How to Install a Fixed Frame Projector Screen — Step-by-Step Guide

Installing a fixed frame projector screen is a straightforward afternoon project that requires no specialist skills. The process breaks into four steps: frame assembly, wall marking and drilling, bracket mounting, and fabric tensioning. This guide covers each step in detail.

What You'll Need

• A pencil, tape measure, and spirit level (or laser level)
• A drill with the appropriate bit for your wall type (masonry, timber stud, or drywall)
• The mounting hardware included with your TrueThrow screen
• A second person for the fabric tensioning step (strongly recommended)

No specialist AV tools are needed. The entire installation uses the hardware included in the box.

Step 1 — Assemble the Frame (10–15 minutes)

TrueThrow fixed frame screens ship with four aluminium border pieces and corner connectors. Lay them on a clean floor and connect corner to corner — each joint clicks and locks without tools. The frame forms a rigid rectangle that holds the screen fabric under tension.

• Connect the two long horizontal pieces (top and bottom) to the two shorter vertical side pieces
• Press each corner connector firmly until it clicks — you'll hear and feel it lock
• Check the assembled frame is square by measuring diagonally corner-to-corner in both directions — the measurements should be equal within 5 mm

Step 2 — Mark the Wall (10–15 minutes)

Determine the centre of your screen wall and mark it lightly in pencil. From that centre point, calculate the horizontal spread of the screen and mark the left and right edges.

Height positioning: The ideal screen centre height is 100–115 cm from the floor for sofa seating. Mark this as your horizontal reference line using a spirit level or laser level.

From the centre height and horizontal centre point, mark the four bracket positions (typically top-left, top-right, bottom-left, bottom-right corners of the mounting area). Use the mounting template included with your screen — it shows the exact spacing between bracket holes.

Stud check: If your screen is 110" or larger, use a stud finder to confirm whether any bracket positions align with wall studs. Anchor those points to studs; use the included drywall anchors for the rest.

Step 3 — Drill and Mount Brackets (10–15 minutes)

Drill pilot holes at each marked bracket position. The drill bit size is specified on the wall anchor packaging included with your screen. Insert the wall anchors, then screw the mounting brackets into position.

Before tightening the brackets fully, hold a long spirit level across the two top brackets to confirm they're perfectly level. A 2 mm height difference becomes visible on a 100"+ screen. Adjust as needed, then tighten all four brackets.

Step 4 — Attach the Frame to the Wall (5 minutes)

Lift the assembled frame onto the wall brackets. TrueThrow frame systems use a hook-and-rail system — the frame slides down onto the brackets and sits flush against the wall. Confirm the frame is level using the spirit level again before proceeding.

Step 5 — Tension the Screen Fabric (15–20 minutes)

This is the most technique-sensitive step. The fabric attaches to the frame via a series of clips or a woven border channel around the frame perimeter.

• Start at the centre of the top edge, clip or press the fabric into the channel, then move to the centre of the bottom edge and pull the fabric taut before clipping
• Then do the centre of the left edge, then the centre of the right edge — always working in opposing pairs
• Work outward from the centres toward each corner in small steps, alternating sides, pulling evenly
• The corners are last — pull each corner diagonally outward before clipping

Uneven tensioning creates visible ripples or a slight bow in the fabric. If you see this, release the affected section and re-tension more evenly from the nearest centre point. A second person holding the frame steady makes this significantly easier.

Final Check

• Stand back 3–4 metres and inspect the surface for any ripples — it should be completely flat
• Shine a torch at a low angle across the surface — this reveals any tension irregularities that direct-on viewing misses
• Check that the frame sits flush against the wall with no gaps at the corners

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mounting too high — the screen centre should be at eye level when seated, not at standing eye level
• Skipping the level check — even a 1° tilt is visible on a 100"+ screen
• Tensioning fabric from corners first — always start at centres and work outward
• Installing alone on large screens — above 110", the frame is heavy enough that a second person makes the difference between a 30-minute job and a frustrating hour