Screening an existing deck typically costs $2,000-$6,000, with many standard projects averaging about $3,800. The final price depends on deck size, whether a roof and usable frame already exist, screen and framing materials, access, and local labor rates.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screening an existing covered deck | $2,000 | $3,800 | $6,000 | About 150-250 sq ft; sound frame |
| Screening rate | $10/sq ft | $19/sq ft | $30/sq ft | Installed, project scope varies |
| New screened porch structure | $15,000 | $30,000 | $60,000 | May include framing and roof work |
What screening an existing deck usually costs
For a straightforward project, a contractor may charge about $10-$30 per square foot to add screening and related framing to an existing covered deck. A 200-square-foot space commonly runs $2,000-$6,000; the midpoint assumes standard fiberglass mesh, basic trim, and a frame that needs little repair.
A roofed, structurally sound deck is the least expensive starting point. If the deck needs a new roof, substantial framing, stairs, or structural repairs, the work can move into screened-porch construction pricing, often $15,000-$60,000 or more depending on size and finish level.
Assumptions: U.S. midrange labor, standard mesh, normal access, and no major structural or electrical work.
How screen, framing, and labor shape the quote
Quotes commonly combine screen material, framing and trim, installation labor, and removal or disposal. The table shows typical allowances for screening an existing 200-square-foot covered deck, not a new porch build.
| Quote component | Typical price | Pricing basis | What changes it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen material | $200-$900 | $1-$4.50 per sq ft | Fiberglass, polyester, pet-resistant mesh |
| Frames and trim | $500-$1,600 | $3-$8 per linear ft | Aluminum, wood, custom openings |
| Installation labor | $1,000-$3,000 | $50-$100 per hour | Layout, height, access, crew size |
| Removal and disposal | $100-$500 | Per project | Old screens, damaged framing |
| Permits or inspection | $0-$500 | Per project | Local rules and structural changes |
Labor totals depend on the crew’s billed hours and local rate; ask whether setup, cleanup, and disposal are included.
Material prices are only part of the total; fitting screens around openings and corners can account for substantial labor.
Deck size, roof condition, and mesh grade change the price
Screening area is not always the same as deck floor area: contractors measure the openings being screened, including wall sections and sometimes gable ends. A 120-square-foot screened area may cost roughly $1,200-$3,600, while 300 square feet may run $3,000-$9,000 at comparable rates.
Mesh grade also matters. Standard fiberglass is usually the lowest-cost choice; pet-resistant or high-visibility mesh can add roughly $1-$4 per screened square foot. A frame with rotted posts or rails may need repair before mesh installation. If a roof is missing, adding one can add several thousand dollars, with roofing type, spans, and drainage determining the actual quote.
Above about 250 square feet, extra openings, corners, or roof work can make the per-square-foot rate less reliable. A site visit is more useful than multiplying the deck’s floor area by a single online rate.
How many labor hours does a screened deck take
A simple 150-200-square-foot job may take a two-person crew about 1-3 days, or approximately 16-48 combined labor hours. Larger enclosures, custom doors, elevated decks, and repairs can extend the schedule to several days or longer.
At $50-$100 per labor hour, the labor portion can vary widely even when material quantities are similar. Confirm the crew size, estimated workdays, hourly or fixed-price arrangement, and whether the quote includes replacing damaged boards or posts.
Complex access and careful fitting—not just deck size—often determine installation time. Work above ground level or near landscaping may require additional setup and protection.
Regional labor rates shift screened porch prices
Local labor, demand, and building practices create meaningful regional differences. Compared with a typical midrange U.S. estimate, dense coastal metros can run roughly 15%-30% higher, while many lower-cost rural markets may come in 10%-20% lower. These are planning adjustments, not guaranteed local quotes.
Rates also vary within a state: travel distance, contractor availability, and the need for licensed trades can matter as much as the region. Compare estimates from contractors who inspected the same deck and specified the same screened area and materials.
Use regional percentages to set a rough budget, then rely on local written bids for the actual price.
Old screens, doors, and electrical work add charges
Removing existing screening may add $100-$500, while a screen door and hardware can add about $150-$600 installed, depending on style and frame modifications. Replacing a few damaged rails or trim pieces might add $200-$1,000; widespread rot can require a separate repair estimate.
Lighting, outlets, ceiling fans, and new roof drainage are usually separate scope items. Electrical work may add several hundred dollars or more, especially if wiring must be extended or permitted. Ask for each upgrade as a separate line item so the base screening price remains clear.
Hidden damage and added features are common reasons a low initial estimate rises after inspection.
Three screened deck quotes at different project sizes
These examples illustrate how scope affects a quote. They assume ordinary access and midrange U.S. labor, and exclude major roof construction and structural rebuilding.
| Project | Scope and labor | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|
| Small deck | 120 sq ft; standard mesh; 20 labor hours | $1,800-$3,000 |
| Typical deck | 200 sq ft; mesh, one door, minor trim; 32 labor hours | $3,200-$5,500 |
| Large enclosure | 300 sq ft; pet-resistant mesh, two doors, repairs; 55 labor hours | $6,500-$10,000 |
For the middle example, compare the screened area and repair allowance—not just the final total. Different bids may include different mesh grades, doors, disposal, or repair work.
Ways to lower the screening bill without cutting corners
Keeping a sound roof and frame, selecting standard fiberglass mesh, and limiting custom doors or decorative trim can reduce the estimate. Completing necessary deck repairs before screen installation may also prevent rework. If the structure is in good condition, repair or rescreening can cost less than rebuilding the entire porch.
Request at least three itemized quotes using the same measurements and mesh specification. Schedule during a contractor’s less-busy period when possible, and ask whether bundling screen installation with other exterior work reduces mobilization charges. Avoid choosing a bid solely because it omits permits, repairs, or disposal that other estimates include.
The clearest savings usually come from controlling scope and comparing equivalent written quotes.