27 DIY Screened In Porch-Learn How To Screen In A Porch

A DIY screened in porch extends the living space of your home, provides a bug-free outdoor area for entertaining and adds value to your home. Screening in an existing porch or constructing one from start to finish is not as difficult as you might think when you have detailed screened in porch plans at your fingertips. Consider some of these 27 DIY screened in porch ideas that we have collected for you and then get busy building one for your own enjoyment with the easy to follow instructions.

DIY Screened In Porch Plans And Tutorials

1- DIY Screening In A Back Porch

Use these plans to screen in an existing backporch by diynetwork so you can enjoy the great outdoors without the insects. Follow these step by step instructions to build this back porch.

• Install a top and bottom plate (wood rail).
• Install wall studs to create vertical supports to attach the screen wire.
• Install top rail and balusters.
• Create a door frame.
• Prime and paint the wood.
• Attach the screen wire around the porch perimeter.
• Hang the screen door.

2- Screening An Existing Porch

An existing porch that you may have on the front or back of your home can be screened in and will save you the expense of building a screened in porch like this one at Todayshomeowner from the ground up.

An existing porch with a roof is simple to enclose with screen wire so that you can enjoy the outdoor with bugs swarming around your head. Build a few stud walls along the open side of the porch to attach the screen and a header for the exterior door.

Attach the screen, add comfortable furniture and shades if needed and the DIY screen in porch will be complete. Follow these free plans to show you how to screen in a porch.

3- Re-Screening An Old Porch

If your old screened in porch needs an update, these free screened in porch plans by thisoldhouse will help you accomplish the DIY project.

Here are brief instructions to build a diy screen in porch.

• Remove the old battens and screen
• Pound old staples flat
• Install vertical base strips and trim off excess
• Install new screen and trim off excess
• Install trim caps and base trim strip
• Install screen door.

8- Deck Turned Screened In Porch

Building a screened in porch like this one by imgur from an existing deck is simple with these step by step plans. The deck can be used as the floor for the new porch, and the DIY build uses the deck flooring as the starting point for an entire new outdoor living space. If the deck is unusable and must be demolished, don’t remove the concrete footings in the ground,  use them as the support footings for the new porch.

5- Velcro DIY Porch Screen

This easy idea will enable you to enclose an existing porch with velcro and screen to keep the bugs out. Minimal carpentry skills are needed for this screened in porch idea that is detailed on a YouTube video. Below are simple steps to build this velcro porch screen.

• Measure and cut screen wire to fit from post to post along the interior of the porch
• Attach  one side of velcro to screen wire by sewing it on, attach the other side of velcro to the porch posts with staples and/or glue
• Velcro the sections together. Screen can be removed as desired

6- Screen Tight

Let the summer breeze in while keeping the bugs out with this diy screening system by screentight that shows you how to screen in a porch or patio the easy way. This screen tight system is inexpensive, easy to install and will provide your family with years of carefree, bug-free outdoor living.

7- Enjoy The View

Use these simple plans to screen in your back porch by Newlywoodwards without cumbersome support posts that impede the view. Enjoy the view without the bugs and without spending a lot of money.

8- DIY Enclosed Porch

Increase home value and living space with these free screened in porch plans that will take you through the process of porch construction. Follow these screened in porch plans by familyhandyman and build this large, inviting outdoor living space onto your home.

9- Remove Railings

An existing porch can typically be easily transformed into a diy screened in porch like this one at houselogic by first removing the old railings. After the railings are removed, the support posts can be used to secure new screen wire with staples. Minimal style railings can be added to increase decorative beauty without hindering the view.

10- DIY Screened In Porch Makeover

Apply a fresh coat of paint to an existing porch, then install a porch screening system like this one by simplyfreshvintage in these plans. Easy to install, inexpensive and when completed, it will provide years of bug-free, maintenance free beauty to a front or back porch.

11- Curtained Privacy

Add an extra layer of decor and privacy with this idea that includes hanging sheer curtains on a diy screen in porch or patio by 11magnolialane. The sheer curtains still allow the summer breeze to blow across the porch while providing a little privacy to the people sitting on the porch. This is also a great decorating idea for farmhouse style decor.

12- DIY Screen In Porch Video Tutorial

Learn how to transform an ordinary back porch into an elegant enclosure in this instructional YouTube video that will increase your home’s living space. This is also a great way to make a ‘cookie cutter’ style subdivision house stand out from the crowd and be unique. Tutorial:

13- Metal Roof Addition

Learn how to build a screened in porch like this one by redtininn that perfectly matches the style of the existing home. This DIY build used metal roofing material on the new screened in porch so it would match the roof of the home.

14- Half and Half

If you have a large porch, you may only want to screen in half of it so your family can enjoy the best of indoor and outdoor living. These free screened in porch plans by extremehowto will show you how to screen in half of an existing porch with stylish results that give you a traditional porch and a diy screened in porch.

15- Off-Grid Porch Build

Those who live off-grid want to enjoy all the amenities and luxuries of other home owners, they just want to achieve the comfortable lifestyle in an eco-friendly, sustainable way. This diy screened in porch in this detailed YouTube video was built onto an off-grid cabin and you can build.

16- Small Screened In Porch

Many homes have small front landings instead of a large front porch, but the front landing can still be screened in with this idea. This will create a small screened in porch by blackanddecker that provides a bug-free zone for a couple of chairs and plants. It will also prevent flying bugs from entering your home every time the front door is opened.

17- Insect-Free Porch

If the insects are taking away your enjoyment of sitting outside on the porch or patio, it’s time to build a DIY porch enclosure. Screen wire is the ideal way to keep the insects out, let the fresh air in, and keep the view clear.

Learn how to build a screened in porch in this YouTube video so you sit outdoors year-round and be protected from flying and crawling insects. Everyone knows the screen wire will keep the flying insects out but rarely consider that by enclosing the porch, the crawling, creeping, and slithering pests will also be kept out.

18- DIY Screen Tight Porch

Add value to your home and enjoyment to your summer evenings with a DIY screened in porch like in this YouTube video. This video will show you the proper way to screen in a porch so it will look great and be tight enough to keep all the bugs out.

You will be able to enjoy meals and family get-togethers outdoors without swatting pests or burning stinking citronella candles if you have a screened in porch. Your investment of time and money will be worth it when you add outdoor living space to your home.

19- DIY Screen Patio

An uncovered patio is a good outdoor space and provides a level surface for children to play, relaxing, and grilling. But an uncovered patio can only be used on days when no rain or snow is falling. The outdoor space can also be uncomfortable to use during the summer when the heat is high and insects are flying.

Follow these detailed instructions and discover how to create a DIY screen patio by blessedbeyondcrazy that will give you an outdoor living space that can be used year-round. The roof will keep the elements off, the ceiling provides space for a cooling ceiling fan and lighting, and the screen will keep all the pests outdoors where they belong. You can also use homemade pesticides to keep away pests.

20- DIY Screening In A Small Porch or Deck

A small porch or covered patio this YouTube video is easy to screen in when you follow these instructions.

Transform a small porch that is rarely used into an outdoor space that the whole family can enjoy with this idea and plans. Create a great space to have your morning coffee by enclosing a small porch with screen wire. Add a couple of new outdoor chairs and a table, maybe even a hammock for napping, and it will be the living space you never want to leave.

21- Budget Screened In Porch

Watch this YouTube to learn how to build a cheap screened in porch that will increase the curb appeal of your home plus add value to it.

Transform an old tired front porch that no one uses and does nothing to improve the appearance of your home into a usable, attractive, and valuable space with the idea on this YouTube video.

The DIY project is done on a budget so the DIY screened in porch on youtube is be built cheaply, but no one will ever know except you.

22- DIY Screen Porch

This YouTube video shows you how to build a screened porch that will last as long as the house does. This DIY screen in porch plan on YouTube adds more living space onto the house and encloses it with a durable screen so the space can be enjoyed year-round.

Build once and enjoy it for years to come with this free video tutorial. Ideal for new home construction or an upgrade on an older home.

23- DIY Privacy Screen

Building a DIY screened in porch will keep the bugs out and provide a little extra privacy for you with this diy privacy screen idea. Use dark black screen wire to enclose the porch or patio and it will offer a little protection from the rays of the sun and the prying eyes of neighbors.

The frame of a DIY screened in porch by hgtv will also provide a sturdy frame for installing blinds or hanging curtains made from water-proof canvas material. Add a few tall potted plants around the perimeter of the screened in porch and it will become like a private room with fresh air. There are some plants that keeps mosquitoes or insects away from your porch.

24- Breezy Outdoor Living

When the weather is nice you want to be outdoors enjoying the fresh air but not the bugs. This step by step tutorial will inspire you to build this breezy outdoor room by bhg that can be used for year-round outdoor living.

Use beach themed décor, white paint, and distress outdoor furniture to give this outdoor living space a beach vibe. Install a ceiling fan and feel the breeze blowing through your hair even on a hot, muggy summer day.

Add value and fun to your home by building this breezy outdoor living space.

25- Screened In Large Porch

I would recommend this to those who have a home that are built with a large porch that has a half roof and the other half of the porch uncovered and used as a deck space. If your home has one of these it’s very easy to screen in the covered half of the porch and leaves the uncovered half as-is. A little extra framing and roofing will allow you to create a large DIY screened in porch by instructables if desired.

Follow these detailed instructions and screen in half of your porch and leave the other half open for fun in the sun.

26- Re-Screen The Porch

Years of use and/or misuse can cause screen wire to deteriorate and need to be replaced. These detailed instructions will show you how to re-screen a porch by instructables so you can update the appearance of your home without spending much money.

Screen wire can be bought in rolls from a local building supply store so any size porch is easy to re-screen. Buy a roll of screen wire and follow these instructions for a simple re-screening project that will add value to your home and enjoyment to your time spent outdoors.

27- Cheap Screen In Porch

Last one we have a YouTube video that will show you how to take an inexpensive screen product and use it to create a DIY screen in porch that will keep the bugs out.

Have a bug free summer without breaking the budget with this cheap DIY screened in porch idea on YouTube. For under $100 you can transform an existing porch into a bug free outdoor living space in just a couple of hours.

The readymade screen product used on this instructional YouTube video is designed for use on sliding doors or garage doors. It is already pre-cut, has magnets, and is very easy to install. No measuring or cutting and the installation is simple. Ideal for use to enclose the outdoor awning space of a camper or RV.

Conclusion

Cover your existing porch or start from scratch to enjoy your outdoor time without the hassle of bugs or insects interrupt you.
These diy screened in porch plans we have made a round of range from small to large, simple to complex depending upon your skills, budget and requirements. You can select any of these you like the most.

Based upon some of the most common questions asked I have prepared a questionnaire. 

FAQ’s 

What is the cheapest material to build a screened-in porch?

If you have to start from scratch with this building project, look for ways to use recycled material so you can save money. Use reclaimed lumber and shop at salvage stores for the cheapest prices on building materials. Don’t forgot to use recycle pallet wood when possible in the project.

You will save a lot of money by screening in an existing porch. The floor, roof, foundation, and porch posts are already in place.

The next cheapest way is to create a screened in porch from a deck. The foundation, flooring, and maybe some rails are already in place so you will only have to build a roof and add posts before screening the space.

Can I screen in my porch myself?

Yes, you can. It’s a simple DIY project that can be accomplished with screen wire, small strips of wood, a staple gun, and a ladder. That’s just for the basic screened in porch, if you want more elaborate designs you can still do it yourself.

That’s one of the great things about DIY projects – you can do it however your want. There’s no right or wrong way, only your way.

How much does it cost to screen in a porch DIY?

The final cost will depend on the size and style of the screened in porch, plus the cost of the materials. A plain screened in porch will cost approximately $10 per square foot if you buy all new building materials. If you want extra design elements or high end fixtures, the cost could be $15 per square foot. Using recycled materials and items you have on hand will significantly reduce the cost.

The cost of the building project will be up to you and what you want the finished porch to look like.

What can I use instead of screening a porch?

There are other options besides screening in a porch that will provide you with a bug-free outdoor space and/or privacy.

Mosquito netting is material that can be suspended around a porch to keep the bugs out. A deck can be outfitted with a mosquito net tent so you can relax or dine inside the tent without being bothered by bugs.

Hanging curtains and using plants around the perimeter of a porch will help to deter bugs and provide privacy. Curtains made from painter’s cloth or other water resistant cloth will create a cozy outdoor space.

Suspend hanging baskets of marigolds, rosemary, citronella grass, and mint around the porch to add fragrance to the air and repel flying pests. Potted bamboo placed around the perimeter of the porch will quickly grow tall and create a living privacy screen.

The outdoor space can be made cozy, private, colorful, fragrant, and almost pest-free at a low cost when you use curtains and plants.