Keep in mind that you will likely want a bit of space between your seating and the screen. Typically, you will need at least enough space for a small table to accommodate your equipment. You will need to consider the size of the screen you wish to use, the number of movie watchers and the space your particular A/V equipment will require. If you want a more permanent setup that can be enjoyed at a moment’s notice, you will need to find a dedicated space that allows room for your screen, seating and audio-visual equipment. Your existing patio or lawn may suit your needs, and you will just need to move some patio furniture to accommodate guests or find a spot to hang your screen temporarily. If you will just be bringing out your equipment for occasional movie nights, then you will not necessarily need to make any permanent changes to your backyard. The first thing you need to decide before choosing a space for your theater is whether your setup will be permanent or temporary. So let’s get right into gathering your gear, expanding your usable outdoor living space and getting your at-home movie theater set up for your next date night, family movie night or social gathering. This DIY project can range from simply hanging a white bed sheet on your clothesline to installing a high-end, retractable projector screen on your patio, which means almost any homeowner with a yard or some sort can get in on some alfresco movie-watching action. There are a lot of options when it comes to setting up a backyard cinema, including portable options that can be used for both indoor and outdoor home theaters, inexpensive options that can be put together in a day using mostly items you already have, and luxury, permanent installations that could even increase the value of your home. You probably have at least some of the necessities for this do-it-yourself project already on hand, which will make it even more affordable. Of course, expensive, luxury options are available that require bringing in professionals to set up high-end A/V equipment and a huge, permanent movie screen, but DIY options are available that should fit into any homeowner’s budget. In fact, DIY theaters are so easy to set up, it is a bit surprising that we do not see more of these outdoor room options in San Diego homes.

It might seem like you need some extensive tech skills, expensive audio-visual gear and a pricey movie screen to set up an enjoyable movie-watching experience at home, but creating your own theater is actually easier and cheaper than most people think. Here in San Diego, where we enjoy some pretty great weather throughout the year, we have another option that can be a lot more fun: backyard movie theaters. Heading to your local movie theater or making the short jaunt to one of the drive-in theaters in the San Diego area is not your only option for enjoying your favorite flicks on the big screen.

Diy outdoor projector screen