Cost of Screened In Patios
Mike Martin, MA CSL, is the founder and construction cost editor of RemodelingExpense. His residential construction experience informs the site’s cost research, calculators, and homeowner project guidance.
Patio screening cost ranges from $30 – $110 per sq. ft. installed, or about $6,000 – $22,000 for a typical 200 sq. ft. screened patio project.
Patio screening is different from a full screened-in porch because it usually starts with an existing patio slab, roof, cover, or structural frame. Price depends on patio size, screen type, framing material, enclosure height, door access, slab condition, permits, and local labor rates.
Use the calculator below to estimate your price based on patio size, existing cover, screen material, framing needs, door setup, and local labor rates.
Cost Calculator
Patio Screening Cost Calculator
Estimate screened-in patio pricing based on patio size, existing roof or cover, framing material, screen type, door access, slab condition, enclosure height, permit needs, cleanup, and local labor rates.
Your estimated cost
For 200 sq. ft.
$6,000 – $22,000
About $30 – $110 per sq. ft.
Use your estimate as a starting point, then compare real prices from local contractors.
| Cost item | Low estimate | High estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $2,400 | $9,000 |
| Labor | $3,600 | $13,000 |
| Estimated screened patio cost | $6,000 | $22,000 |
| Installed cost per sq. ft. | $30 | $110 |
Why your price may change
- Local labor rates vary.
- Material quality affects the price.
- Old material removal, repairs, permits, or code updates can add cost.
- Hard-to-reach areas, complex layouts, rush jobs, or premium contractors may cost more.
Estimate includes local labor adjustments and may differ slightly from rounded national cost examples.
Patio Screening Cost vs Value
Patio Screening may recover about 30%–60% of its cost.
Bottom line: Screened-in patio pricing depends on patio size, existing roof or cover, framing material, screen type, door access, slab condition, enclosure height, permit needs, cleanup, and local labor rates.
Worth it: Covered patios, bug control, outdoor dining areas, backyard seating, homes with an existing slab and roof, and homeowners who want a less expensive enclosure than a full screened porch.
Skip it: If the patio has no roof or cover, a screened-in porch or new patio cover project may be the better starting point.
ROI ranges are planning estimates and should not be treated as an appraisal. This is only an estimate. Real resale value depends on your home, neighborhood, market, project quality, and buyer demand.
Contractor Reality Check
Screened patio quotes are cheapest when the patio already has a roof, level slab, simple rectangular layout, and enough structure to attach screen framing. Costs rise when the contractor has to add framing, repair the slab, build knee walls, add doors, handle drainage, or screen around an irregular patio shape.
My rule of thumb: Ask whether the quote includes framing, screen material, door hardware, trim, slab repairs, permits, cleanup, and old screen removal before comparing bids.
What to Confirm Before You Sign
- Existing cover: Confirm whether the patio already has a roof, awning, pergola, or patio cover that can support screening.
- Screen material: Ask whether the quote includes standard fiberglass screen, aluminum screen, pet-resistant screen, privacy screen, or no-see-um mesh.
- Framing: Confirm whether the frame is aluminum, wood, vinyl, PVC, or a screen enclosure kit.
- Door access: Ask whether screen doors, closers, latches, thresholds, and hardware are included.
- Slab condition: Make sure cracks, slope, drainage, uneven surfaces, and trip edges are addressed before screening.
- Permits: Ask whether permits, wind requirements, setbacks, and inspections are needed in your area.
- Buffer: Budget 10% to 20% for surprises, framing changes, screen upgrades, slab repair, door hardware, or permit requirements.
Surprise Costs That Move the Price
| Item | Why It Adds Cost | Typical Add |
|---|---|---|
| Screen framing | Patios without usable framing need new posts, rails, trim, or aluminum enclosure members. | $1,000 – $6,000 |
| Screen door package | Doors add framing, thresholds, hinges, latches, closers, and alignment work. | $300 – $1,500 per door |
| Slab repair | Uneven concrete, cracks, drainage problems, and poor slope can complicate the enclosure. | $500 – $4,000 |
| Premium screen mesh | No-see-um, pet-resistant, privacy, solar, and stronger mesh options cost more than basic fiberglass. | $300 – $2,500 |
| Electrical or fan work | Lights, ceiling fans, outlets, and switches may need an electrician and permit. | $500 – $3,500 |
Patio Screening Cost by Type
| Type | Installed Cost per Sq. Ft. | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Basic patio screen enclosure | $30 – $60 | Existing covered patios with simple framing and standard screen mesh. |
| Aluminum framed screened patio | $45 – $85 | Low-maintenance patio enclosures, bug control, and clean exterior framing. |
| Screened patio with doors | $55 – $100 | Patios that need multiple access points, pet access, or better traffic flow. |
| Premium screen patio enclosure | $70 – $130 | No-see-um mesh, pet-resistant screen, privacy mesh, solar screen, and upgraded trim. |
| Screened patio with framing repairs | $85 – $160+ | Older patios, damaged covers, slab corrections, drainage problems, and permit-driven upgrades. |
Is Patio Screening Worth It?
Patio screening is worth it when you already have a covered patio and want better bug control, more comfortable outdoor dining, shade, airflow, and a lower-cost alternative to building a full screened porch.
Skip it: If the patio has no roof, no usable framing, or major slab problems, use the Screened In Porch Calculator instead. If you are enclosing a pool area, compare it with the Screened In Pool Calculator.
References – Patio Screening Cost
- Screen Product Pricing: The Home Depot
- Screen Frame and Screen Material Pricing: Lowe’s
- Residential Building Code Reference: International Code Council
- Carpenter Wage Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- Labor Wage Data: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Last Updated: 6/25/26
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