Screening material suggestions ???

[adowden]

I am trying to finish up a foyer cabinet that has taken me way too long. It's main purpose is to hide a doorbell and a thermostat (based on customer requirement). It has a mirror in the center with small cubbies around the sides and above the mirror. The bottom left cubby will need a door to hide the thermostat, and the customer wants the bottom right one to look the same for symmetry.

The two doors are small - covering a 7 1/2" x 10" opening. I wanted to put somekind of screening material on the inside of the door frame instead of a panel so there will be better air flow to the thermostat. I have black screen door material, but I think the rectangular pattern is a little too large to look good.

Finally my question: Do you have any suggestions for a better looking material to attach in place of the panel that will allow air flow and look nice?

Thanks,
Amy

 

[sediener]

What about some speaker fabric?

 

[b4man]

Amy,
I'm thinking outside the box here!

What about wire mesh in a diamond pattern or a louver? It could be painted black or bronze, etc.?

I can't wait to see pix of the project!

Barbara

 

[nelsone]

Do I understand correctly that the thermostat will be on the bottom of the cabinet? I would but 3~4 holes in the bottom were they wont be so visable and then you can use what ever (if any) screening material you like. I would probably go with some type of light wire screen.

 

[adowden]

Speaker fabric is along the lines of what the customer would like (I think). Does anyone know a place to get it around the Triangle area?

I promise to post pictures soon.

Amy

 

[sapwood]

Amy,
Although not a local source, Parts Express has a decent selection of speaker cloth. I've made several purchases from them and had good service. Search their site for "grill cloth".

Roger

 

[nelsone]

I'll second Parts Express. I've used them a couple times in the past.

 

[gator]

I think that I would consider Barb's suggestion and back the grid with fabric. You could consider the expanded metal or sheet metal with a punched pattern such as is found at the borgs.

George

 

[adowden]

Thanks for all the help. I'm not against a grid for the panels, but this is a loosing project. I quoted way too low and currently am working for $4 per hr. I am trying to finish up and move on.

The style is contemporary with Shaker crown. I will post pics very soon. I glued up the small doors today. Once I get them attached, I will post pics.

Today I bought two hinges at Restoration Hardware because the customer wants brushed nickel. I get them home and they don't match! :BangHead: Now I must go back and try to get a one that matches one of the other two. One was much more brushed than the other.

Thanks again for all the help.
Amy