How Much Does a Screened-In Porch Cost?

Screened-In Porch Cost Factors

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 project will determine the amount of time and materials needed. Larger porches will cost more per square foot.

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.

Materials

The materials you choose for your project are a major factor in the overall project cost. While aluminum screening usually costs $5 to $7 per square foot, fiberglass screens usually only cost $4.50 to $5.50 per square foot. Additionally, the material you choose for your decking (if you are building new) and extras like solar screens or retractable screens will impact the project’s price tag.

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 contractor or local officials about the permit requirements in your area.

Location 

Where you live can impact the cost of a screened-in porch. Be sure to contact multiple local contractors to compare quotes before hiring.

Porch Materials Cost

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 screen porch cost: $5–$7 per square foot, including labor costs.

• Fiberglass: $4.50–$5.50 per square foot, including labor costs.

• Solar screens: $5.50–$7 per square foot, including labor costs.

• Motorized retractable screens: $2,000–$4,000 per unit. Usually not sold by the square foot.

Screen Door

Screen doors cost $300, on average. If you have active kids or expect regular foot traffic through your porch, it’s worth investing in a solid screen door.

Frames or Posts

Posts vary in cost based on material and style. Below are some common materials you’ll see:

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

Decking

If you don’t already have a functioning covered porch, you’ll need to account for the lumber needed for porch decking.

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:

Railing

Railings are a decorative element of your porch’s framing and can come from a variety of materials, each varying in cost:

Steps

The cost of a staircase can range from $300 from 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.

Additional Cost Factors

In addition to the basic structure of your screened-in porch, you might want to add a few extra features.

Electricity

You’ll need electricity if you want to install: 

• lighting 

• Ceiling fans

• An entertainment system

• Heaters 

• other features to enhance your screened-in porch

More complex features may require an additional circuit on your electrical panel. Regardless of the work you need to have done, you’ll have to pay the cost to hire an electrician, typically $50 to $100 per hour.

Outdoor Kitchen

Many homeowners go beyond a simple grill setup and build an outdoor kitchen for their 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.

FAQs

Are screened-in porches worth it?

Screened-in porches are typically worth it since most homeowners can get around a 75% return on investment on their screened-in porch projects. Outdoor projects, in general, are some of the best investments you can make to improve your home’s resale value.

Should I build a screened-in porch on my existing porch?

You should consider building a screened-in porch on your existing porch if you have a sturdy structure that’s up to code. Enclosing an existing porch can save you on flooring and roofing costs, while building a new porch from scratch can add $4,600 to $22,000 to your overall project cost.

How can I lower my screened-in porch costs?

There are several ways for you to lower your screened-in porch costs:

• Opt for a smaller project with lower square footage

• Enclose an existing porch rather than build a new one

• Swap in budget-friendly materials such as composite wood and pre-cut screens

• Purchase a screen kit from a hardware store and do the project as a DIY

How can I turn my porch into a patio?

No. Porches and patios are different structures. Porches attach to the home, while patios are separate from the home. You can, however, turn your patio into a screened-in patio.