How to Screen a Porch

Add a screened-in porch to your home so you can utilize the space year-round

Co-authored by Anthony "TC" Williams

Last Updated: August 4, 2024

While the task of screening a porch is one that does take some time and attention to detail, the process can usually be managed over the course of a weekend without much trouble. Requiring the use of a few basic hand tools and supplies, a porch screen installation involves preparing the porch itself followed by creating a framework that will support the screen. It is possible to screen a porch all by yourself, or manage the project with the help of a couple friends.

Part 1

Part 1 of 5:

Preparing the Porch Area

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This involves removing all furniture and plants from the porch area. Doing so will create a safe work space that is free of hazards and will allow you to see all the details of the space that you might need to alter or work around.
Having a clean, fresh space will make it much easier to identify any alterations that might be necessary before installing the frame and mounting the screening.

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Before beginning on the full porch screen, make sure to install any ceiling panels or ceiling fans you may want on your porch. Obviously, ceiling fans must be installed before ceiling panels to allow the wiring to be installed properly.
4
Remove old battens. Using a hammer and pry bar, remove any wood battens that may be attached to the existing porch frame.^{[1]
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- A batten is simply a squared piece of wood or metal used to hold the frame in place.

Part 2

Part 2 of 5:

Installing the Sill Plates

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Sill plates (also sometimes referred to as "sole plates") are usually just pieces of pressure-treated wood, often 2x4 lengths cut to measure, that are attached horizontally along the floor and ceiling of the porch area. Sill plates function as the base for the screen frame as they effectively create a network between the existing supports of the porch roof.
2
Create the sill plate perimeter. Install the wood around the perimeter of the porch, making sure the corners are square (you can use a framing square for this purpose).
- On a wooden porch, the plates can be nailed into position. With a concrete porch, using a drill and masonry screws or a masonry nail gun will be required.
To provide a nice base for the interior trim work, attach another layer of untreated wood on top of the sill plate.

Part 3

Part 3 of 5:

Adding the Screen Frames

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The studs are heavier lengths of wood that attach to the porch walls, running vertically from the floor plates to the ceiling plates. As with the plates, nails can be used to affix the studs to a wooden structure, while a masonry nail gun or masonry screws are necessary to secure the studs to brick or other types of masonry walls.
2
Install the wall studs. Be sure to check the width of your screens. Most screens are three feet wide, so space your studs three feet apart, measuring from the center.
- Important: For door frames, use two wall studs on each side of the door. One for attaching the screen, and one for the door hinges.
These are the horizontal pieces that help to provide stability to the overall frame.^{[2]
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Research source} Use the measuring tape, chalk line, and level to make sure the rails and balusters are positioned properly before securing the pieces in place with the hammer and nails.
4
Attach all pieces together. Each individual frame piece needs to be screwed (or nailed) together. Make sure you attach the balusters to the rest of the frame to allow for maximum stability.
- Once the rails and balusters are firmly affixed to the sole plates and wall studs, the frame is complete.

Part 4

Part 4 of 5:

Attaching the Screens

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Cut sections of screening to fill in the spaces within the framework. Make sure to leave a little excess to allow room for error.^{[3]
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Attach the screens. Begin at the top middle of the opening, and secure the screen using the staple gun. Working toward the outer area of the space, smooth the screen and staple at regular intervals. Make sure that the screening lays flat and is stretched taut as you go.^{[4]
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- Once the top is secured, staple the sides and bottom, always stretching the screen to make sure it remains taut. Continue until the screen is firmly in place across the expanse of the framework.
3
Cut off the excess screen. Using a utility knife, trim off the extra edges of the screening material, outside of the staples.^{[5]
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- You might consider using more durable screening material on the bottom part of the screen, especially if you have pets who might rub up against the screen or scratch it with their claws.

Part 5

Part 5 of 5:

Applying the Finishing Touches

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Use wood strips to hide the stapling along the frame, providing a more finished appearance. Consider attaching the strips using wood screws, since this will make it easier to remove the strips and replace a section of torn screen if necessary.
Consider painting or staining the visible wood of the porch (especially the pieces you just added) to match the rest of the house so that the color scheme flows seamlessly into the new porch addition.
Make sure you clean up the mess that inevitably accumulates during a project like this. Sweep the floor and return any plants or furniture that you previously removed. Then stand back and admire your handiwork!

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Tips

Always use treated wood for the porch screen frame. This will minimize deterioration from exposure to changing weather conditions and keep repairs to a minimum.

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Vinyl and metal screening are both options to screen a porch. Vinyl screening is usually less expensive but will tear relatively easily. If using metal screening, make sure it is treated to resist rusting due to the constant exposure to the elements.

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Painting the sole plates, balusters, rails, and wood strips before the installation is a good idea. Even if they are scratched during the installation process, touching up the damaged areas with paint takes very little time and prevents the possibility of dripping paint on the screen mesh later on.

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