How much does a screened porch cost?

Screen an existing porch/deck: $2,000-$8,000. New build (192 sq ft): $15,000-$30,000. New build (280 sq ft): $20,000-$45,000. New build (384 sq ft): $30,000-$60,000. Premium (with fireplace, outdoor kitchen): $40,000-$80,000+. Cost per square foot: basic: $30-$70. Mid-range: $70-$120. Premium: $120-$200+. The most affordable approach: screen an existing covered porch or deck ($2,000-$8,000). You get 80% of the benefit at 20% of the cost of building from scratch.

Can I screen in an existing porch or deck myself?

Yes, screening an existing covered porch or deck is a feasible DIY project. What you need: the structure must have a roof, posts, and a floor already. You are adding screen panels between existing posts. DIY approach: build simple screen frames from 1x4 or 2x4 lumber. Staple fiberglass screen to the frames. Attach frames to the posts. Add a screen door. Or use a Screen-Tight system (track-based — even easier). Cost for DIY: $500-$2,000 for materials. Time: 1-3 weekends depending on size and complexity. When to hire a pro: no existing roof (adding a roof is not a beginner project). Structural concerns. You want a polished, high-end result. Complex layout or large size.

What is the best screen for a screened porch?

Best overall: fiberglass screen in charcoal color. Affordable ($0.15-$0.30/sq ft). Best visibility (charcoal blends in and you can see through it clearly). Easy to repair or replace. Adequate insect protection. Lasts 5-10 years. Best durability: aluminum screen. Will not sag or stretch. Lasts 15-20+ years. Slightly more visible than charcoal fiberglass. More expensive ($0.30-$0.60/sq ft). Best for pets: pet-resistant screen (polyester or vinyl-coated polyester). Withstands claws, pushing, scratching. Much stronger than standard fiberglass. Cost: $0.50-$1.00/sq ft. Best for no-see-ums: 20x20 mesh (standard is 18x16). The finer mesh blocks tiny insects. Reduces airflow slightly. Best premium: Super Screen or similar. UV-resistant, extra strong, long lifespan (15+ years). Best visibility and strongest material. $1.00-$2.00/sq ft.

Does a screened porch add home value?

Yes. A screened porch typically recoups 50-70% of its cost at resale. In the Southeast and Gulf Coast (where bugs are a significant quality-of-life issue): return can be 60-80%. In northern climates: return may be 40-60% (shorter usable season). Beyond resale: a screened porch is one of the most-used outdoor living features. It extends your usable outdoor time by eliminating bugs and reducing sun exposure. Many homeowners rate it as one of their most valuable investments in terms of daily enjoyment. To maximize value: build it proportional to the house (not too small, not too large). Use quality materials and finishes. Include a ceiling fan and good lighting. Make it accessible from a main living area (kitchen or family room).

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Screened Porch Guide: Cost, Design & How to Build

Lumberama Editorial Team, Porch & Outdoor Living Specialists Oct 27, 2026 10 min read

Types of Screened Porches

Basic screen enclosure: Screen panels attached to existing porch posts or a simple frame. Budget-friendly. Can be DIY. Cost: $2,000-$5,000. Suitable for existing covered porches or decks.

Standard screened porch (new build): Purpose-built porch with posts, beams, roof, and screen panels. Solid construction with proper framing. Cost: $15,000-$40,000. Most common choice.

Screened porch with knee walls: Half-walls (30-36 inches) below the screen panels. More substantial and finished appearance. Better protection from rain splash and wind. Cost: $20,000-$50,000.

Premium screened porch: High-end finishes: tongue-and-groove ceiling, ceiling fan, recessed lighting, stone or tile flooring. Retractable screens or screen-and-glass panels (convertible to three-season). Outdoor kitchen or fireplace. Cost: $40,000-$80,000+. An outdoor living room.

Design Decisions

Screen types: Fiberglass screen: most common and affordable. Easy to install and replace. Comes in charcoal (best visibility) and bright aluminum (more visible but more durable). Aluminum screen: more durable than fiberglass. Does not sag. Higher cost. Can dent. Pet-resistant screen (polyester or vinyl-coated polyester): withstands claws and pushing. Best for households with dogs or cats. Super Screen or similar: extra-strong, long-lasting, UV-resistant. Premium price.

Screening systems: Traditional spline-in-channel: most common. Screens stapled or splined into grooves on the frame. Replaceable panel by panel. Screen-Tight or similar track system: screens lock into a base strip. Easier installation and replacement. Cleaner look. Phantom retractable screens: screens retract into a housing when not in use. Opens the space completely. Expensive ($3,000-$8,000).

Ceiling options: Tongue-and-groove wood (cedar or pine): $8-$15/sq ft. Beautiful, natural look. Beadboard (PVC or wood): $5-$10/sq ft. Classic porch ceiling. Painted plywood: $2-$4/sq ft. Budget-friendly. Exposed rafters: $0 extra. Rustic look. Tradition: many porch ceilings are painted haint blue (a blue-green color) — a Southern tradition said to ward off insects and spirits.

Flooring: Composite decking: $8-$15/sq ft. Low maintenance, durable. Pressure-treated wood decking: $4-$8/sq ft. Affordable, familiar. Tile or stone: $10-$25/sq ft. Premium, easy to clean. Concrete (stained/stamped): $5-$15/sq ft. Durable and versatile. Ipe or hardwood decking: $15-$25/sq ft. Premium, long-lasting.

Cost

New construction (from scratch): 12x16 (192 sq ft): $15,000-$30,000. 14x20 (280 sq ft): $20,000-$45,000. 16x24 (384 sq ft): $30,000-$60,000.

Screen existing porch or deck: If the structure (roof, posts, floor) already exists: $2,000-$8,000 to add screens. This is the most cost-effective option.

Cost per square foot: Basic: $30-$70/sq ft. Mid-range: $70-$120/sq ft. Premium: $120-$200+/sq ft.

Adding a roof to an existing deck and screening: $10,000-$25,000 (roof adds significant cost).

ROI: A screened porch typically recoups 50-70% at resale — one of the highest returns for outdoor living spaces. In bug-heavy regions (Southeast, Gulf Coast), the value is even higher.