How Much Does a Screened-in Porch Cost?

Adding a screened-in porch onto your home is a great way to enjoy the outdoors without having to deal with all the not-so-great stuff, like bugs or rain. Screened-in porch costs fluctuate based on the size of the porch, the materials you purchase, and whether you choose to build it yourself or hire a pro. Our guide breaks down how much a screened-in porch costs so you can budget accordingly.

Screened-In Porch Cost Factors

Building a screened-in porch isn’t a cookie-cutter project; here are some of the key factors to consider that’ll influence your project’s final cost. 

Size

You’ll find that $25 to $120 per square foot is a good rule of thumb for an entirely new build, including the porch itself. You might be able to lower this price by adding a screened-in enclosure around an existing porch.

Existing Foundation

Some homeowners already have a porch or deck and are only interested in screening it in. And if that’s you and you have an existing foundation and roof, this project will cost you far less than if you needed to build everything from scratch. But building a screened-in porch from square one will add $4,600 to $22,000 to your final price. That cost includes preparing the area and building the porch and roof.

Location

Your location makes a huge impact on how much it’ll cost you to build a screened-in porch. Depending on your geographical location, you might pay more or less than other homeowners for the same project because of labor fees or access to the material you want. 

Pro Tip: Most homeowners want to build their screened-in porch during the warmer months. But if you plan your project right, you can build yours during cooler seasons when pros aren’t as busy for easier scheduling and potential sales and discounts. 

“Installing a screened-in porch is a great way to increase the number of days a year you can utilize your outdoor space,” says Andy Kilborn, Angi Expert Review Board member and owner of Andy’s Handyman Service in Des Moines, IA.

Project Complexity

While size will affect the cost of your project, it’s not that black and white; the project difficulty also plays a role. Want your porch built on the second level of your home with stairs leading up to it? It’ll cost you more to build. Or will your land need to be properly graded before your pro can start on your porch? The more complex the project, the more it will cost in labor.  

Screen

Screens are typically made of the following materials:

Keep in mind, screened-in porches can be built off of your home’s structure or as a standalone structure in your backyard attached to a patio. A standalone will require a fourth wall of screening, which will drive up the price.

You’ll also need to rescreen your porch every six to eight years (on average, if well maintained). You should factor this into the cost of your build, as ripped or damaged screens can defeat the purpose of creating an outside living space for you or your family.

Screen Door

Screen doors start at $300 and can cost up to $2,000, depending on the material.

If you have kids or anticipate heavy foot traffic through your screened-in porch, it’s probably worth investing in a solid screen door. Repairing a screen door can cost $100 to $200 in materials alone, depending on the damage.

Flooring

You can choose from a variety of flooring options for your screened-in porch:

• Most affordable: Concrete

• Moderately priced: Cedar, Slate tile

• Most costly: Some types of hardwood (Brazilian Ipe), pressure-treated wood, stone

Steps

Depending on the layout of your home and the size of the staircase you build, the entrance alone could range from $300 (a simple concrete stair) to $1,900 (a stoop with multiple stairs and space for recreation).

Because screened-in porches are a focal point of your home, it’s a good idea to think critically about the type of porch you want to build, the materials you’ll use, and where your steps will lead, as well as the aesthetic it will create in your front or back yard.

Roof Type

While the roofing material is important, the type of roof will also determine this project’s cost. The most common roof types are shed, gable, and hip for screened-in porches. Each roof has pros and cons with its labor and material fees to go along with it.  Roofs for screened-in porches are typically made from asphalt or an aluminum patio cover. Asphalt ranges between $16 and $30 per square foot, while an aluminum cover is between $14 and $22 per square foot.

Permits

Some areas may require permits, which could cost between $50 and $200 for your built-in porch. Ask your contractor or local officials about permit requirements in your area.

Additional Costs to Consider

When budgeting for your screened-in porch project, you should factor in any extras and repair costs. 

Ceiling Fan

A ceiling fan can help cool your screened-in porch and control air circulation. You'll want to install a large fan made of weather-resistant material. It should also be at least eight feet high for proper clearance. The price of outdoor ceiling fans ranges from $100 for a basic model to upwards of $700 for higher-end options.

Privacy Screens or Shades

Drapery panels or curtains can provide privacy and shade to your screened-in porch. The price for porch drapes varies based on brand, material, size, and color, as well as the number of drapes you'll need. Most outdoor curtains cost between $40 and $200 for a set of two, though higher-quality outdoor drapes will cost more.

Furniture and Rugs

No screened-in porch is complete without some furniture and decor. When it comes to decorating your porch, the budget varies greatly. You can find plenty of low-cost outdoor furniture options that would work in a screened-in porch. A patio furniture chat set, which consists of four chairs and a low table, runs between $350 and $5,000, depending on brand and material. Patio dining table and chairs have a similar range, of between $100 and $5,000. An outdoor rug is also a good idea if you plan on walking around barefoot or simply want to tie the room together. Expect to pay between $30 and $300 for a patio rug, depending on its size and durability.

Repair Costs

Plan ahead for any repairs you'll need to make to your screened-in porch. A common repair you need to consider is fixing the screen if it tears or breaks off, but other damage may happen to the structure—especially if there is a destructive storm. The typical cost to repair a screened-in porch runs between $810 and $5,200, with an average price of $2,900. The lower end of that price range will be for minor repairs, like replacing sections of the screen, while the higher price is for more significant fixes. The final cost depends on the extent of the damage, the size of your porch, and the materials you need to replace or repair. 

How Much Does It Cost to Install a Screened-In Porch Yourself?

You can save several hundred (or even thousand) dollars by installing a screened-in porch yourself. The cost of labor is about $2 per square foot, so for a 200-square-foot space, you might save $400 or more.

DIY screened-in porch kits start at around $2,000 and include everything you’ll need (screens, posts, railing, door, etc.) to build your living space.