How much does a screened porch cost?

Screen an existing porch: $2,000-$8,000. Prefab screen room kit: $5,000-$12,000 installed. New screened porch: $15,000-$50,000+. Per sq ft: screening an existing structure: $10-$30. New construction: $70-$200. Most homeowners spend $10,000-$30,000. The most cost-effective approach: screen an existing covered porch or deck if you have one ($2,000-$8,000).

Screened porch vs sunroom?

Screened porch: open-air feel with bug protection. No climate control. Seasonal use (3-8 months depending on climate). Cost: $15,000-$50,000. Sunroom: fully enclosed with glass. Can be heated and cooled. Year-round use. Cost: $25,000-$80,000+. Choose screened porch if: you want the outdoor feel without bugs, live in a mild climate, or want a lower cost. Choose sunroom if: you want year-round use, live in a cold climate, or want a fully climate-controlled space.

What is the best screen material for a porch?

Fiberglass: best for most homeowners. Affordable, easy to work with, resists denting. The standard choice. Aluminum: best for durability. Does not sag, stronger, longer-lasting. But can dent and is harder to install. Pet-resistant screen: best if you have pets. Vinyl-coated polyester resists claws and tears. Costs more but saves on replacement screens. Super screen/solar screen: best for sun exposure. Reduces glare and UV. Still keeps bugs out. For most people: fiberglass is the right choice. Upgrade to pet-resistant if you have cats or dogs.

Can I screen in my porch myself?

Yes, if you have an existing covered porch. DIY difficulty: moderate. Screen kits and screen spline (the rubber strip that holds screen in channels) make it relatively straightforward. Steps: install screen channels (aluminum or wood frame). Cut screen to size. Press screen into channels with spline roller. Trim excess. Install screen door. Cost: $500-$2,000 for materials. Time: 1-2 weekends. The hardest part: getting screens taut without wrinkles. Tip: work on warm days (screen is more pliable). Use a screen spline roller tool ($5-$10). Start at the top and work down.

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Woodworking & Lumber

Screened Porch Guide: Design, Materials & Cost

Lumberama Editorial Team, Screened Porch & Outdoor Living Specialists Oct 8, 2026 10 min read

Screened Porch Options

Screen an existing porch or deck: Most affordable. Add screen panels, framing, and a screen door to an existing covered porch or deck. Requires an existing roof. Cost: $2,000-$8,000.

New screened porch (attached): Build a new structure attached to the house. Full construction: foundation, framing, roof, screens, and door. Cost: $15,000-$50,000+.

Prefab screen room kit: Pre-engineered aluminum frame with screen panels. Installs over an existing patio or deck. Cost: $3,000-$10,000 (plus installation).

Three-season room: Screened porch with removable glass/vinyl panels for cooler months. Extends the season from 3-4 months to 6-8 months. Cost: $20,000-$60,000.

Materials

Screening: Fiberglass: most common, affordable, easy to install. Cost: $0.10-$0.30/sq ft. Aluminum: more durable, does not sag. Cost: $0.30-$0.60/sq ft. Pet-resistant (vinyl-coated polyester): resists pet claws. Cost: $0.50-$1.00/sq ft. Super screen/solar screen: reduces glare, UV, and insects. Cost: $0.50-$1.50/sq ft. Copper or bronze: premium, beautiful patina. Cost: $2-$5/sq ft.

Framing: Pressure-treated wood: standard, affordable. Needs staining/painting. Cedar: naturally resistant, beautiful. Higher cost. Aluminum: maintenance-free, modern. Vinyl: maintenance-free, classic. Composite: blends of wood and plastic, low maintenance.

Flooring: Existing deck boards (if screening an existing deck). Composite decking: $6-$12/sq ft. Pressure-treated: $3-$6/sq ft. Tile: $5-$15/sq ft. Concrete (stamped or stained): $3-$10/sq ft.

Design Considerations

Size: minimum 10x12 feet for comfortable seating. 12x16 or larger for dining. 14x20+ for entertaining. Ceiling fans: essential for air circulation (screened porches can be warm without moving air). Lighting: overhead fan/light combo, recessed lights, or string lights. Electrical: plan for outlets (TV, lighting, fans). Consider a ceiling-mounted heater for extending the season. Furniture: outdoor-rated even though protected (humidity still present). Screen door: quality screen door with closer is essential. Consider a retractable screen option. Gutter: ensure roof gutters direct water away from the porch.