The cost to screen in a porch varies widely depending on whether you are screening an existing porch or building a new screened-in porch from scratch, as well as factors like size, materials, labor, and location.

Screening an Existing Porch

• Average cost ranges from about $2,000 to $5,000 total, or roughly $3 to $10 per square foot for a typical porch around 200 square feet

• Labor typically costs around $2 per square foot when adding screens to an existing porch

• Material costs vary by screen type:
  • Aluminum mesh: $5 to $7 per sq ft (including labor)
  • Fiberglass mesh: $4.50 to $5.50 per sq ft (including labor)
  • Solar screens: $5.50 to $7 per sq ft (including labor)

• DIY kits for screening existing porches can cost between $2,000 and $4,000 with professional installation included

• Rescreening an existing porch later costs about $2 to $4 per square foot

Building a New Screened-In Porch

• Costs are significantly higher, averaging $25 to $120 per square foot , with total costs often between $7,000 and $35,000 or more depending on size and finishes

• Additional costs include foundation ($4 to $14 per sq ft), flooring ($2 to $20 per sq ft depending on material), roofing ($4 to $75 per sq ft depending on type), and permits ($100 to $300)

• Labor for new construction ranges from $22 to $60 per square foot

Cost Examples for Screening an Existing Porch (approximate)

Porch Size (sq ft)| Cost Range to Screen Existing Porch
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144 (12x12)| $1,400 – $3,600
200 (10x20)| $2,000 – $5,000
400 (20x20)| $4,000 – $10,000

Summary

• Screening an existing porch: $2,000 to $5,000 total, or about $3 to $10 per sq ft.
• Building a new screened-in porch: $7,000 to $35,000+ , or $25 to $120 per sq ft.
• Labor and material quality, porch size, and location strongly influence the final cost.
• Professional installation is recommended for best results and durability.

These estimates reflect 2025 pricing and can vary by region and contractor