Hide an Ugly Air Conditioner with a DIY Cover

A central air conditioner sitting outside behind your home can be a real eyesore. So, why not build a lattice cover to go around it? It’s a simple way to disguise your unit and add curb appeal to your home.

Paul Lewis from Canadian Garden explains how to build a cover for your air conditioner. You’ll first want to measure your unit and get the dimensions, making sure to allow adequate airflow around the compressor. Then, it’s off to creating a lattice screen. It’s best to start with cutting your corner posts first, and then cut the lattice pattern to length with a handsaw. You’ll want to start with the front-facing screen first. Lay out your panel on the ground, and attach the screen to two posts with crosspieces and nails to hold it in place. Continue to repeat this process for the other remaining sides—having an extra set of hands helps since building the cover should be upright at this stage. The air conditioner cover is self-supporting, but you can dig dirt around the bottom for extra support.

To help against fading, add a couple coats of stain to your lattice cover and you’re good to go. It’s a great way to hide your air conditioner and let your landscaping skills shine. Make sure to check out Canadian Garden’s full guide for the materials you need.

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Photo by: Mark Burstyn

Hide an Ugly Air Conditioner with a DIY Cover