Screened Patio Cost: Add Screens vs. Full New Build
Screen existing porch from $2,000 · New build from $10,000 · Calculator by size · 84% ROI at resale
$2K–$5.8KScreen existing porch
$10K–$35KNew screened porch build
$25–$120Per sq ft (new build)
84%Average ROI at resale
⚡ Quick Answer
Adding screens to an existing porch costs $2,000–$5,800 ($10–$25/sq ft). Building a new screened porch from scratch runs $10,000–$35,000 ($25–$120/sq ft) depending on size, materials, and whether you need a new foundation. The biggest cost variable: if your existing porch is solid, you save $5,000–$15,000 vs. starting from dirt.
Two Very Different Projects — Know Which One You Have
✅ Adding Screens to Existing Porch
$2,000–$5,800
Your existing porch has a solid foundation, roof, and frame. You're adding screen panels, a door, and possibly flooring. Takes 1–2 days. No permits usually required for simple screen addition.
🏗️ New Screened Porch Build
$10,000–$35,000+
Building from bare ground: new foundation/slab, framing, roof, screen panels, flooring, and electrical. Takes 1–3 weeks. Permits required in most jurisdictions. ROI at resale: 84%.
🧮 Screened Patio Cost Calculator
Estimated Total Cost
Per sq ft
Est. ROI
Timeline
Cost by Porch Size
| Size | Screen Existing | New Build (Basic) | New Build (Premium) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12×12 (144 sq ft) | $1,500–$3,600 | $3,600–$10,000 | $10,000–$17,000 |
| 12×20 (240 sq ft) | $2,400–$6,000 | $6,000–$14,500 | $15,000–$29,000 |
| 16×20 (320 sq ft) | $3,200–$8,000 | $8,000–$19,000 | $20,000–$38,000 |
| 20×20 (400 sq ft) | $4,000–$10,000 | $10,000–$24,000 | $25,000–$48,000 |
| Wraparound (600+ sq ft) | $6,000–$15,000 | $15,000–$35,000+ | $35,000–$70,000+ |
What Drives the Cost Most
- Existing structure vs. new build: The single biggest variable. A solid existing porch cuts project cost by 50–60% compared to starting from scratch.
- Roof type: Adding screens under an existing roof is cheapest. A new gable roof adds $70–$155/sq ft. An aluminum patio cover adds $20–$60/sq ft.
- Screen material: Fiberglass mesh ($0.40–$0.80/sq ft) is cheapest. Aluminum screen ($0.80–$1.50/sq ft) lasts longer. Solar/privacy screens ($1–$3/sq ft). Motorized retractable screens ($2,000–$4,000 per unit).
- Flooring: Existing concrete slab? $0. Stamped concrete: $8–$15/sq ft. Wood decking: $15–$35/sq ft. Composite decking: $20–$45/sq ft.
- Foundation: New concrete slab costs $4–$14/sq ft. For a 200 sq ft porch, that's $800–$2,800 before anything else goes up.
- Electrical: Ceiling fan + outlet adds $300–$700. Full electrical (multiple outlets, overhead lighting) adds $1,500–$3,000.
💡 The 84% ROI number is real. Outdoor living space ranks among the highest-ROI home improvements in NAR surveys. In mosquito-heavy Southern and Midwestern markets, a screened porch adds clear functional value buyers will pay for. In dry Western markets, the ROI is lower — buyers there don't need bug protection as much.
Screen Material Comparison
| Screen Type | Material Cost / sq ft | Lifespan | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fiberglass | $0.40–$0.80 | 6–8 yrs | Budget choice; good general use; most common |
| Aluminum | $0.80–$1.50 | 10–15 yrs | Durability; resists dents better than fiberglass in high-traffic areas |
| Solar / privacy | $1–$3 | 8–12 yrs | |
| Pet-resistant | $1.50–$4 | 8–12 yrs | Households with dogs or cats that scratch |
| Motorized retractable | $2,000–$4,000/unit | 10–15 yrs | Premium option; open/close on demand; adds significant cost |
Cost by State
| State | Screen Existing (200 sq ft) | New Build (200 sq ft) |
|---|---|---|
| Florida, Georgia | $2,500–$5,000 | $5,000–$14,000 |
| Texas, Tennessee | $2,000–$4,500 | $4,500–$12,000 |
| Ohio, Michigan | $2,000–$4,500 | $4,500–$11,500 |
| New York, New Jersey | $3,500–$7,000 | $8,000–$21,000 |
| California | $3,500–$7,500 | $8,500–$22,000 |
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Search "screened porch installation" or "porch enclosure." Ask specifically about structural assessment of your existing porch before any quote is finalized — the condition of your existing frame is the most important cost variable.
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Adding outdoor coverage at the same time?
See our Patio Cover Installation Cost → and Driveway Sealing Cost → if you're doing a full outdoor refresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a screened patio cost?
Adding screens to an existing porch costs $2,000–$5,800 ($10–$25/sq ft). Building a new screened porch from scratch runs $10,000–$35,000 ($25–$120/sq ft) depending on size, materials, and foundation needs. A 200 sq ft existing porch with new fiberglass screens typically costs $2,000–$4,000 professionally installed.
Do I need a permit to screen in a porch?
For simply adding screens to an existing porch: usually not, but verify with your local building department. For new construction: yes — permits run $100–$500 depending on municipality. HOA approval is separately required in many communities. Always check before starting work.
How long does a screened porch last?
The structural frame and foundation can last 50–100 years with proper maintenance. Screen panels typically need replacement every 6–8 years. Re-screening a 200 sq ft porch costs $800–$2,900 — factor this into your long-term budget.