What It Will Cost To Build A Screened-In Porch, And How You Can Afford It

Summer is finally here! You’ve checked off all of the items on your spring home maintenance checklist and are ready for that good old outdoor rest and relaxation. However, nature can have its own plans. Rainy days, a lack of shade or hordes of gnats and mosquitoes can drive you back inside, when all you may want to do is sit outside with a friend or a good book. If you want to appreciate the warmer weather with the slightest of barriers between you and the natural world, you should consider adding a screened-in porch to your home.

Cost-wise, there are some factors to consider before installing a screened-in porch, such as whether you’re screening in an existing patio or building an entirely new addition to your house. Fortunately for you, we’ve laid out the various costs for this type of home addition. Read the article below and get ready for a relaxing summer.

How Much To Screen In An Existing Porch?

A new addition like a front or back porch can add value to your home, as well as improve your own living experience. As with any home improvement project, there are many costs to factor in, depending on the materials you choose and whether you decide to build it yourself or hire a contractor.

If you already have a porch that just needs to be screened in, all the better. As this task is far easier than constructing a whole new porch, you can save on any labor costs and just worry about screen materials, assuming you go the DIY route.

Screen Materials

The type of material you choose for your screen mesh will strongly affect the total cost of your screened-in porch. Remember that the most affordable material isn’t always the best for longevity.

Here are some common materials used for screens:

Fiberglass. This is the least expensive screen material, but it’s easily torn and not ideal for homes with children or animals. However, fiberglass is also fire-resistant, and doesn’t corrode like more metallic materials.

Aluminum. Aluminum mesh can better withstand the elements than fiberglass, but it’s less effective at reducing heat in the summertime than other options. This material also resists corrosion and will maintain its original color.

Bronze. Bronze is a combination of many metals, including aluminum and copper. It is unaffected by salt, making it ideal for coastal homes, but it’s vulnerable to discoloration over time. Bronze is also stiffer than aluminum and fiberglass, making it more difficult to install.

Stainless steel. Stainless steel is a strong material that will not rust or tarnish, and it’s considered very affordable given its longevity. Like aluminum, steel can reflect light more than other materials and build up heat in the porch area.

Brass. Made up of copper and zinc, brass mesh is considered one of the strongest screen materials. It will tarnish over time from weathering – turning to a dark black or brown – but it will resist abrasion. Brass is not advised for seaside homes, as it is vulnerable to salt.

Copper. Though not as strong as brass, copper is more expensive than that and other screen options. Copper tarnishes over time into a green or blue color, and eventually black. Because of its softness, copper is easier and quicker to install than some other materials.

Screened-In Porch Material Costs

Below are the average prices of the screen materials discussed above:

[Cost estimate sources:

Inchcalculator.com

Homeguide.com

Earlyexperts.net]

Framing

What material you choose to hold your screens together will also contribute to your overall cost. The standard material used for screen frames is aluminum, though some homeowners will choose wood for its aesthetics.  While wood is cheaper than aluminum, it will require constant maintenance for decay from the elements and possibly termites. Depending on the material chosen, constructing and installing screen frames can cost between $6 and $7 per square foot.

Average Total Cost Of A Screened-In Porch

The price difference between a DIY job and hiring a professional can be steep. On average, labor costs for a contractor are around $300, and that’s before adding in the costs of materials. If you want to save on labor and install the screens yourself, then you only need to pay for the materials. To screen in a 100-square foot porch with fiberglass or aluminum, you’d be looking at a bill of around $450.

A professional contractor can offer you a quick and quality installation tailored to your preferences, but the DIY route can save you that $300, and you can have a hands-on role in the quality of the product.

How Much Does A Screened-In Porch Cost To Build From Scratch?

If you don’t already have a front porch or deck to build on and are starting from scratch, then you’ll be adding even more construction costs to your final bill. Unless you’re an experienced builder, you may want to hire a designer, which can cost $200 – $1,000 alone. Once you factor in wood and lumber, roofing materials, electricity and other features, you’ll be looking at a total cost between $15,000 and $30,000.

How You Can Afford A Screened-In Porch

The kind of money that goes into a screened-in porch isn’t something just anybody can pull out of their pockets, especially if you go the contractor route. For this type of investment, you may want to consider getting a personal loan. If you have the credit and the income to repay it, a personal loan can be used to pay for your screened-in porch, materials and all.

Many people use personal loans for home improvement projects, as loan amounts can range from $1,000 to $100,000 – more than enough to cover screened-in porch costs. And if you choose to apply for financing with Rocket Loans, you can get up to $45,000 in your bank account the same day.*

Final Thoughts: To Screen Or Not To Screen?

Love the warmer seasons but hate the bugs and unpredictable weather? A screened-in porch can change the way you relax in your free time and would be a worthy investment if you can afford the costs. There is always the option of a personal loan, too.

Apply today with Rocket Loans and get the funds for your screened-in porch.

*Same Day Funding available for clients completing the loan process and signing the Promissory Note by 1:00PM ET on a business day. Also note, the ACH credit will be submitted to your bank the same business day. This may result in same day funding, but results may vary and your bank may have rules that limit our ability to credit your account. We are not responsible for delays which may occur due to incorrect routing number, account number, or errors of your financial institution.