The average cost to screen in an existing 200-square-foot porch is $2,400, including the screen, framing, and labor. The average price per square foot is $10 – $14, depending on material choices.
Cost of a Screened-In Porch Addition
Building a porch with a roof costs an average of $52.50 per square foot, including materials and labor. Costs can be more or less, with a wide range of $24 – $110 per square foot. Add to this the cost of screening in a porch at an average of $12 per square foot, and a screened-in porch addition costs about $64.50 per square foot.
Cost of a Screened-In Porch By Size
Here’s a look at standard porch sizes and how much it costs to add a screen to an existing porch on a new screened-in porch addition.
Porch Square Footage | Porch Dimensions in Feet | Cost to Screen an Existing Porch | Cost of New Screened-In Porch |
---|---|---|---|
100 | 10 x 10 | $1,000 – $1,400 | $3,600 – $12,200 |
160 | 16 x 10 | $1,600 – $2,240 | $5,760 – $19,520 |
200 | 10 x 20 | $2,000 – $2,800 | $7,200 – $24,400 |
192 | 12 x 16 | $1,920 – $2,688 | $6,912 – $23,424 |
224 | 14 x 16 | $2,240 – $3,136 | $8,064 – $27,328 |
320 | 16 x 20 | $3,200 – $4,480 | $11,520 – $39,040 |
400 | 20 x 20 | $4,000 – $5,600 | $14,400 – $48,800 |
Factors that Affect the Cost of a Screened-in Porch
With the cost of a screened porch varying, you can save money depending on your material and labor choices. Here’s what affects the price.
Size of the Porch
The bigger the porch, the more it will cost to add a screen. Aim for a minimum of 8 feet in depth if you want to add outdoor furniture to your porch and still have room for a walkway.
Frame Material
To add a screen to the porch, you must first add posts. Here’s a look at the most common types of posts and how much each cost:
- Pressure-Treated Wood: $40
- Wrought Iron: $50
- Hardwood: $50
- Fiberglass: $60
- Vinyl: $100
- Aluminum: $100
- Stone: $200
Porch Material
If you’re building a new porch addition, the porch material will have a considerable impact on the cost. The most common porch materials are concrete, wood, and composite decking.
Here’s the average cost of each porch material per square foot:
- Wood: $4-$30
- Composite Decking: $4-$13
- Concrete:$2-$8
Roof Material
Most homeowners match the roof material of their screened-in porch to their home. Asphalt shingles are the least expensive, followed by metal roofing. Slate, concrete, and clay tiles are the most expensive roof options.
Screen Material
There are five common porch screen materials to choose from; each has different pros and cons and price points.
- Aluminum screens are among the most common choices, costing $5 to $7 per square foot. Since they’re easy to see through, you’ll still be able to enjoy the beauty of your surroundings without the bug bites.
- Fiberglass screens are the least expensive, ranging from $4 – $6 per square foot. Fiberglass is slightly less durable than aluminum but holds up to corrosion and is easy to install.
- Copper screens are a little more expensive than aluminum but hold up to corrosion better, making them ideal for coastal homes.
- Sun control screens, also known as solar screens, reflect sunlight keeping the porch cool. They cost an average of $5.50 – $7.50 per square foot.
- Motorized retractable screens come as a system, costing anywhere from $2,000 – $4,000. A motor powers them, and they roll up or down.
Professional vs. DIY Installation
Labor costs for screening in a porch average about $2 per square foot, while labor costs for building a new porch start at $11 per square foot. Those with DIY skills will save a considerable amount of money on installation.
Your location will also affect labor expenses as these costs are higher in urban versus rural areas.
Permits
Some localities require permits for a screened-in porch addition. Permits can cost $100 – $300, but you’ll need to check with local building code authorities to see if you need a permit.
Bonus Features
Bonus features such as electric, decorative railings, ceiling fans, and screened-in porch fireplaces will increase costs.
Is a Screened-In Porch Worth the Money?
You’ll earn about 75% on the investment of a screened-in porch. If you spend $20,000 adding a screened-in porch to your home, expect to recoup $15,000 when you sell. Keep in mind that this number can change depending on your area’s current real estate market.
Aside from recouping part of your investment, you’ll add valuable square footage that makes your home more attractive to buyers and gives you a place to enjoy the outdoors sans the mosquito bites.