeowners Victoria and Marcus Ford set up an outdoor cinema behind their garage. The retractable Sunbrella awning provides weather protection.

See more information about their backyard renovation.

For the simplest movie screen assembly, the whiteboard is your best choice. The Stuffed Suitcase shared some tips for perfecting this method and obtaining good image quality, such as using black paper behind white to avoid letting extra light through.

See more information in the filled suitcase.

Using PVC pipes and white lampshades, you can construct a screen bracket that can be saved and reassembled for future use. Charlotte Smith of At Charlotte's House provided instructions on how to cut and piece together PVC pipe, which is also a fun activity for the children to participate in before the movie celebrations begin.

See more at The Home Depot.

Those who want to completely upgrade their backyard can choose a permanent DIY installation like The Horticult. It is made of several wooden posts that can hold your screen in place while adding a beautiful aesthetic to any garden.

See more information in Horticult.

A stylish and affordable option is to use half-inch galvanized pipe to build a screen stand. Effortless Style provides instructions on the necessary materials you can buy at your local hardware store and how to put them together.

See more information in Effortless Style.

If you have limited time and want to make movie night rolling as quickly as possible, then this idea of ​​Toolbox Divas can be completed in an hour. It involves installing a shower curtain with tape to a tall surface, such as a fence or the side of a house.

See more information in Toolbox Divas.

This DIY movie screen doubles as an art project because it involves painting the canvas drip cloth white to reflect the high-quality picture. Aspiring Home provides tutorials and a list of needed supplies, such as sewing machines and paintbrushes.

See more information in the aspiring home.