How Much Does It Cost to Add a Screened-In Porch in 2026?
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Evette Zalvino, Contributing AuthorClose
Evette Zalvino Contributing AuthorEvette is just your average HGTV fan who dreams of having a home worthy of being on one of those shows. When she isn't writing for HomeLight, she's working at her local real estate office. In her downtime, you'll find her searching for the next great hiking trail in her area.
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Sam Dadofalza, Associate EditorClose
Sam Dadofalza Associate Editor
Sam Dadofalza is an associate editor at HomeLight, where she crafts insightful stories to guide homebuyers and sellers through the intricacies of real estate transactions. She has previously contributed to digital marketing firms and online business publications, honing her skills in creating engaging and informative content.
A morning coffee on the porch, a cool breeze, and no bugs buzzing around your head. It’s an inviting way to start the day. Maybe you’ve been dreaming of turning your open patio into a cozy spot for family dinners, weekend hangouts, or even a home office or gym. Before you start picking out screens and furniture, though, it’s worth looking into the cost to add a screened-in porch and how it might fit your budget.
Let’s break down what you can expect to pay, what affects the price, and how to plan a porch you’ll love without spending more than you need to.
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What’s the cost to add a screened-in porch?
When you begin budgeting for your screened-in porch, remember that the actual size of the porch, the materials you use, the location, and any upgrades will affect the overall cost. Below are some broad estimates from popular home improvement websites.
All costs are represented as averages, not exact estimates. Always research your area’s prices before committing to any home improvement project.
Angi
Angi draws its cost insights from a nationwide network of more than 200,000 experienced home professionals.
- New screened-in porch: $7,200 to $20,000
- Screen addition to existing porch: $2,000 to $4,000 (ready-made kit)
- Cost per square foot: $25 to $120 to build from scratch
HomeAdvisor
HomeAdvisor costs are estimated from over 45 million annual users across over 500 projects.
- New screened-in porch: $4,600 to $22,000
- Screen addition to existing porch: $2,000 to $4,000
- Cost per square foot: $25 to $120 per square foot to build from scratch
HomeGuide
HomeGuide tracks millions of project cost estimates nationwide from its network of 50,000 local businesses.
- New screened-in porch: $10,000 to $35,000
- Screen addition to existing porch: $2,000 to $5,000
- Cost per square foot: $10 to $25 to add screening to an existing porch; $50 to $175 per square foot to build a new one
What factors affect screened-in porch cost?
The cost of a screened-in porch can vary depending on a few key factors. Its size, the materials you choose, and the design details all play a role in the final price. Understanding these elements can help you plan a porch that fits both your style and your budget.
Location
You could spend more depending on where you live and the type of living space you want to create. For example, Archadeck of Kansas City, which builds outdoor living spaces throughout the Kansas City metropolitan area, including Jackson County, Missouri, says the average cost to build a screened porch in their area starts at $25,000.
In comparison, James Moylan of Design Builders, Inc., a licensed, bonded, and insured contractor in Bethesda, Maryland, estimates that most projects cost between $60,000 and $100,000.
“What we build is essentially an addition that doesn’t have walls,” Moylan says.
Materials
The type of materials will have a considerable impact on your budget. Here’s a breakdown of some materials commonly used to build a screened-in porch:
Flooring
- Poured concrete: $5 to $18 per square foot
- Concrete pavers or stenciling: $2 to $7 per square foot
- Floating wood or tile floor: $5 per square foot
Roofing
- Shingle: $16 to $30 per square foot
- Wood: $4 to $9 per square foot
- Aluminum: $4 to 11 per square foot
- Glass: $22 to $75 per square foot
Posts, beams, and railings
- Fiberglass: $60 per post
- Wood: $40 to $50 per post; $6 to $30 per linear foot for railings
- Stone: $200 per post
- Vinyl: $100 per post; $15 to $50 per linear foot for railings
- Aluminum: $100 per post; $30 to $120 per linear foot for railings
- Wrought iron: $50 per post; $40 to $60 per linear foot for railings
Note: These options will vary in cost by material and architectural style (such as Colonial, Farmhouse, Decorative, or Craftsman).
Screens
Moylan’s company uses Screeneze, a warrantied system available to professional contractors and installers that uses an aluminum base, vinyl caps, and no staples or splines. Beyond such an integrated system, prices vary for the type of screen mesh, as well as other features:
- Aluminum mesh: $0.35 to $0.70 per square foot
- Fiberglass: $0.25 to $0.50 per square foot
- Solar screens: $0.75 to $1.50 per square foot
- Retractable: $2,000 to $4,000 per unit
You can also find DIY screened-in porch kits with everything you need to complete your project. Companies like Screen House, Eze Breeze Direct, and Screen Tight can help you create the perfect screened-in porch when you call for a free quote.
Door
If you plan to have a screen door leading from the porch to the yard, expect to pay an average of $300, depending on the door’s style. The hourly labor rate for installing a screen door is $50 to $75.
Labor
You can save money by building your own porch. If you’re simply adding screens to an existing porch, the project can take as little as three hours. Hiring a contractor, on the other hand, comes with a base price of around $300 to screen in an existing porch. If you’re building a new porch from scratch, professional labor can cost up to $70 per hour.
Square footage
If you entertain a lot, Moylan recommends building a space that’s either 15′ x 20′ or 16′ x 16′, which will give you plenty of space for outdoor dining furniture. However, the porch you design can be as large or small as you’d like. Just remember that the size will impact the cost of materials and labor.
Note: Some homeowner associations and municipalities have specific rules regarding building a screened-in porch, so check with them first and get any necessary permits.
Additional costs to consider
Building permits and land surveying
In most areas, a screened-in porch is considered an addition, and that will require a building permit. Permits for this purpose typically cost $100 to $300. Additionally, expect to pay approximately $500 for land surveying services. Since the range is so broad, we recommend considering the cost of applying for a building permit before starting anything.
Add-on features
Your screened-in porch doesn’t have to be limited to just an outdoor dining table. You can add all sorts of features to make your space truly enjoyable. Some popular additional features include:
- Outdoor fireplace: $1,500 to $8,000
- Hot tub: $3,000 to $10,000 for above-ground; $8,000 to $25,000 for in-ground
- Outdoor kitchen: $6,269 and $27,087
- Outdoor ceiling fan: $100 to $500
Surprise repairs
When budgeting for any project, you should save money for unexpected repairs, which can crop up from simple errors or oversights. These could be as small as cutting materials to the wrong dimensions or as big as a damaged foundation or wood damage (if you’re converting an existing deck or patio). We recommend setting aside at least 10% to 25% of your overall budget.
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The cost of adding a screened-in porch is worth the investment
Adding a screened-in porch, especially a brand-new build, can feel like a big investment, almost like taking out a second mortgage. But the payoff goes beyond extra living space: it makes your home more versatile and can boost its resale value, with homeowners often recouping up to 84% of the cost when they sell.
If you’re wondering what your property is currently worth, our Home Value Estimator can provide a quick ballpark estimate in under two minutes. Simply enter your property address to get started.
Frequently asked questions about screened-in porches
Yes, a screened porch can be a good investment because it gives you extra living space without leaving you exposed to bugs and bad weather. It can also make your home more appealing to buyers, especially if they enjoy spending time outdoors. Just keep in mind that your return depends on the local housing market and the quality of the build.
A well-built screened-in porch can last 20 to 30 years or longer, depending on its materials and how well you maintain it. The screens themselves may need replacing sooner, especially if they get damaged by pets, storms, or everyday wear and tear. Regular cleaning, checking for damage, and protecting wood from moisture can help your porch last longer.
A typical screened-in porch is around 100 to 200 square feet, though the right size depends on how you plan to use it. A smaller porch can fit a couple of chairs, while a larger one can accommodate a dining table, outdoor sofa, or both. Before building, think about your available space, budget, and how many people you want to fit comfortably.
Header Image Source: (Stuart Monk / Shutterstock)
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