A new screen door typically costs $100-$900 installed, with many standard replacements landing near $350. The final screen door cost depends on door type, frame material, mesh, opening size, hardware, and whether the old door needs removal or the frame needs adjustment.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard screen door, installed | $100 | $350 | $900 | Basic to upgraded hinged or sliding models |
| Door only | $40 | $180 | $600 | Price varies by material and mesh |
| Installation labor | $75 | $175 | $350 | More for custom fitting or frame repairs |
| Rescreening an existing door | $50 | $110 | $250 | Assumes a usable frame |
What a standard screen door costs by type
A basic hinged aluminum screen door generally costs $40-$150 for the door, while a midrange model with sturdier framing and upgraded mesh often runs $150-$350. Installed totals commonly fall between $150 and $500 when the opening is standard and the existing trim is sound.
Sliding patio screen doors typically cost $100-$400 for the panel and $200-$650 installed. Retractable screens often cost $150-$500 for the unit, with installed prices around $300-$900. Custom sizes, premium finishes, and integrated pet doors can push a quote above those ranges.
For a standard replacement, budgeting $250-$500 covers many durable hinged and sliding options. Assumptions: standard U.S. door opening, basic to midrange materials, normal access, and no major frame repair.
How frame, mesh, hardware, and labor shape the quote
The door price is only part of the bill. A contractor may charge separately for fitting, removal, new hardware, and disposal. The following ranges are typical for a straightforward replacement and may overlap when a quote bundles labor and parts.
| Quote component | Low | Average | High | Typical scope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Door and frame | $40 | $180 | $600 | Aluminum or vinyl to custom frame |
| Mesh and hardware | $10 | $45 | $150 | Standard mesh, latch, closer, or pet-resistant mesh |
| Labor | $75 | $175 | $350 | Measure, fit, mount, and adjust |
| Removal and disposal | $0 | $35 | $100 | Existing panel or damaged frame |
| Frame or trim repair | $0 | $75 | $250 | Minor alignment or surface repair |
Fiberglass mesh is often included in lower-priced doors. Pet-resistant mesh, stainless-steel mesh, or solar-screen material can add $20-$150, depending on size and whether the mesh is sold as an upgrade or fitted separately. Ask whether the quote includes the closer, latch, mounting hardware, and removal.
Which opening size and material push price higher
Most standard hinged doors are about 32-36 inches wide and 80 inches tall. A nonstandard opening, an oversized patio panel, or an out-of-square frame can require custom ordering or on-site modification, adding roughly $50-$250. Measure the opening at several points before comparing product prices.
Aluminum frames are common and economical; heavier-gauge aluminum or vinyl frames cost more but may resist bending better. Wood-framed screen doors can cost $150-$500 before installation and may need periodic painting or sealing. Pet-resistant mesh commonly adds $20-$80 for a standard panel, while security mesh and reinforced frames can raise the door price by several hundred dollars.
Custom sizing and reinforced materials are often more consequential than small differences in standard mesh price. A screen door fitted to a damaged or poorly aligned jamb may also need carpentry, which can add $75-$250.
Which choices trim cost without sacrificing fit
Keeping the existing frame, choosing a stock-size door, and reusing serviceable hardware can reduce the installed price. If only the mesh is torn, rescreening may cost $50-$250 rather than buying a complete door. That is economical when the frame is straight, joints are tight, and the latch still works.
Compare at least two written estimates that list the door model, mesh type, installation, removal, and any repair allowance. Buying a door before confirming the opening dimensions can lead to return fees or extra labor. Pay for upgrades that match actual use, such as pet-resistant mesh for frequent scratching, rather than automatically selecting premium security features.
How long does screen door installation take?
A simple replacement usually takes one installer about 1-2 hours. A new installation in an existing prepared opening may take 2-4 hours; custom work, alignment problems, or trim repairs can extend the visit to half a day. Typical labor rates are $50-$100 per hour, but contractors often use a minimum service charge of $75-$150.
For example, 2 hours at $75 per hour equals $150 in labor before parts or disposal. Ask whether the contractor charges by the hour or quotes a fixed installation fee, and confirm whether a return visit for a custom order costs extra.
What removal and custom fitting can add
Taking down an old, intact panel may be included in installation. Disposal can add $20-$100, especially when multiple doors or damaged materials are involved. A service-call or measurement fee of $50-$125 may apply, though some companies credit it toward the installation.
Custom orders can involve a longer lead time and a higher deposit. If the opening needs new trim, a closer, or a replacement track, request individual line items so those charges are not hidden in one total. Confirm the final measured size and finish before approving a nonreturnable custom door.
Is fiberglass mesh cheaper than pet-resistant mesh?
Standard fiberglass mesh is usually the lowest-cost choice and works for ordinary insect screening. Pet-resistant polyester or vinyl-coated mesh is thicker and better suited to claws, but it can cost more and may slightly reduce airflow or visibility. Solar mesh can limit glare and heat while costing more than standard screening; it is not a substitute for a security door.
Replacing mesh in an existing frame generally costs $50-$150 for a standard door with basic material and labor. A larger patio panel or specialty mesh may bring the repair to $150-$250. A replacement door is more sensible when the frame is bent, corners are loose, or the track and hardware also need work.
Why screen door prices vary by U.S. region
Labor and service minimums tend to be higher in major coastal cities and dense metro areas than in many rural markets. A practical planning adjustment is roughly 10%-25% above national-style estimates in high-cost urban areas; rural pricing may be 5%-15% lower, although travel charges can offset savings.
Local availability also matters. Common stock doors are easier to price consistently, while custom patio panels and specialty finishes may require regional suppliers. Use local written quotes rather than assuming a national average covers travel, taxes, or custom-order fees.