How To Make A Great Outdoor Theater At Home

Countless people would give an arm and a leg to recreate the experience of going to the movies at home. Indoor home theaters are more popular than ever, but they are also a big investment. On the other hand, outdoor theaters are often affordable and fun. That’s why so many people want to know how to make a great outdoor theater at home.

You can make a great outdoor theater at home with a projector, cables, and screen. Inflatable screens are the most affordable and cost $120 on average, but they vary. Look for an HD projector where you can play DVDs and also use streaming services. Set up comfortable seats and buy some affordable string lights to create a comfortable ambiance. 

Make sure to clean up your yard and set out citronella candles to keep bugs away. Ideally, you should use waterproof cable covers and protect the projector with a box. Follow along as we explore how to make a great outdoor theater at home on a budget. 

How To Set Up An Outdoor Movie Theater

1. Buy Equipment

Today, there are countless screens and projectors that can be used for backyard movie nights. You can find many affordable options for outdoor inflatable screens. These are ideal because you can deflate them, wrap them up, and easily store them.

You can also find screens with stands that are easy to set up and take down. There are many options for projectors as well, but 4K projectors are currently the most popular. You can find screens that take DVDs, but it’s a great idea to look for one with streaming capabilities.

This gives you more options for the movies and shows that you show in your yard. Next, you must get a sound system that will create a cinematic experience. Ideally, you should look for a surround sound system that generates quality sound no matter where you sit. 

2. Get Seats

No outdoor movie theater experience would be complete without comfortable seating. While you can buy theater seats, that’s not always a great idea. For example, they’re often made of leather, which makes them vulnerable to the elements. 

Instead, choose lounge chairs with removable cushions. That way, you can put the cushions inside before it rains. Position your seats around the screen in a way that lets everyone get a great view.  

Otherwise, you can simply lay out blankets, pillows, and sleeping bags in front of your screen. This is a great option if you don’t want to spend a fortune on your outdoor movie theater setup. However, you may want to use bug spray. 

3. Pick Your Lights

While this step is optional, lights can work wonders to get the most out of your outdoor theater experience. The best part about this is that you don’t have to spend a fortune. For example, a simple set of string lights can turn your backyard into a cinema 

Look for waterproof string lights that can withstand inclement weather. You can find them for between $30 and $220 depending on the type and length. Ambient lanterns can also make your outdoor theater feel cozy and warm. 

The trick is to be subtle with your lighting setup, so you don’t create glares that obscure the screen. Otherwise, you can simply use outdoor torches and create a natural look. 

4. Clean Your Yard

It’s easy to get distracted from your favorite movie when your outdoor cinema is a mess. Not only will it take away from the movie, but a messy yard can also attract pests. Create a checklist of backyard chores that will make your outdoor movie theater look amazing.

For example, you can pull weeds, sweep leaves, and prune your bushes. It’s also a great idea to trim branches near your movie screen. After all, the last thing you want is for branches to hang over or poke your movie screen. 

Mow your lawn weekly and blow the trimmings away. This helps keep flies, mosquitoes, ticks, and snakes out of your grass. 

5. Consider Bugs

Bugs can easily ruin an outdoor cinema experience if you don’t do anything to combat them. You can keep bugs away from your outdoor theater experience with something as simple as citronella candles. Citronella torches are equally effective, and they add ambiance to any yard at night. 

You can also enhance the experience and deter pests with a fire pit. Simply throw some sage and rosemary in the fire to create an odor that keeps bugs away. Keep in mind that you must be careful with where you put the fire pit as movie screens are flammable. 

Bug zapper lamps also both attract and kill bugs at night. They are drawn to the light, then the electricity kills them. It also helps to plant marigolds, lavender, mint, and basil as they naturally deter bugs. 

6. Prepare For Bad Weather

Bad weather can quickly ruin an outdoor theater night at home. While it’s important to check the forecast, rain and heavy winds can occur when you least expect it. First, it’s a great idea to keep your projector in solid housing to protect it from rain.

It helps if you have a deck under which you can position the project and point it at the movie screen. Otherwise, you can simply build a solid box without slats, so water can't damage the projector. Invest in waterproof cable protectors to shield the cables from water.

It’s also a great idea to come up with a plan in case it rains. For example, you should prepare to quickly move the projector inside if you don’t have a way to protect it. You must also anchor your projector to the ground, so it doesn’t blow away in the wind. 

7. Consult Your Neighbors

Your great outdoor movie experience may not be as great for your neighbors if you’re too loud. That’s why it’s important to communicate with them. For example, it helps to let your neighbors know if you plan to have a loud outdoor movie night with friends. 

This is only likely a problem if your neighbors are close to your house on both sides. Otherwise, you can simply keep the volume low so you don’t disturb them. The last thing you want is for your neighbors to file a noise complaint. 

How Much Does An Outdoor Movie Theater Setup Cost?

An outdoor movie theater costs as little as $200 to $350. That said, you can spend $150 if you make a DIY screen and your only expense is the projector. Brands like Sony, Epson, and JVC offer great projectors at premium costs, but that can add thousands of dollars to the project. 

For example, the Sony 4K HDR Laser Home Theater Projector starts at $5,000. However, a basic projector with great picture quality is $200 to $500. Granted, the picture may not be as crisp, but that’s not as important to every homeowner. 

Screens are similar in that they start at $120 and go up to $15,000. That said, screens that cost thousands of dollars are closer to what you find in professional cinemas. 

Summing It Up

You can make a great outdoor movie theater on a budget with a cheap projector and inflatable screen. Secure the screen to the ground with ropes and stakes in case the wind picks up. Invest in some string lights and citronella torches to create ambiance. You can create a fun experience with some lawn chairs with removable cushions. 

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