
Creating a DIY AC unit cover is a great way to protect your outdoor air conditioner from the elements and improve its efficiency. This project requires minimal materials, including a piece of plywood or MDF, a saw, a drill, and some screws.
You'll want to choose a material that can withstand the weather conditions in your area. According to our article, plywood is a good option because it's durable and resistant to moisture.
Start by measuring your AC unit to determine the size of your cover. A standard AC unit measures around 36 inches wide and 24 inches deep. Make sure to add a few inches to each dimension to allow for easy removal and installation.
Cut your plywood or MDF to the correct size using a saw.
Materials and Supplies
To build an AC cover, you'll need a 6′ X 4″X 2″ Board, which is the exact size mentioned in the supplies list.
You'll also need a Paint Brush or a rag for stain, as specified in the tools list.
Supplies:

To get started on your project, you'll need the right supplies. A 6′ X 4″X 2″ Board is a must-have for creating a DIY AC Unit Cover. You can use this board to build the frame and cover of your AC unit.
You'll also need some tools to work with your supplies. A Paint Brush or a rag for stain is a good option to have on hand, especially if you're planning to add a finish to your DIY AC Unit Cover.
Cost
Building an AC cover can be a cost-effective solution to conceal your outdoor air conditioner. You can make one for under $100, depending on the materials you choose.
Outdoor air conditioners can be an eyesore in your yard, but a stylish cover can make a big difference. A well-made cover can also increase the lifespan of your AC unit by protecting it from debris and weather damage.
Some materials, like PVC or aluminum, can be more expensive than others. However, they are durable and can last for many years with proper maintenance.
You can also use reclaimed or recycled materials to create a unique and eco-friendly AC cover. This can be a fun and creative way to repurpose old materials and save money.
A good AC cover should allow for proper airflow to ensure the unit operates efficiently. This means you'll need to choose materials that are breathable and won't block airflow.
In addition to the cost of materials, you'll also need to consider the cost of any additional features you want to include, such as a removable top or a built-in storage compartment.
Building the Fence
The final size of your DIY air conditioner fence cover will depend on your specific needs, but a good size to start with is 48 3/4″ tall x 89 1/4″ long x 55 1/4 wide.
To build the long part of the fence, start by leaving a 3/4″ overhang of the 1×6 board on each side of the 4x4s. This will help create a sturdy base for the rest of the fence.
Use wood glue and 2″ brad nails to secure the 1×6 board in place, and make sure to leave a 1/2″ gap between the boards. A 1/2″ thick scrap wood can be used as a spacer to help keep everything aligned.
Suggestion: Diy Wood Ring Box
Posts

When building a fence around your AC unit, it's essential to consider the spacing of the posts. We wanted to leave a good amount of space between the fence and the AC unit for air circulation, so I went with 14” spacing.
The posts should be sturdy to support the fence. I used 4x4 posts, which are a good size for this project.
The spacing between the posts will also depend on the type of fence you're building. For a wooden fence, 6-8 feet between posts is a good rule of thumb.
Additional reading: Is Rheem a Good Ac Unit
Outdoor
Building an outdoor AC cover can be a great way to protect your unit from the elements and improve its appearance. You can use weather-resistant materials like treated wood, metal, or durable plastic, and avoid materials that trap moisture.
When it comes to building a cover that fits your AC unit, you'll need to position the assembly around the unit and mark the placements of the legs. It's essential to dig 7-inch-deep holes at each leg location to secure the structure.

To ensure the cover is level, use a 4-foot level to check it from front to back and side to side. This will help prevent any unevenness or instability.
You can also use a hallway table to create a cover, but you'll need to measure and cut decorative plastic panel to suit the sides and front of the table. A power saw and a clamped straightedge will come in handy for this task.
If you're planning to install a screening cover, be sure to check your AC unit's installation instructions for the minimum setback required for objects that might block airflow. This will help you determine the right distance to place your screening.
Here are some materials and tools you may need to build an outdoor AC cover:
- Weather-resistant materials like treated wood, metal, or durable plastic
- A 4-foot level
- A power saw
- A clamped straightedge
- A drill driver
- Treated Pine framing uprights
- Treated Pine pailings
- Merbau screening
- Climacoat screws
Build the Fence Extension
To build the fence extension, start by attaching the long part of the DIY air conditioner fence cover to the 4x4s. Make sure to leave a 3/4″ overhang of the 1×6 board on each side of the 4x4s.

Use wood glue and 2″ brad nails to secure in place, noting that all boards will also get screws into them as well at the end. The nails help to hold everything in place quickly.
Repeat this process again with another 1×6 board, but leaving a 1/2″ gap between the boards. Use 1/2″ thick scrap wood to help act as a spacer, which will help keep everything in place.
To attach the top board, move the spacer board to the bottom of the 4x4s, as seen in the tip.
If you plan to add top trim, rip 1×6 boards down to 4 3/4″ wide with a table saw, and cut the boards according to the following list:
- (1) board @ 89 1/4″ from straight edge to long point
- (1) board @ 55 1/4″ from straight edge to long point
Attach the boards with wood glue and 2″ brad nails into the top of the posts, making sure to create a 45 degree mitered corner at the fence corner.
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