How Much Does A Screened Porch Cost?
Screen porches have been so popular in the past few years. They are fashionable, practical, and allow weather-proof outdoor chilling. But how much does a screened porch cost?
The average cost of screened porches is $2,400 for existing porches and decks or $13,000 to build a new porch. It only costs $1,200, or $6 per square foot, to add a screened porch to a deck. You can expect to pay another $372 for a ceiling fan, $3,000 on exterior lighting, and $4,000 on an optional HVAC system.
This article will cover the cost factors that affect your final quote and accessories available to screened-in porches. We will also discuss the repair and maintenance cost for screened-in porches.
By the end of this read, you will have sufficient information to decide whether a screened-in porch is something you’d want for your home.
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Screened-In Porches vs. Traditional Porches
First of all, what is the difference between a screened-in porch and a traditional open-air deck? For decades, homeowners seem to split 50/50 on which one is the preferred solution.
In the table below, we compared screened porches and open-air decks from multiple angles.
Screened-In Porches Vs. Traditional Porches
| Screened-In Porches | Traditional Porches | |
| Feeling | A more secluded, modern, and elegant feeling. | Many homeowners are attracted to the classic, free, and natural feeling open-air decks give |
| Temperature | Gets hot in the summertime quickly and has less airflow. But can be connected to indoor HVAC. | There is no temperature control since it’s open-aired. But you can run wiring and install ceiling fans or use portable fans and space heaters. |
| Privacy | Safer. Depending on the material used for the screen, some porches provide extreme privacy. | Little to zero privacy. Some will add curtains, but in-general, open-air decks are not suitable for those who’d prefer to live a private life. |
| Sanitation | Easier to keep clean | Bugs, dust, leaves… You get the idea. |
| Decoration | Allow more diversified decorations made of different materials | Only outdoor decorations and plants are suitable for open-air decks. |
Based on the information above, it’s not difficult to see why homeowners will invest in screening their porch. If you have a front porch and a back porch, you may consider turning one of them into a secluded space.
Next, we will look more closely at the pros and cons of a screened porch.
Pros of Having a Screened-In Porch
The most significant advantage of having a screened-in porch is how it shelters you from extreme weather conditions.
You can safely watch the howling storm with a screened porch without getting yourself wet or enjoying a peppermint latte cup while snow piles up. Screened porches are weather-proof. Therefore, it allows you to have outdoor fun anytime you want.
Also, a screened porch provides you with better privacy. You don’t need to worry about hearing kids screaming down the street. Your neighbors won’t be able to see you either unless you use a transparent material.
Furthermore, a screened porch with modern design increases your home value. When you decide to sell, you will realize adding the screen brings significant ROIs at the end. In the meantime, having a porch screened in is still more affordable than getting a patio enclosure.
Cons of Having a Screened-In Porch
On the other hand, screened porches have a few disadvantages you must take into consideration.
These include:
- Lack of airflow: a standard screened porch doesn’t come with any windows. Therefore, a lack of airflow could cause severe issues, especially for those with respiratory problems. Stagnant airflow could also lead to allergic reactions and extreme heat during the summertime.
- Additional costs: Your screens will need regular maintenance. You may also be facing increased utility costs if you want to make your screened porch temperature-controlled.
How Much Does a Screened-In Porch Cost?
So how much does a screened porch cost, exactly? We’ve put all the numbers into the table below for your convenience.
Screened Porch Cost for Standard 200 sqft Porch
| Price (Low) | Price (High) | |
| Screening an existing porch | $1,157 | $1,374 |
| Under-Deck Screened Porch | $1,000 | $1,400 |
| Building a new deck | $6,600 | $24,500 |
| Full Patio Enclosure | $8,500 | $25,000 |
Of course, there could be additional charges. For example, if you’d prefer to remove the original deck flooring and replace it with artificial materials, your total cost will go up. There are also many accessories you could add to your screened porch.
Another cost you must consider while budgeting is furniture and decor. Nobody wants to end up with a bare porch with no aesthetic. The more you can save on construction, the more you can spend on interior decorating.
How Much Does It Cost to Screen In a Porch On an Existing Deck?
Screening in an existing deck is the most common approach for homeowners desiring as a screened porch. This method is cost-effective and takes less time to complete.
The average cost of screening in an existing deck is $5 to $7 per square foot. Thus, for a regular 200 sqft deck, you are looking at $1,000 to $1,400 for labor costs.
Your contractor will add additional charges depending on the screen and flooring material you choose. We will discuss more regarding screen materials in the sections below.
Screening in an existing deck is a simple project. Sometimes, the homeowner can handle the build himself. In that case, the only cost you need to concern is expenses for the permit, tools, and materials.
How Much Does It Cost to Screen In a Deck Under The Porch?
Another creative approach is to build an underneath porch. Two things decide the cost of doing so:
- The surface size of your existing deck, and
- The height of your deck to the ground
In general, the cost of building an underneath screened porch is similar to screening above the deck. The typical charge is $5 to $7 per square foot.
However, if your deck is more than 10” tall, there may be an additional charge because more enclosure materials and longer hours will be required.
An under-deck porch is a great way to utilize the space between your elevated deck and the ground. It creates more dimension to your home and often brings additional value when you are ready to sell.
Under-deck porches are also naturally shaded in most cases. An underneath porch will be a great hideout during hot weather.
What Affects How Much a Screened-In Porch Cost
Besides the size and height of your project, a few other factors also affect how much a screened-in porch will cost.
These factors include:
- Screen material
- Flooring option
- Working season
- Geographical location
- Accessories
Screen Materials
There are four types of screens available in the market.
- Alumni Porch Screen is the most common screen material you can find. Alumni screens usually cost $5 to $7 per square foot. This number includes labor costs.
- Fiberglass screens are fancier and more popular due to the modern, minimalist look they create. Surprisingly, fiberglass screens are more affordable than alumni screens. They only cost $4.50 to $5.50 per square foot with installation.
- Solar screens are a worthy investment, especially if you live in a hot region. Solar screens can block out the sun and keep the room cooler for a longer time so you can save on cooling costs. Solar screens are usually $5.50 to $7 per square foot with labor.
- Retractable screens usually come as a pre-designed system. Therefore, it’s difficult to calculate the cost based on square footage. For a standard 200 sqft porch, a motorized retractable system may cost somewhere between $2,000 to $4,000.
Finding the right material for your project could save you a significant amount.
Flooring Option
If you are building off an existing deck, the smartest thing to do is leaving the floor as is. Any other material will incur additional costs. If you are building a new deck, stick with wood or cedar material as they are the most affordable.
In the case that you insist on upgrading the flooring, PVC and plastic-wood composites are more cost-effective compared to other hardwood floorings. For example, Brazilian hardwood could cost twice as much compared to PVC plastic floorings.
Working Season
If you didn’t know, outdoor labor costs would fluctuate according to the weather and temperature. Therefore, it is best to hire someone to work on your porch during the fall or early winter season.
Try to avoid summer construction as the cost will be much higher. Plus, wouldn’t you prefer to have a completed screened-in porch by the time summer arrives?
Geographical Location
Your location could significantly affect the labor cost and permit costs. Unfortunately, there is nothing you can do about the cost differences in different areas. Therefore, always get multiple quotes to avoid any overcharge.
Accessories
Naturally, the more accessories you add, the more expensive the total cost becomes. We will talk more about accessories for your porch in the next section. In the meantime, keep in mind that accessories also include any wirings you may need on your patio.
For example, if you need lights, ceiling fans, or other appliances running, you will receive a higher quote than a project that doesn’t involve any circuit routing.
Ways to Save on Screened Porch Costs
The following methods will help you save on screened porch costs without compromising on quality.
- Get the permits yourself.
- Provide screen materials if you can get a better deal than your contractors. Or, if you have a preferred brand or product.
- Tear down any old porch or unwanted decks yourself, so you only get billed for the hours needed to build the screen.
- Control your project scope. For example, only hire someone to build a standard screened porch. You can paint the porch yourself later on.
- Limit accessories. In most cases, you can add on accessories throughout the years you live in the house. There is no need to get everything done altogether.
In other words, be smart. You’d probably be living in the home for quite some time. Slowly upgrade your screened porch in small sub-projects is much cheaper than getting everything completed upfront.
Accessories For a Screened-In Porch
The following table contains the cost of the most common accessories used on screened porches.
Screened-In Porch Accessory Installation Costs
| Accessory | Price (Low) | Price (High) |
| Ceiling fan | $144 | $600 |
| Outside Lighting (Not light fixtures that only require a plugin) | $2,000 | $4,500 |
| Windows | $150 | $15,00 |
| HVAC (Material and installation) | $3,700 | $4,400 |
How Much Does It Cost To Add Windows To A Screen Porch?
Windows are one of the most demanded accessories for screen porches. There are two types of glass windows you can use.
- Impact Windows are perfect for hurricane seasons. They cost $250 to $750 for a single hung. Most impact windows are dual-pane windows with a polyvinyl butyral layer in between.
- Thermally-Insulated Windows can cost $120 to $1,200 or more, not including labors. The installation cost for thermally-insulated windows is $200 to $800 per window.
Windows allow healthier airflow on your screen porch. They also boost energy efficiency. In the long run, quality windows are an excellent investment as they can significantly reduce your utility bills.
Repair and Maintenance Costs For Screened Decks
Generally, screen repair or complete rescreen costs between $708 to $4,348. However, depending on the materials involved, the total price could easily reach $12,000.
A detailed breakdown of basic screened porch repair costs is as follows.
Screened Porch Repair Cost Breakdown
| Repaired Item | Price Range |
| Windows and seals | $160 to $500 |
| Window and door frames | $250 to $400 |
| Screen patching and fixup | $4.50 per sqft for regular materials |
| Screen replacement | $65 per hour, materials included |
| Patio rescreening | $300 to $500 |
| Floor repair (concrete) | $23 to $28 per sqft, labor included |
| Floor repair (tiles or wood) | $26 per sqft, labor included |
For more extreme restoration and repair, the price will vary depending on the contractor you hire, your location, and your project’s scope. The best way to avoid high repair costs is by conducting regular inspections and maintenances.
Typical porch maintenance includes:
- Spot cleaning and deep cleaning
- Partial repairs
- Structural inspection
And it’s best to stay with the same contractor for all your repair and maintenance needs. That way, you are working with someone who knows the condition of your porch. Thus, you won’t need to explain the situation to a new person every time.
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Related Questions
Where can I find the right contractor for the job?
Check your local Angie’s List or union. You can also make job posts on Craigslist and other location-focused platforms.It’s always a good idea to speak to subcontractors who worked with you before. Even if they can’t handle the screening project, they will be able to make quality referrals.If you are playing the project manager’s role, make sure you always check the contractors’ credentials. Also, ask about after-sale services because many small independent contractors don’t have any follow-up capabilities.
How much does a DIY screened-in porch cost?
To DIY a screen porch, you can purchase everything you need from Home Depot or any local hardware store. On average, a DIY screen porch costs $2 per sqft. Of course, if you need additional tools, that would increase your total cost.Also, you will need to pay for all the permits you need. If you are running utilities through your patio, you will need additional electric and water pipeline work licenses.
Can I put a fireplace on the screened-in porch?
Yes, you can safely install an outdoor fireplace to go with your screen porch.On average, it costs $3,000 to build an outside fireplace. If you want to go one step further, your average cost for an outdoor kitchen is $12,500.You also want to make sure your screen is heat-resistant. Some screen materials may melt with a fireplace burning. Melted screens are fire hazards and may release toxins harmful to your health.You will also need good ventilation for grease and smell to leave the screened area via proper airflow.
Do I need to winterize my screened porch?
Whether to winterize your screened porch is entirely up to you. A good question to ask yourself is, do you like sitting outside in winter times? Do you want to grab a book and a mug of hot chocolate, sit on the porch, and watch the snow piles up?If the answer is yes, then you need to consider insulating your screened porch. You may also consider installing proper HVAC units for the patio for a more comfortable experience.Start your winterization process with a good, deep clean, then follow our guide on how to get your screen porch ready for winter.
What’s the difference between a screened porch and a full patio enclosure?
A screened porch is a roof structure with mesh screens wrapped around it as walls. A full patio enclosure turns your deck into a living space with genuine walls, windows, and utilities. Enclosed patios are also called sunrooms.On average, building a sunroom is far more expensive than building a screened porch. Sunrooms can cost up to $60,000, whereas most screened porches are below $25,000.
With a deep passion for content and creative writing, Xiao Faria da Cunha finds a strong sense of accomplishment in creating quality home guides that resonate with homeowners. When not writing, you can find Xiao creating art masterpieces.
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