How to Screen in A Porch to Make the Most of Your Outdoor Space

Imagine this: It’s a warm evening, the golden hues of sunset are fading, and you’re ready to unwind on your porch with a refreshing drink in hand. Just as you settle into your favorite chair, a swarm of mosquitoes crashes your peaceful retreat. Sound familiar? This common scenario is a nuisance for many who love to enjoy their outdoor spaces. The solution? Screening in your porch.

Screening a porch not only keeps those pesky bugs out but also creates a comfortable, enclosed area where you can enjoy the beauty of nature without the annoyances. However, as idyllic as this sounds, maintaining a screened porch comes with its challenges. The screen can sag, develop holes, or need replacing over time due to wear and tear from the elements.

This guide, put together by the experts at Royal Deck, will teach you how to screen in a porch using a durable screen framing system and will provide tips on how to properly stretch the screen to fit the framework securely. With this approach, you can enhance the longevity of your screened porch and make the most of your outdoor living space. Let’s get started on turning your porch into a serene space where you can relax, entertain, and enjoy the outdoors—bug-free and in comfort.

Benefits of Screening in a Porch

Screening in your porch offers numerous advantages that extend beyond just providing a bug-free zone. As Royal Deck experts, we’ve seen firsthand how this simple upgrade can transform your outdoor living experience. Here’s why you should consider it:

• Bug Protection: The most immediate benefit of screening in your porch is the barrier it creates against insects. No more mosquitoes, flies, or other pests interrupting your relaxation time. You can enjoy evenings and mornings on your porch without the need for bug sprays or swatters.
• Enhanced Outdoor Living Space: A screened porch effectively increases the usable living area of your home. It becomes a perfect spot for quiet morning coffees, leisurely afternoons with a book, or lively evening gatherings with friends and family. This enclosed space blends the comfort of the indoors with the allure of the outdoors.
• Increased Home Value: Adding a screened porch can also boost your home’s market value. It’s an attractive feature for potential buyers who are looking for homes that offer that extra touch of outdoor livability. Additionally, the aesthetic appeal and functionality of a well-designed screened porch can make your property stand out in the real estate market.

Materials Needed for Screening in Your Porch

Screening in your porch is a fantastic way to enhance your outdoor space, and using a screen framing system or porch screen kit can simplify the process significantly. These kits not only streamline installation but also provide a cleaner, more professional finish than traditional stapling methods. Here’s what you’ll need to gather before starting your project:

1. Screen Framing System

Opt for a porch screen kit, which includes all the necessary components like base strips and cap strips. These come in 8-foot sections and can be easily customized to fit your porch’s dimensions using tin snips or a similar cutting tool.

2. Measurement and Calculation

Start by sketching a diagram of your porch with detailed measurements for all parts of the frame that will support the screen. To calculate the amount of screen needed, multiply the width and height of the porch area to be covered, then add an additional 10 percent to accommodate any waste.

3. Screen Material

• Fiberglass Screen: This is the most popular choice for residential porches due to its cost-effectiveness and flexibility, which makes installation straightforward. Fiberglass screen doesn’t crease as metal screens do but offers less durability.
• Metal Screen Mesh: For a more durable option, consider aluminum screen mesh. It’s more resilient than fiberglass and is ideal if you’re looking for longevity in areas prone to harsh weather conditions.
• Pet-Resistant Screen: If you have pets or small children, a pet-resistant screen made from tough plastic mesh can be a practical choice for the lower sections of your porch. It’s designed to resist punctures and tears, though it is more visible than other screen types.

4. Tools for Installation

Besides the screen and frame materials, ensure you have a measuring tape, tin snips or a heavy-duty cutter, and a screwdriver for assembling the frames. Depending on your kit, you might also need specific tools to fit the grooves and caps securely.

When selecting the size of your screen rolls, consider the dimensions of your porch to minimize seams and ensure a clean look. Screens can be purchased in various widths from 3 feet up to 8 feet to suit different sizes of frames.

Gathering these materials will prepare you for a successful installation, transforming your porch into a comfortable, protected outdoor area. With the right tools and materials, screening in your porch can be a rewarding weekend project that enhances both the usability and appeal of your home.

Simple Guide to Screening In a Porch

Transforming your porch into a screened haven is a straightforward project that can greatly enhance your outdoor living space. Here’s a simplified step-by-step guide to help you screen in your porch efficiently:

Step 1. Prepare the Area

• Remove any old screens and hardware from the porch frame.

Step 2. Install the Base Strips

• Measure and cut the base strips to fit the wood frame of your porch.
• Secure these strips to the frame using 1-inch wood screws or drywall screws. Insert screws into each slot of the base strip using a drill with a screwdriver bit. Be careful not to overtighten and warp the material.
• At corners, simply butt the base strips against each other—no need for miter cuts.

Step 3. Attach the Screen

• Cut a section of screen material slightly larger than each frame opening.
• Starting with the top horizontal base, use a spline rolling tool to press the screen into the groove. Spline, a hard rubber or vinyl strip, secures the screen in place.
  • Use a .175-inch diameter spline for fiberglass screens.
  • Use a .160-inch diameter spline for aluminum screens.
• While rolling the spline, pull the screen fabric tight to avoid wrinkles. Continue this process on the sides and, finally, at the bottom of the frame.

Step 4. Trim Excess Screen

• After securing the screen on all sides, trim any excess material from the edges with a utility knife.

Step 5. Install Cap Strips

• Snap the cap strips into place over the base strips to conceal the edges of the screen, giving your porch a neat, finished look. If necessary, use a rubber mallet to gently tap the caps into place.

Step 6. Make Adjustments

• If you need to adjust the tension or position of the screen, simply pry off the cap strips, reposition the spline and screen, and reattach the cap strips.

Step 7. Add a Screen Door (optional)

• For a completely enclosed porch, consider installing a matching screen door that complements the design and function of your screened porch.

By following these steps, you can easily screen in your porch, creating a comfortable, bug-free area to enjoy throughout the year. Remember, having the right tools and materials is key to a successful installation.

Enhance Your Home with a Screened Porch Built by Royal Deck

Congratulations on taking the first steps towards transforming your porch into a serene, bug-free oasis! Following this guide, you’ve learned the essentials of DIY porch screening—from choosing the right materials to executing a clean installation. Screening a porch not only improves your home’s aesthetic and functional appeal but also increases its value by adding a versatile outdoor living space.

If you find yourself in need of expert advice or prefer a professional touch for your porch installation, Royal Deck is here to help. Our team of experts specializes in custom porch screen installations and can provide tailored solutions that meet your specific needs.

Whether you’re considering a new installation or need assistance with an existing setup, don’t hesitate to reach out to Royal Deck. We are committed to helping you make the most of your outdoor space with high-quality, durable porch screening solutions. Contact us today, and let us help you turn your porch into the perfect retreat for relaxation and entertainment. Let Royal Deck be your partner in creating the outdoor space of your dreams!