Screened-In Porch Costs and Considerations

On February 16, 2025 By newsroom Topic: Home Services


Typical Cost

  • Average Cost Range
  • $2,000–$2,800 for a 200-square-foot screened-in porch.
  • Costs can rise to $10,000 or more for larger or custom builds.

  • Per Square Foot

  • New build: $25–$120 per square foot.
  • Adding a screen to an existing porch: Much cheaper.

  • DIY Savings

  • Save $2 per square foot on labor by building it yourself.

Cost by Porch Size

| Size | Average Cost |
|----------|------------------|
| 12x12 | $860 |
| 14x16 | $1,300 |
| 20x20 | $2,400 |


Cost Factors

  • Existing Foundation
  • Screening an existing porch costs less than building from scratch.

  • Location

  • Geographic location impacts labor and material costs.
  • Off-season construction may reduce costs.

  • Size and Complexity

  • Larger porches and complex designs (e.g., second-floor builds, grading land) cost more.

  • Materials

  • Affordable: Aluminum and fiberglass screens.
  • Premium: Solar or retractable screens, pressure-treated wood, hardwood flooring.

  • Add-Ons

  • Ceiling fans, fire pits, electrical wiring increase costs.

  • Roof Type

  • Common types include shed, gable, or hip roofs.

Budget Examples

  • Under $2,000: Aluminum screens, concrete floors, and DIY efforts.
  • $2,000–$3,000: Standard 200-square-foot porch with aluminum or fiberglass screens.
  • $3,000–$5,000: Upgraded materials like stained tiles or cedar flooring.
  • $5,000–$10,000+: Custom porches, retractable screens, hardwood floors, and asphalt roof extensions.

Material Costs

| Material | Cost |
|----------------------|--------------------------|
| Aluminum Screen | $5–$7 per square foot |
| Fiberglass Screen | $4.50–$5.50 per square foot |
| Solar Screen | $5.50–$7 per square foot |
| Retractable Screen | $2,000–$4,000 per unit |

Screen Door: $300–$2,000 depending on material and quality.

Flooring Options:
- Affordable: Concrete.
- Moderate: Slate tile, cedar.
- Premium: Brazilian Ipe, stone, or pressure-treated wood.


DIY vs. Professional Build

  • DIY Kits: Start at $2,000 and include screens, posts, railing, and doors.
  • Labor Savings: Around $2 per square foot for DIY projects.
  • Professional Builds: Faster and often better-quality finishes, especially for complex designs.

Additional Costs

  • Steps and Staircases
  • Simple concrete steps: $300.
  • Stoop with multiple stairs: Up to $1,900.

  • Roof Options

  • Asphalt: $16–$30 per square foot.
  • Aluminum patio cover: $14–$22 per square foot.

  • Permits

  • Required in some areas: $50–$200.

FAQs

  • Does a screened-in porch add value?
  • Adds up to 84% ROI, especially in warm, buggy climates.

  • How long do they last?

  • 6–8 years with proper maintenance.

  • Can you screen an existing deck?

  • Yes, and it’s often more cost-effective.

  • What projects pair well with this?

  • Patio upgrades, walkways, or landscaping enhancements.

Pro Tip: Hire a local screen porch builder during the off-season for lower costs and faster scheduling.


Next: Read 2500+ consumer guides to shopping, electronics, appliances, home services, cars, money and more.
If you liked all this, consider supporting us by checking out Tiny Skills - 250+ Top Work & Personal Skills Made Easy

The Success Manuals


The Career Advice Bible

100+ Most Important Career Questions
Finally Answered

318 Pages | $5 | PDF & EPub, Kindle Ready

250 Top Work & Personal Skills Made Easy

The First & Only Encyclopedia of Self Help,
Self Improvement & Career Advice

250+ Easy-to-Follow Guides
5000+ Proven Tips

13 Types of Essential Skills Covered
Get The Value of 100+ Best Books in 1 Book.

502 Pages | $5 | PDF / EPub, Kindle Ready