Steps to Create Your Own Screened-In Porch

With more than twenty years of practical experience in renovating, repairing, and enhancing residences, Lee has been offering home improvement guidance for a considerable time.

Project Summary

• Duration of Work: 2 hours
• Overall Duration: 1 hour
• Output: Each panel spans a length of 4 linear feet.

• Proficiency Level: Intermediate
• Projected Expense: Between $50 and $75

You can create a screened-in porch yourself that keeps insects at bay while allowing you to enjoy your outdoor space. The best part is that installing screens on a porch is quite simple.

An easy approach to creating a screened-in porch involves constructing a wooden frame for a screen panel and then securing that panel to the porch structure. The cost for four linear feet of screened porch material is approximately $50. You can make as many panels as needed to complete the area.

Legislation and Guidelines

In most cases, screening a porch does not necessitate a permit. However, certain municipalities might mandate that homeowners secure a permit prior to screening, particularly in areas designated as historic.

Changes to the exterior (or even the rear) of a residence within a neighborhood governed by a homeowners association (HOA) typically necessitate the approval of the board.

When to Install Screens on a Porch

Screen panels can be assembled throughout the year, as they don’t require on-site construction. A significant portion of the work can be completed in a garage or workshop. The transition from fall to winter is a perfect opportunity to begin the process of screening a porch.

The Top 12 Porch Swings

Requirements

Devices / Instruments

• Speed Square
• Rotary cutting tool
• Battery-operated drill
• A six-foot tall step ladder
• Laser leveling tool
• Woodworker’s pencil
• Heavy-duty stapler

Materials

• Four 8-foot two-by-twos.
• One roll of fiberglass window screening, measuring 48 inches by 25 feet.
• 2.5-inch screws
• 3.5-inch fasteners
• Washers
• Wing nuts
• 16 zinc corner brackets, 3 inches in size.

Instructions

Chop the Timber

Using an electric miter saw, divide two two-by-two pieces of wood into halves. This will yield four sections, each measuring 4 feet in length.

Attach a nailing cleat to the floor.

Utilize the cordless drill to create four pilot holes in one of the 4-foot two-by-twos. Then, change to a driver bit and insert the 2-1/2-inch screws, securing the two-by-two to the surface of the porch floor.

Tip

To achieve a polished appearance, position the cleat 1-1/2 inches away from the front (or outer) edge of the flooring.

Attach a nailing cleat to the ceiling.

Just like the cleat installed on the porch floor, attach a two-by-two nailing cleat to the ceiling. Utilize the plumb function on the laser level to mark a straight vertical line connecting the bottom and top boards.

Determine the Height of the Porch Ceiling

Using a tape measure, determine the height of the porch from the floor to the ceiling. Then, deduct 1.5 inches from this measurement. Apply this adjusted measurement to two of the 8-foot two-by-twos and cut them to the appropriate length.

Example

The height from the porch floor to the ceiling measures 90 inches. By deducting 1-1/2 inches, you get 88-1/2 inches. Trim the two-by-twos to a length of 88-1/2 inches.

Build the Frame for the Panel

Construct a rectangular frame for a screen panel by utilizing two 4-foot boards for the top and bottom, and two longer boards for the vertical sides. Assemble the frame using the four metal brackets and screws provided in the kit. Ensure the frame is square by using a Speed Square.

Incorporate the Screen Material.

Lay the screen material over the front of the panel and extend it down the sides. Ensure the screen is taut as you secure it with staples along the edges. Since fiberglass screen is flexible, you can fold it back similarly to how you would wrap a parcel. Maintain a tight and smooth fit against all sides. Trim any excess material using scissors or a utility knife.

Drill Openings for the Bolts

Instruct an assistant to press one of the screen panels firmly against the nailing boards at the floor and ceiling. Using a six-foot step ladder, drill two holes at the top of the panel, ensuring to go completely through the panel and the nailing board behind it. Then, return to the porch floor and repeat the process, drilling two holes for the floor section.

Place bolts into the screen panels.

Instruct the assistant to keep the panel steady while you insert the four 3-1/2-inch bolts into the designated holes: two located at the top and two at the bottom. Then, place washers and wing nuts on the rear side.

Suggestions for Installing a Porch Screen

• Incorporate a horizontal center beam approximately at the midpoint to create a visual break and enhance structural stability.
• Utilize galvanized screws to avoid corrosion and extend the lifespan of the screened porch.
• Ensure that the screen material is securely fastened along the edges of the panels, as any irregularities could lead to openings that allow insects to access the screened porch.
• The height from the floor to the ceiling might vary across the porch. Therefore, it’s important to take individual measurements for each screen panel.

What is the ideal material for a screened-in porch?

The ideal choice for a screened-in porch is a fine-mesh fiberglass screen. Although it is more susceptible to tearing compared to metal screens, fiberglass is lightweight, manageable, and easy to attach to the frame with staples. Additionally, pet-friendly fiberglass screens help keep pets contained and offer some resistance to claw damage. However, this type of screen is approximately three times the cost of standard fiberglass screens.

What factors influence the price of a screened-in porch?

A roll of fiberglass window screen typically ranges from $35 to $40. For a screen that is resistant to pets, expect to pay approximately three times that amount, around $75 to $80. The price for an 8-foot length of pressure-treated two-by-two lumber is between $6 and $8. If you prefer a higher quality wood like Douglas Fir or poplar, each piece will cost around $12 to $16. Keep in mind that Douglas Fir and poplar are not pressure-treated, so you will also need to consider the cost of wood protectant, which is approximately $30 to $45 per gallon.

What is the most cost-effective method to enclose a porch with screening?

The most cost-effective method for screening a porch involves attaching fiberglass mesh to wooden frames using staples. These frames are subsequently affixed to the porch.