Build a Giant 10-Foot PVC Projection Screen for Under $100
CNET’s Senior Editor, Donald Bell, set out to share one of the greatest movie experiences ever — watching Star Wars on the big screen — with his son. But instead of buying an expensive setup or building a bulky frame, he found an easier and more affordable way using FORMUFIT PVC pipe and fittings.
His goal was simple: create a large, collapsible projection screen that was portable, lightweight, and under $100. The result? A 10-foot-wide screen made with Spandex and PVC that delivers big-screen performance without big-screen cost.
Lightweight, Collapsible, and Easy to Build
Donald wanted a simple, DIY frame that could easily be assembled and disassembled for storage. Using FORMUFIT Furniture Grade PVC pipe and fittings provided the perfect structure — strong enough to hold the fabric tightly, yet light enough to move and collapse when needed.
To keep things affordable, he sourced a stretchable Spandex fabric from Rose Brand for around $50. The material’s elasticity ensures a smooth, wrinkle-free viewing surface once stretched over the PVC frame.
Design Details
After a few design tweaks, Donald finalized a rectangular PVC frame with a center offset support to reduce shadows. He used heat-setting fabric tape to create a Spandex “pocket” that slides snugly over both sides of the PVC frame, resulting in a perfectly tensioned, crease-free projection surface.
When movie night’s over, the entire screen breaks down easily — small enough to fit in a closet until the next screening.
See the full tutorial on CNET for step-by-step instructions and a video of the finished build in action.
All images copyright © CBS Interactive.
