Your Guide On How To Screen In A Porch

Outdoor home improvement projects are one of the best ways to improve the resale value of your home. And if you want to improve your backyard, you may want to consider installing a screened-in porch.

In addition to boosting resale value, a screened-in porch can help make the time you spend in your yard more enjoyable. With a screened-in porch, you can enjoy the outdoors and fresh air minus the bugs and debris.

This article will detail how to screen in a porch and list the tools and resources you’ll need to get started.

What Is A Screened-In Porch?

A screened-in porch, also called a screen room, is a porch near the exterior of the home that’s covered by window screens. Window screens help prevent insects, debris and other objects from entering the space.

A screened-in porch creates a more functional outdoor living space for homeowners, allowing them to enjoy nature in peace.

How To Build A Screened-In Porch

The process of screening in a porch is the same whether you plan to hire a contractor or DIY the process. Here are seven steps to get you started:

1. Measure The Porch

Before getting started, you’ll need to measure the distance between posts and measure the size of the entrance. These measurements will help you determine the best way to frame the porch screens and ensure you buy enough materials.

But to be on the safe side, it may be a good idea to buy 10% more material than you think you need. Window screens come in rolls of varying sizes, usually 3 – 8 feet. You’ll need to choose the right width to fit the opening.

2. Make Any Necessary Structural Repairs Or Additions

If your porch is small, you may want to expand it to increase the functionality of the space. If it’s falling apart, you may need to fix cracks, rot damage or sagging sections in the wood. You’ll need to take care of any repairs or additions before you install screens and framing.

3. Choose The Right Screen Type

The screen type you choose will make a big difference in your porch’s appearance, durability and overall functionality. There are two main types of screen material to choose from: fiberglass and aluminum.

Fiberglass is cheaper and easier to install – but it’s flimsier than aluminum. Aluminum is more expensive. And because it’s inflexible, it’s harder to work with. But once it’s installed, it’s less likely you’ll ever need to replace it.

If you’re new to this kind of home improvement project or don’t have an extra set of hands to help you, go with fiberglass. It will save you a lot of frustration. And if it rips, you can always replace it with an aluminum screen.

4. Install Base Strips

You’ll start your project by attaching the base strips to the frame of the porch with a drill and screws. You can use pruning shears to trim the base strips to the correct length. Make sure to use a level so the strips are straight.

5. Attach The Screen

Attaching the screens is the biggest part of this project and will probably take you the most time. Roll out your screen and cut it with a utility knife to fit it into the space. It’s a good idea to cut a little more screen than you actually need.

From there, you’ll place the screen in the gap of the strip. Push a spline tool in the gap to wedge the screen in place. Do this on all four sides of the screen and screen panels. And hold the screen tight to keep it in place while you work.

6. Install Cap Strips

Once the screen is attached, you can tap in the cap strips with a rubber mallet. Place the strips over the base and tap them in lightly. Cap strips conceal the screen and the spline, giving your porch a trimmed look.

7. Install The Screen Door

After you’ve enclosed the entire area, it’s time to install the screen door. It’s a good idea to use a retractable screen door because they swing in and out. They come in a variety of sizes and are easier to install than a hinged door.

The Advantages Of A Screened-In Porch

Let’s look at the practical advantages of adding a screened-in porch to your home.

Improves Curb Appeal

A screened-in porch can improve the curb appeal of your home. It gives the home a more attractive appearance and makes it more inviting. If you ever sell your home, a screened-in porch could be an attractive feature for potential buyers.

Adds Value To The Property

A screened-in porch could add value to your home by making the porch a more usable space. On average, you can expect an 84% return on your investment. For example, adding a $10,000 screened-in porch will add $8,400 to the price of your home.

Because an enclosed porch can add to a sense of security and increase the enjoyment of the space, buyers tend to prefer houses with screened-in porches.

Keeps Bugs And Debris Away

For many homeowners, insects can be a huge deterrent to spending time outdoors. A screened-in porch allows you to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors without dreading the sudden appearance of mosquitoes or picking leaves, grass clippings and other debris out of your hair or mouth.

Provides Weather Protection

Unless you’re relaxing on your porch during a full-on storm, a screened-in porch provides a degree of weather protection.

It can keep out average rainfall, which will keep your porch dry. And its sun protection will help keep your porch cool and block UV rays.

Offers Privacy And Security

A screened-in porch gives you more privacy because it darkens the space, making it harder for anyone to see who or what is on the porch from the street. A screened-in porch can offer some security, helping to keep away unwanted visitors and keep young children and pets safe.

It’s also an extra barrier for a package thief or intruder to tackle. They may not be as willing to try to steal something off your porch if they have to go through a door or window screen.

Should You DIY Your Screened-In Porch Installation?

Let’s look at a few factors you should consider before deciding whether you should screen in your porch yourself.

Your Experience With Construction

If you’re comfortable working with tools or have some construction experience, it may make sense to build your porch. Screening in a porch is a DIY project that will likely take you and your designated helper a weekend of work.

Hiring a professional is the smart way to go if you’re starting without a porch or aren’t sure you can do it yourself.

Building a screened-in porch from the ground up takes time – and money. You may also need to look into financing options.

Your Budget

One of the early questions you may ask yourself before drilling the first screw is, “How much does it cost to screen in a porch?” You’ll need to consider how much money the project will cost.

Several factors play into the cost of screening in a porch, including:

• Existing porch conditions
• Foundation
• The location of the porch
• The size of the porch
• Materials
• Finishes and features
• Permits and inspection
• Installation (if you don’t do it yourself)

The national average to screen in a porch is $2,400. You can also purchase DIY screened-in porch kits that include all the materials for the project. Kit prices start around $2,000.

You can save money on labor by installing the porch yourself. Take your home renovation budget into account before deciding on the right installation method. If you need extra cash to fund the project, you may want to consider taking out a cash-out refinance.

A cash-out refinance typically has lower rates than most other loans. And as a bonus, any value the renovation adds to your home can technically “repay” the equity you withdrew.

The Condition Of Your Existing Porch

If your porch is in good condition, it will be easier to screen in, and you may be able to handle the installation on your own. But if your porch needs repairs or you want to expand it, you’ll probably need to work with a professional.

How To Screen In A Porch: FAQs

Still curious about how to screen in a porch? Read through a few frequently asked questions about the process.

What tools do you need to screen in a porch?

The materials to screen in a porch include:

• Roll(s) of screen (fiberglass or aluminum)
• Measuring tape
• Base strips
• Drill
• Screws and nails (wood screws or drywall screws)
• Pruning shears
• Level
• Utility knife
• Spline
• Rubber mallet
• Staple gun
• Saw

How much does it cost to screen in a porch?

The average cost to screen in a porch is $2,400. For a 200-square-foot porch, the price of a screened-in porch can range from $2,000 to $2,800. You can expect to pay $3 – $5 per square foot for screening and $2 per square foot for labor, in addition to lumber and roofing costs.

If you’re building a porch from scratch, the cost is closer to $25 – $120 per square foot for the entire project.

What is the cheapest way to screen in a porch?

The cheapest way to screen in a porch is to purchase a kit and DIY the project. Enclosing an existing porch is less expensive than building a porch from scratch. You can cut your expenses even more if you pick a fiberglass screen instead of an aluminum or solar screen. And you should avoid the temptation of adding luxury finishes.

The Bottom Line

A perfectly installed screened-in porch looks great, adds value and enhances security and privacy.

If you’re ready to renovate your porch, get started on a cash-out refinance to create a bug-free oasis you – or a future buyer – can enjoy.