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Sarah Noel
Edited by
Tara Farmer
Fact-checked by
Tom Grupa
Screened-in porch cost
Screening-in an existing porch costs $2,000 to $5,000 on average or $10 to $25 per square foot. The cost to build a new screened-in porch is $10,000 to $35,000 total or $50 to $175 per square foot. The cost of a screened-in porch depends on the size, material, and finishing options.
| Size (square feet) | Cost to screen existing porch | Cost to screen new porch |
|---|---|---|
| 5'x10' (50 SF) | $500 – $1,250 | $2,500 – $8,750 |
| 8'x10' (80 SF) | $800 – $2,000 | $4,000 – $14,000 |
| 10'x10' (100 SF) | $1,000 – $2,500 | $5,000 – $17,500 |
| 10'x20' (200 SF) | $2,000 – $5,000 | $10,000 – $35,000 |
| 12'x12' (144 SF) | $1,400 – $3,600 | $7,200 – $25,200 |
| 12'x16' (192 SF) | $1,900 – $4,800 | $9,600 – $33,600 |
| 12'x20' (240 SF) | $2,400 – $6,000 | $12,000 – $42,000 |
| 16'x16' (256 SF) | $2,600 – $6,400 | $12,800 – $44,800 |
| 20'x20' (400 SF) | $4,000 – $10,000 | $20,000 – $70,000 |
| 24'x24' (576 SF) | $5,800 – $14,400 | $28,800 – $100,800 |
| 24'x36' (864 SF) | $8,600 – $21,600 | $43,200 – $151,200 |
The cost to rescreen a porch is $2 to $4 per square foot.
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Cost calculator to build a screened-in porch
The labor cost to build a screened-in porch is $4 to $60 per square foot, depending on whether it's adding screens to an existing porch or building a new one.
| Factor | Cost per square foot (existing porch) | Cost per square foot (new porch) |
|---|---|---|
| Materials & screens | $6 – $15 | $28 – $115 |
| Labor to build | $4 – $10 | $22 – $60 |
| Total cost to add | $10 – $25 | $50 – $175 |
Additional cost factors include:
New vs. existing structure – Screening in an existing porch, patio, or deck is cheaper than building a new concrete foundation first.
Materials & screen type – Aluminum and fiberglass screens are the cheapest while copper screens cost the most.
Building permit – A permit costs $200 to $500 for constructing a new screened-in porch.
Doors – Costs vary for sliding-screen doors vs. hinged-aluminum doors. The cheapest screened porches have no doors so that people must enter the porch through the home.
Geographic location – Labor costs in metropolitan areas costs more than rural areas.
New foundation for a screened-in porch vs. patio vs. deck
The following costs apply when building a new foundation or base structure:
Building a new porch costs $40 to $150 per square foot, including the base and roof frame.
The cost to build a deck is $25 to $50 per square foot.
Patio installation costs $5 to $35 per square foot depending on the materials.
A lanai costs $50 to $175 per square foot and suits hot climates since they typically don't have insulation.
Labor cost to screen-in porch
Labor costs $4 to $10 per square foot for a contractor to add screens to an existing porch with a roof. Building a new screened-in porch where none existed requires more expert labor according to the project type and size.
Labor fees can include:
An architect costs $100 to $250 per hour to design plans for a new custom screened porch attached to the home. A design plan may be necessary to get a building permit in some places.
A carpenter costs $30 to $100 per hour to build new frames and porch-roof supports.
An electrician costs $50 to $130 per hour to install new wiring out to the porch and hook up any connections needed.
A handyman costs $50 to $80 per hour to install a prefabricated screened-porch kit on an existing foundation.
Porch screen material prices
Porch screen materials cost $0.20 to $3.00 per square foot, depending on the material, quality, and quantity. Bulk screening comes on rolls to cut in custom sizes. Costs increase for screens set in panels. Motorized retractable screens also come with a remote control.
| Screen material | Price per square foot |
|---|---|
| Aluminum screens | $0.45 – $0.75 |
| Fiberglass screens | $0.20 – $0.35 |
| Copper screens (90% copper / 10% zinc) | $2.00 – $3.00 |
| Solar sun-blocking screens | $0.85 – $1.30 |
| PVC-coated polyester | $0.60 – $1.00 |
| Stainless steel | $0.90 – $2.00 |
| Manual pull-down retractable screens (sold as complete roll-up unit) | $15 – $25 |
| Motorized retractable screens (sold as complete roll-up unit) | $30 – $50 |
*Material prices only for unframed screens.
Screened-in porch framing or posts prices
New posts for a screened-in porch cost $30 to $250 each, depending on the material type. Framing costs start at $150 to $300+ extra for a vinyl, PVC, or aluminum framing system to support the screens.
| Post material | Price per post |
|---|---|
| Pressure-treated wood columns | $30 – $100 |
| Fiberglass | $90 – $200 |
| Reinforced aluminum | $90 – $110 |
| Wrought iron | $45 – $65 |
| Vinyl | $100 – $250 |
| Stone | $200 – $700 |
By comparison, the cost to frame a house is $11 to $30 per square foot.
A screened-in porch needs 2 to 4 structural corner posts depending on if it's attached to the home or freestanding. Heavy roofing may require more posts.
Roof cost for a screened-in porch
Building a new gable roof for a screened-in porch costs $70 to $155 per square foot total for the whole roof structure, supports, and shingles. These prices are the same as custom-built patio roof costs, and the roof typically matches the attached home's shingles.
Alternatively, a patio cover costs $20 to $60 per square foot installed for a flat vinyl or aluminum design that makes a good porch roof as well.
| Roof finish | Cost per square foot installed | Average total cost* |
|---|---|---|
| Asphalt shingles | $70 – $130 | $14,000 – $26,000 |
| Metal | $70 – $140 | $14,000 – $28,000 |
| Tile | $75 – $150 | $15,000 – $30,000 |
| Wood shakes | $75 – $140 | $15,000 – $28,000 |
| Slate / stone | $80 – $155 | $16,000 – $31,000 |
| Flat | $70 – $135 | $14,000 – $27,000 |
*For a 200-square-foot porch, including posts, footings, and wood framing.
In comparison, existing roof replacement costs $3 to $6 per square foot on average.
Flooring prices for screened-in porch
Flooring installation costs $4 to $15 per square foot on average for installations over an existing porch, patio, or concrete slab.
Common floor choices include:
Carpet installation costs $2 to $8 per square foot.
Laminate flooring installation costs $4 to $14 per square foot.
Hardwood floor installation costs $7 to $25 per square foot.
Tile installation costs $10 to $50 per square foot.
When building from scratch, installing a paver patio costs $10 to $17 per square foot while a concrete patio costs $5 to $15 per square foot.
Radiant floor heating costs $7 to $17 per square foot to keep the floor warm in the early morning or colder winter months.
Railing costs for a screened-in porch
A porch or deck railing costs $20 to $60 per linear foot installed for wood or vinyl materials. Building codes require a guardrail for safety around a raised screened-in porch if the floor is 25" to 30" or more above the ground.
| Material | Cost per linear foot installed |
|---|---|
| Wood | $20 – $50 |
| Vinyl | $25 – $60 |
| Aluminum | $500 – $200 |
| Wrought Iron | $50 – $100 |
Cost of steps for a screened-in porch
Concrete steps cost $500 to $5,000 installed on average or $100 to $500 per step, depending on the type and size. This price includes materials and labor for 5 to 10 steps. More customization options are available with poured concrete.
| Concrete step type | Cost per step installed | Total average cost installed |
|---|---|---|
| Precast concrete | $100 – $350 | $500 – $3,500 |
| Concrete poured onsite | $200 – $500 | $1,000 – $5,000 |
Add-on prices for a screened-in porch
Common add-ons for a screened-in porch include:
Ceiling fan installation costs $250 to $700 on average for a new standard fan and wiring. Damp-rated ceiling fans typically cost more but are ideal for porches and covered patios.
Building a fire pit costs $325 to $2,000. However, building codes also require a vent through the roof for fire pits and grills in enclosed spaces.
An outdoor fireplace costs $2,000 to $20,000.
An outdoor kitchencosts $7,000to$35,000.
An outdoor heater costs $150 to $500.
A BBQ or grill costs $50 to $500.
Outdoor furniture costs $500 to $1,500 per set.
A TV and mounting kit costs $200 to $425 with DIY installation.
A hot tub costs $3,000 to $10,000 for an above ground unit.
Basic hot tub installation costs $150 to $500.
Outdoor lighting installation costs $80 to $300 per fixture.
The cost to install an outdoor outlet is $180 to $350 for materials and labor.
DIY cost of screened-in porch kits
A basic screened-in porch kit costs $500 to $1,500. High-quality kits cost $2,000 to $7,000+, depending on the size, material, and quality. Cheaper kits have sloped canvas or clear-polycarbonate roofs while expensive ones have stronger steel roofing.
Installation is DIY-friendly for experienced homeowners with the right tools.
Prefab porch kits are lightweight designs that go over an existing deck or porch.
Most kits include the frame, panels, screens, and doors.
Cost to add a screened-in porch vs. sunroom
The cost to add a screened-in porch with a new base, roof, and screens is half the price of building a new sunroom. A sunroom costs $100 to $350 per square foot installed. Florida rooms are the same price as sunrooms and are home-attached additions as well.
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A patio enclosure costs $80 to $400 installed depending on whether it's attached to the home or a freestanding structure. The cheapest patio enclosures typically have screen panels while the most expensive types have a shingled solid roof.
Screened-in porch FAQs
Does a screened-in porch add value?
A screened-in porch adds value to the home by boosting curb appeal and increasing the total property appraisal value. The ROI value on reselling a home with a new screened-in porch is 80% to 100%, depending on the neighborhood.
Other benefits include gaining a bug-free, rain-proof outdoor space with ample sunlight for plants.
Does a screened porch add to square footage?
A screened porch does not add to the home's total square footage. To qualify for added square footage, the addition needs heating, cooling, and insulation like the rest of the home. However, a screened porch typically does raise the total property value.
How long does it take to build a screened porch?
Building a screened porch takes 4 to 6 weeks on average to construct a new foundation, walls, roofing, screens, and interior amenities. Adding screens and a simple roof to an existing base takes 2 to 7 days. The total time depends on the size, material choice, features, and design.
Obtaining a permit before building takes 1 to 4 months depending on the city.
Ordering a custom design adds several weeks to the total project time.
How long does a screened-in porch last?
A screened-in porch lasts 5 to 10 years on average before the screens need replacing. The screens are typically the first thing to need work on these porches. High-quality materials installed properly and maintained regularly will last longer.
What is the best screening material for a porch?
Fiberglass is the best screening material for a porch. Fiberglass screens are durable, lightweight, corrosion resistant, and easy to install. Other strong screen options include vinyl-coated polyester or coated aluminum.
Do you need a permit for a screened-in porch?
You typically need a building permit for a screened-in porch, but it depends on local regulations. Check with the permit office and your HOA, if applicable. Inspections are typically necessary to check the strength of the base footings before building.
You'll also need electrical and plumbing permits if the screened-in porch will have new outlets or sinks.
Can you convert a deck into a screened-in porch?
You can convert a deck into a screened-in porch if the deck's foundation can handle the extra weight. However, the deck will need reinforcements if it's not strong enough to support the screen frames and roof.
Does a screened-in porch increase property taxes?
A screened-in porch increases property taxes if it adds to your total "livable space" or raises the home's appraisal value. Rules depend on the state and county you live in. Contact your local assessors at the building department for more information.
Getting estimates from screened-in porch installers
Before hiring a screened-in porch builder near you, be sure to:
Compare multiple bids from companies with at least 5+ years of experience.
Check that they have licenses, insurance, and surety bonds.
Read their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Ask for a detailed written estimate and contract before work starts.
Beware of the cheapest quotes that typically result in low-quality work.
Give the final payment only after the job is complete.
Questions to ask
Asking the right questions can ensure you find the best screened-in porch installer near you:
How many years of experience do you have building screened-in porches?
Can I see your reference list and past project photos?
How long will the construction take?
Will I need new reinforcements under this porch to support the extra weight?
Do you offer a warranty on your work?
Which screen type do you recommend?
Can you match the porch roof to my home roofing type?
What are the maintenance requirements for this material?
Which screened-in porch style best suits my yard?
Does this estimate include all materials, labor, delivery, and cleanup fees?
How many people will work on my property?
What's the best way to contact the project supervisor?
Which unexpected extra costs are common on these jobs?
Will you handle permits and zoning requirements?
