How Much Does a Screened-In Porch Cost?
This project can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $22,000, so take a look at what could affect this price and get a quote from a pro.
Screening in an existing porch typically costs between $2,000 and $4,000.
Building a new screened-in porch from scratch can cost up to $22,000.
The project cost is impacted by the structure's size and complexity, chosen materials, and location.
Popular materials for screened-in porches include aluminum, fiberglass screens, solar screens, concrete pavers, and floating wood.
Adding a screened-in porch offers extra living space, enhances home aesthetic, and can improve property value.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
A screened-in porch adds valuable living space and protects you from insects and weather. On average, it costs $2,800 to screen in a porch, with most homeowners spending between $2,000 and $4,000, or $25 to $120 per square foot. You should consider factors like location, size, and materials that influence the total cost. Careful budgeting and hiring a professional porch builder can ensure a successful project.
Screened-In Porch Cost Factors
Check out these essential cost factors when budgeting for your screen-in porch project.
New or Existing Structure
It costs less to simply screen-in an existing porch than it does to build a new structure. Building a screened-in porch from scratch includes not only the cost of screening in the porch, but also the additional $4,600 to $22,000 cost to build a porch with a roof.
Size
The size of your porch significantly impacts the cost. Screening an existing porch costs $5 to $20 per square foot, while building a new screened-in porch averages $25 to $120 per square foot.
| Square Footage | Cost to Enclose Existing Porch | Cost to Build New Porch |
|---|---|---|
| 144 | $2,000 | $7,200 |
| 224 | $2,900 | $11,200 |
| 400 | $5,000 | $20,000 |
Complexity
The complexity of your porch’s design will likely affect the price. For example, adding a screened porch to a second story will cost more than a ground-level porch construction project.
Permits
Some areas may require permits for an enclosed porch project. These run from $100 to $300, on average. The price to get a building permit depends on the total for the project, the size and style of your porch, and optional elements like a fireplace or outdoor kitchen. Ask your local porch contractor or local officials about the permit requirements in your area.
Location
Your home's location can impact the cost of a screened-in porch. Be sure to contact multiple local contractors to compare quotes before hiring to shop around for the best deal.
Electricity
If you're adding features like lighting, ceiling fans, an entertainment system, or heaters, you'll need to run electricity to your screened-in porch. Complex installations may require an additional circuit on your electrical panel. Electricians charge $50 to $100 per hour.
Outdoor Kitchen
Many homeowners go beyond a simple grill setup and build an outdoor kitchen to elevate their screen-porch. The cost to build an outdoor kitchen averages $13,500.
Fireplace
Building an outdoor fireplace costs $3,000 on average. Expect a gas or electric fireplace to come with the additional cost of electrical wiring or a gas hookup. If heat is all you want, you can opt for portable heaters at a cost of about $100 to $500.
Cost of Screen-In Porch Materials
The materials you choose for your project will be a major factor in determining the overall project cost. Below are many of the materials to factor in when building a screened-in porch:
Screens
The measurement for screening material does not relate directly to the footprint of the porch’s flooring. For example, a 20-by-10-foot concrete pad might need around 400 square feet of screening. You’ll also need additional screening for a fourth screen wall if building a standalone structure away from your home. Below is a breakdown of porch screening costs by type.
Aluminum: $0.35–$0.70 per square foot
Fiberglass: $0.25–$0.50 per square foot
Solar screens: $0.75–$1.50 per square foot
Motorized retractable screens: $2,000–$4,000 per unit (not sold by the square foot).
Screen Door
Screen door costs start around $100 and can cost up to $2,500, depending on the material, size, and quality. If you expect regular foot traffic through your screened-in porch, it's worth investing in a screen door to preserve its integrity.
Frames or Posts
When replacing or adding posts during railing installation, the costs vary based on the material and style. Below are some common materials:
| Material | Average Cost per Post |
|---|---|
| Fiberglass | $60 |
| Pressure-Treated Wood | $40 |
| Wood | $40 - $50 |
| Aluminum | $100 |
| Vinyl | $100 |
| Stone | $200 |
| Wrought Iron | $50 |
Flooring
You have a variety of flooring options for a screened-in porch. Some common choices include:
Concrete pavers or stenciling: $2–$7 per square foot
Floating wood or tile: $5 per square foot
Radiant heating: $10–$20 per square foot
Roofing or Cover
A roof for a screened-in porch is typically made from asphalt shingles or an aluminum patio cover, although several other options are available. Average costs for different roof types are:
Wooden shakes: $4–$9 per square foot
Asphalt shingles: $16–$30 per square foot
Aluminum panels: $4–$11 per square foot
Aluminum porch cover: $14–$22 per square foot
Glass: $22–$75 per square foot
Railing
Railings are a decorative element of your porch’s framing and can come from a variety of materials, each varying in cost:
| Material | Average Cost per Linear Foot |
|---|---|
| Wood | $6 – $30 |
| Vinyl | $15 – $50 |
| Aluminum | $30 – $120 |
| Wrought Iron | $40 – $60 |
Steps
The cost of a staircase can range from $300 for a simple set of concrete steps up to $1,900 for a complex stoop with multiple sets of steps. The layout of your porch in relation to your home, as well as the size of the staircase needed for access, will help you decide which materials fit within your budget.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
If you're interested in screening in your existing porch, you can attempt to DIY this addition if you have the right tools and experience. You can expect to pay about $1,000 for the materials to add a screen to your project, depending on its size, screen type, and additional features.
However, building a screen-in porch from the ground up is not a suitable DIY project. Since it requires constructing a structure that must adhere to local building codes, it's best to hire a local porch contractor to get the job done. Consult a local contractor who specializes in screen-in porches to design your ideal porch, ensuring the project is completed safely and efficiently.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Screened-in porches are usually worth it since most homeowners can get up to 84% return on investment (ROI) on this type of addition project. This is especially true in areas with warm, humid climates and pests, common in Southern regions. While colder climates may not see as much ROI, screened-in porches still add value and curb appeal to your home.
Yes, if your existing porch or deck is sturdy and up to code, building a screened-in porch on it is a cost-effective option. Enclosing an existing porch or deck saves money on flooring and roofing costs. Before proceeding, have your current porch or deck inspected by a professional to ensure it's in good condition.
To lower your screened-in porch costs, consider opting for a smaller project with less square footage, enclosing an existing porch instead of building a new one, using budget-friendly materials like composite wood and pre-cut screens, or purchasing a screen kit from a hardware store to complete the project as a DIY endeavor.
You can use materials like aluminum, fiberglass, solar screens, and motorized retractable screens for your screened-in porch. For flooring, common choices include concrete pavers, floating wood or tile, and radiant heating. Roofing options range from wooden shakes and asphalt shingles to aluminum panels and glass. Selecting the right materials depends on your budget, desired aesthetic, and maintenance preferences.
With proper maintenance, a screened-in porch can last for many years. The screens themselves usually last six to eight years before needing replacement, while the foundation and structure can last 50 to 100 years. To extend the life of your porch, regularly clean the screens, patch holes promptly, re-seal wood surfaces as needed, and address any structural issues immediately.
