Cost to Install a Screen Porch – 2023 Price Guide
A screened-in porch is great for spring and summer entertaining or just relaxing in the shade of your porch without bothersome insects or pests. The cost of a screened-in porch can vary widely, depending on what you are starting with and how big your plans are.
We'll cover the most popular porch options and the average price for each in more detail below.
2023 Screen Porch Costs
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| National Average Price | $20,000 |
| Typical Price Range | $15,000 - $30,000 |
| Average Price (per square foot) | $65 |
| Typical Price Range (per square foot) | $60 - $80 |
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Joe is the creator of Inch Calculator and has over 20 years of experience in engineering and construction. He holds several degrees and certifications.
How Much Does a Screen Porch Cost?
If you are just adding screen to an already completed porch, then you can get it done very affordably, even more so if you’re doing it yourself (DIY).
A porch commonly costs $15,000 – $30,000, but most spend $20,000 on the project. Consider however that on average, most homeowners are able to recoup 75% of the cost of the installation through increased resale value of their home.[1]
Whenever you are building onto your home, the first stop is the building inspector. The building inspector’s office can tell you if you need a permit.
Chances are, if you are just adding screens, you won’t need a permit. But, the safest method is to ask, then you won’t have to worry about delays or fines. A permit, if required, could cost an additional $200 depending on the location.
By the way, the cheapest time to contract a screened-in porch is after the summer season as contractors are slowing down after their busy season.
Just Screens
If all you want to do is add screens to a porch that is already framed and covered you will need rip-resistant screen, laths, tacks or screws, and paint or stain. There are basically five materials used for screens. Let’s look at them in order from least to most expensive:
- Fiberglass – $.15/sq. ft.
- Aluminum – $.25/sq. ft.
- Bronze – $1.10/sq. ft.
- Steel – $2.25/sq. ft.
- Copper or Monel – $5.00/sq. ft.
Copper or Monel takes on a beautiful patina when it ages and looks uniquely attractive. There are also expensive alternatives, such as screen panels that are much easier to install but are about $50 a panel.
Plus, there are Crimsafe, Crime Shield, and others. However, a screen porch with these materials is costly; as much as $4,000 – $5,000 for a small porch.
To buy the materials and DIY 100 sq. ft. porch with fiberglass or aluminum you can figure $450.[2] Labor will add about $300, but labor prices depend on the area. Don’t forget to screen under the deck, unless you have a sealed floor.
Frame & Screens
When you need to frame the porch before adding the screens, consider that screen is available in various widths, but the most common widths are 36, 48, or 60 inches. When framing, ensure that you place a stud where the seam will fall between multiple sections of screen. If you DIY, figure two people will take two days, depending on your experience level.
You can get a kiln-dried 32” screen door with hardware for less than $200 at Amazon, Lowe’s, or other building supply stores. Don’t forget the rubber sweep to keep the bugs out. Then, all you will need to do is stain or paint it.
This DIY project will cost around $6.85/sq. ft., so a 100 sq. ft. frame and screens will cost a minimum of $685, depending on what else you add.
Completely New Build
When you are adding a complex structure, you might want to hire a designer to draw your plans, which will add $200-1000. A completely new build, whether attached to your home or separate, will cost at least $15,000 – $18,000 for wood, or about $70 per square foot.[3] For an upgraded look, plan on spending $23,000 – $29,000 for composite. You will have to add extra for ceiling fans, lights, electrical outlets, etc.
Because of the additional support and roof structure, a porch will cost more than a new deck.
Roof or Awnings
Before you decide to add a roof and screen to your porch, check with the building inspector’s office or contractor to make sure it can hold the additional weight. You might need to add more supports in the way of piers, beams, or new footings.
The significant difference is price and portability. You could continue with the same roof theme as the rest of your home. You or the contractor will have to frame it out and sheath it, and then cover it with the same material as your roof.
The price is about the same, except the number of square feet to cover is smaller. The cost per square (100 sq. ft.) will depend on your current roof type, shingles $100-200, metal $300-800, slate $600-1500, etc. Expect labor to cost $300 or more per sq. ft.
When your porch can’t hold more weight, and you can’t afford new supports and roof, consider awnings. Awnings are made from several different materials, from canvas to metal. Awnings are a lot cheaper than a roof but are not as sturdy and might need regular maintenance.
Get Estimates
Once your design is complete, check with the building inspector’s office, insurance, and tax assessor. Then, if you are not planning a DIY, get at least three estimates. Check their proposal carefully to ensure it meets your plans and expectations. Enjoy your screen porch.
All pricing information on this page is based on average industry costs, and is subject to variance for project-specific materials, labor rates, and requirements.
References
- The Porch Company, Does a Screened Porch Add Value to a Home?, https://porchco.com/ask-the-porch-company-does-a-screened-porch-add-value-to-a-home/
- Glenda Taylor, So, You Want to… Screen In a Porch, Bob Vila, https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-screen-in-a-porch/
- Elizabeth Festa, How to budget a porch addition or upgrade, The Washington Post, https://www.washingtonpost.com/realestate/how-to-budget-a-porch-addition-or-upgrade/2011/06/27/AGDdPNtH_story.html