Screened in Porch Cost: Average Prices & Cost Factors

A screened-in porch can mean two quite different jobs. The first is adding screen panels to a porch or deck that already has a roof and a frame. The second is building a new porch and then screening it. The price gap between them is large, so decide which one you are pricing before you compare numbers.

The figures here come from published cost guides, last checked Oct 13, 2026. They start with the cheaper job, screening an existing porch, and then cover new construction. A contractor who sees your porch can tell you which category you fall into.

If you already have posts, a floor, and a roof, you pay mainly for screen panels, framing for them, and labor. Project size is the main variable, and small porches cost less in total.

Porch height, the number of openings, and whether the existing frame is square and solid all change the price. A porch on a second floor costs more than one at ground level because of access.

Many contractors quote by the square foot. The next table splits materials from labor for screening an existing porch.

Labor is usually the larger share, since the screen frames have to be built or fitted and attached cleanly. Prefabricated panels reduce site time but are less flexible if your openings are an unusual size.

The screen itself is inexpensive compared with the labor, but material choices still change the look and the lifespan.

Fiberglass is the most common and the cheapest. Aluminum is more durable and handles wind better, though it can corrode in some climates. Copper is the most expensive and develops a distinct look over time. Specialty screens for pet resistance or sun control cost more than standard mesh.

If you have no porch or the existing structure needs rebuilding, the project changes completely. You pay for the foundation or footings, framing, floor, roof, and then the screening on top.

Because of that structure, new construction often costs many times more than screening a porch that already stands. Permits and inspections are likely to apply, and a new roof adds both cost and local code requirements.

Doors, kits, and electrical work add to the base price.

A DIY kit costs far less than hiring a pro, though it fits best on a simple, solid structure. Lighting, ceiling fans, and outlets need a licensed electrician, and heaters, fireplaces, and outdoor kitchens increase the budget quickly. Flooring and railings are also separate items if the porch needs them.

• Porch size. More area means more screen, framing, and labor.
• Existing structure. A sound roof and frame keep costs down. A weak one adds repair work.
• Height and access. Second-floor porches and tall openings are harder to work on.
• Screen material. Fiberglass, aluminum, and specialty mesh each have a different price.
• Doors. Each extra door adds hardware and framing.
• Flooring and railings. These add up if the porch needs them.
• Electrical and features. Outlets, lighting, and fans are priced separately.
• Permits. A porch with a roof may be treated as an addition in some jurisdictions.
• HOA and zoning rules. These can limit style or require approval.
• Region and season. Labor rates differ, and building in the colder months may find contractors with more availability.

The two sources below report per-square-foot figures for the same basic job, but they get different results.

One gives a tight range based on an average screening project. The other offers a broad band that covers simple panel jobs up to more complex ones. Neither tells you the price of your porch. Use them to check whether a quote looks reasonable, then ask for itemized pricing.

A screened porch keeps bugs out and lets air through. It stays unconditioned, so it is a three-season space in many climates. A sunroom uses glass and can be heated and cooled, which costs more to build and maintain. If you want to use the room all year, price both options before committing. If you mainly want a bug-free place to sit in warm weather, a screened porch is the simpler choice.

Screening an existing, sturdy porch is one of the more approachable DIY jobs. Kits include the frame pieces and screen, and you need basic carpentry tools. The risk lies in a porch that is not square or not structurally sound, which makes panels hard to fit. Building a new porch is a different matter. It involves footings, framing, roofing, and permits, and it is better left to a licensed contractor. Any new electrical work should be done by a licensed electrician.

• Is this quote for screening an existing porch or building a new one?
• What screen material and frame type is included?
• Does the price cover doors, trim, and cleanup?
• Will the contractor check the existing posts, floor, and roof first?
• Who pulls the permit, if one is needed?
• What warranty applies to the labor and the materials?
• Are electrical, flooring, and railings in the quote or separate?