How Much Does a Screened-in Porch Cost? (A Detailed Cost Guide)

Written By Kenneth Wilson | 0 Comments

If you want to enjoy the outdoor view from the comfort of home (the beautiful sunlight and sounds of nature) while saving yourself from the pesky bugs or rainfall, you may want to consider adding a screened-in porch. There are two price brackets for this type of project depending on whether you already have a covered porch:

If you already have a covered porch only need to install a screen, this will cost you around $3,500 to $6,000. If you a covered roof will need to be built, you should plan on budgeting $30,000+.

Adding a screen porch is an excellent way to increase the number of days a year you can enjoy and utilize your outdoor space. If you're ready to add a screened-in porch and enjoy bug-free relaxing days ahead, we've rounded up a pricing guide for your convenience. Read on!

table of contents

Cost to Install a Screened-in Porch per Square Foot

Cost Factors of a Screened-in Porch Installation

Square Footage of the Porch

Benefits of a Screened-in Porch

Cost to Install a Screened-in Porch per Square Foot

Installing a screened-in porch starts from $3,500 to $6,000 for a 200-square-foot area, considered the average size for enclosed porches. If you have required covered roofing (commonly done with aluminum), this may drive up the price to $30,000 or more. This translates to $30 to $125 per square foot, the starting point for entirely new builds (including the porch). Homeowners can lower this price if they opt for a screened-in enclosure around an existing porch. (Related: Screen Enclosures Investment: Getting The Best ROI On Your Project)

Cost Factors of a Screened-in Porch Installation

The cost to install a screened-in porch depends on several factors, such as the size of the porch, the location of your property, the materials to be used, and the local labor/contractor charges. If you decide to add amenities such as a fireplace or some seats, this will naturally cost you more. The same applies when removing an existing porch or deck to accommodate the installation.

Square Footage of the Porch

The total square footage of the porch will determine the total costs. An average 200 square foot screened-in porch will cost $1,200 (an existing patio or deck). Homeowners who are building a brand new screened-in porch will cost you more than working on an existing patio. If you want to install a screened-in porch with doors, screens, a roof, and windows, this will range between $5,500 to $30,000.

Screen Material

Commonly, screens are made of the following materials:

Aluminum screens ($6 to $7.5 per square foot)
Fiberglass screens ($5 to 6.5 per square foot)
Solar screens ($6 to $7.5 per square foot)
Motorized retractable screens ($2,200 to $4,000 per unit, not sold by square foot)

Screened-in porches can be built off the existing structure of your home. Or, you can have it as a standalone structure in the backyard attached to a patio. If you opt for a standalone installation, this will require a fourth screening wall, which may hike the total project costs. Also, you will need to ensure porch rescreening every six to eight years on average. This must be taken into account as you calculate the project's cost, as damaged or ripped screens will only decrease the purpose of installing a screened porch.

Screen Door

Screen doors start from $350 and may easily cost you more than $2,000, depending on the material used. If you anticipate heavy foot traffic on your screened-in porch, investing in a high-quality screen door will pay off in the long run. To repair a screen door, material costs will range between $120 and $250 depending on the extent of the damage.

Flooring

Some of the most common flooring options for your screened-in porches are concrete, cedar, slate, hardwood floors, stone, or pressure-treated wood floors. Prices will vary depending on the material quality.

Steps

The entrance will cost you about $350 for a simple concrete stair, while a stoop with multiple stairs and recreational space will cost you $2,000. Ultimately, this will depend on the layout of your home and the size of the staircase.

Considering that screened-in porches are a focal point in any home, you may want to weigh all your options as you build your porch carefully. This includes the materials you want to use, where the steps will lead, and the aesthetic in your front or back yard.

Roof/Covering

Roofs for screened-in porches are commonly made from asphalt or aluminum patio cover. Asphalt starts from $17 to $31 per square foot, while aluminum cover ranges between $15 and $23.

Permits

Depending on your property's location, you may need to secure permits for your built-in porch project. This costs anywhere between $55 and $230. It would be best to speak to your contractor or local officials to ensure you're following the permit requirements in your area.

Benefits of a Screened-in Porch

So, what are the reasons for you to install a screened-in porch? This allows you to enjoy your stay outdoors when you are enjoying lazy afternoons at home. It also doubles as a recreational space where you can entertain guests and lounge with your loved ones.

If you're still on the fence about whether you should build a screened-in porch or screen in an existing one, let's discuss the benefits you can expect.

Keeps the bugs outside ─ Building a screened-in porch will eliminate such nuisances if you are constantly plagued with mosquito bites, bees, wasps, or annoying houseflies. This serves as protection from bugs, allowing you to enjoy the space without the worries of being bitten by insects and pests.
Increases your home's value ─ A screened-in porch that extends from the exterior of your home to the outdoor space looks appealing. Aside from the aesthetic appeal, it also adds significant value to your home. So if you are planning to place your property on the market, more potential buyers will likely consider buying your home if it has a beautiful screened-in porch.
Additional living space ─ You can never go wrong with adding an extra welcome space that provides a cozy indoor feeling even when you're outdoors. A screened-in porch does that. You'll have an area to spend time with your loved ones, socialize with guests, and enjoy hearty meals. Think of it as an extension of your living space, which is well-screened so you can enjoy the fresh and cool breeze. Enjoy a sense of openness and the best outdoor experience with the comfort of an indoor living space.
Easy to maintain ─ Since most screened-in porches are covered with screened windows, these are relatively easy to clean. You will only need to secure some water and a moist broom to regain its original luster. Also, you can consider installing storm windows if you want to increase insulation during the cold months. Cleaning the floors will also be easy, especially with ceramic or synthetic floors.
Can be used all-year-round ─ Regardless of the weather season, a screened-in porch allows you to enjoy your time outdoors whenever you feel like it. This will protect you from the harmful external elements, and it will also protect your furniture and other items from getting damaged by the harmful UV rays, rain, and snow.
Great aesthetic appeal ─ A screened porch allows you to bring your creativity to life. You can design it in any way you deem to fit the theme you want to achieve. For example, you can go for a porch that has a timeless design that puts the highlight on your outdoor landscaping. You may also add some decor and furnishings that make the space cozy and inviting. Homeowners with a bland, dull-looking home can turn it into a dazzling one with the addition of a screened-in porch. It improves your living experience, but it also allows you to go wild with decorative ideas to bring your dream outdoor space to life.
Privacy ─ Though the screening material is transparent, you can count on it to give you some privacy from the outside world. A mesh screen provides you with some barrier– that it will take the passer-by some time before they see what is going on inside the screened-in porch. If you have a front-facing porch that directly faces a street, it would be best to consider building a screened-in patio for some well-needed barrier.

About the Author

Kenneth Wilson

I can build it, and I can help you get the patio enclosure you want! I got my start in the Florida patio industry back in the 70s as a young general laborer looking for something to make a few bucks. At the time I never thought it would end up as my career. Over the years I grew beyond the laborer position, becoming a foreman, superintendent, and then into executive management for some of the largest patio contractors, and material vendors. Now into retirement and slightly bored, I offer consulting services to new and existing contractors, and publish this website to help the people who love their patio's and screen enclosures the most - YOU!