Homeowners typically pay to rescreen a screen door to restore airflow and keeps insects out. The cost is driven by door size, screen material, frame condition, and whether you hire a pro or DIY. The following price ranges reflect common U.S. projects and assume standard 34×80 doors with mid-range materials.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rescreen material (fiberglass or aluminum) | $4 | $6 | $9 | Per sq ft; typical door uses 22-24 sq ft |
| Labor to remove old spline and install new screen | $50 | $120 | $240 | Per door; varies by region |
| Screen spline (perimeter) | $3 | $6 | $12 | 1/4″ or 3/8″ spline common |
| Frame framing repair or replacement (optional) | $20 | $60 | $150 | Depends on frame metal and condition |
| Delivery/ haul-away of old screen debris | $0 | $15 | $40 | Often included in service call |
Assumptions: Midwest labor rates, standard aluminum frames, standard pet- or fiberglass screen, normal access.
Typical total price for rescreening a standard screen door
For a standard 34×80 screen door with mid-range materials, the typical total price falls in a narrow range. Most homeowners pay $120-$280 per door when only screening is needed and no frame repair is required. If the door frame or spline needs replacement, expect totals closer to $180-$360.
Assumptions: single-door project, normal access, standard aluminum frame, standard screen material.
Major cost components in a rescreening project
The price is usually split between materials, labor, and minor supplies. Materials often run $4-$9 per sq ft for screen fabric plus $3-$6 per linear ft for spline, while labor can be $50-$120 per door for removal and reinstall, depending on locale. A compact per-door cost table follows.
| Components | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials (screen fabric + spline) | $80 | $130 | $210 | Based on 22-24 sq ft screen area |
| Labor | $50 | $120 | $240 | Removal and reinstallation |
| Frame repair/replacement | $20 | $60 | $150 | Optional |
| Misc (screws, nails, tools) | $5 | $15 | $25 | Small items only |
How frame material and screen type affect price
Frame material and screen choice are major price drivers. Choosing aluminum frames with fiberglass screening is typically cheaper than reinforced frames with specialty screens, but heavy-duty or pet-resistant screens can add 10-30% to material costs. For a standard door, expect material ranges of $4-$9 per sq ft for screen fabric and $3-$6 per ft for spline, with frame fees varying by metal grade.
Assumptions: residential installation, mid-range grade aluminum frame, standard mesh.
Regional price differences for screen door rescreening
Prices vary by region due to labor markets. In the U.S., typical ranges widen by about 15%-25% between lower-cost regions (e.g., parts of the South) and higher-cost metro areas (e.g., coastal Northeast). Expect $110-$260 per door in many regions, with $140-$320 common in larger cities.
Assumptions: single-door project, urban vs rural variation, standard access.
Size and scope: when to repair the frame vs just rescreen
Rescreening a door is straightforward if the frame is intact. If the frame is bent, corroded, or warped, replacement can push total costs up by 25%-60% depending on material and size. For a typical door, frame repair ranges $20-$60 while frame replacement can reach $150-$300.
Assumptions: moderate frame damage, standard swing door, pre-existing hardware reusable.
Labor time, crew size, and scheduling considerations
Most rescreen jobs require 1-2 hours for a single door. Labor rates commonly fall in the $50-$125 per hour range depending on region and contractor expertise. Larger crews or drive-time can add to the bill, especially for multiple doors or complex frames.
Assumptions: one-door project, standard access, non-emergency scheduling.
Ways to cut costs on screen door rescreening without sacrificing durability
Smart cost-saving moves include DIY spline installation for standard screens, reusing existing hardware where possible, choosing mid-range mesh, and combining jobs (screen doors on a single trip). Sticking to one material family and avoiding premium frames can trim 15%-25% from total costs.
Assumptions: homeowner comfortable with basic tools, single visit optimal.
Add-ons that influence price: spline, trims, and corners
Small accessories can add up. A typical door may incur extra for corner braces, weatherstripping, or decorative trims. Common add-ons add $5-$40 per door depending on finish and hardware compatibility.
Assumptions: standard weatherstripable door, no custom finishes.