How to Build Screened-In Porch

When the weather is just right, the porch is a go-to spot for enjoying long chats with family and friends, drinking refreshing glasses of iced tea, or reading a good book. However, when bugs are buzzing around or leaves are falling from the trees, most of us begin to spend less time in these outdoor living spaces. If you want to extend the amount of time you're able to use your porch, consider screening it in; while screens won't be enough to transform your porch into an all-seasons space, it will make it more comfortable during certain parts of the year. And if the idea of creating a screened-in porch may sound overwhelming, we're here to help. When you know what tools and supplies you need, as well as how to get the job done, you might find that it's a DIY project you're able to tackle on your own.

Ahead, Gary McCoy, store manager at Lowe's, shares his top tips for transforming your outdoor living space into a screened-in porch for multi-season use.

Gather Your Supplies

The simplest way to get this job done is to purchase a full kit with all of the essentials you need to create a screened-in porch. However, if you choose to forgo purchasing a kit, you'll need simply need to make sure you have the right selection of tools to complete the job. According to McCoy, it's important to have a circular saw, cordless drill, drill bit set, a hammer, miter saw, reciprocating saw, socket/rachet saw set, staple gun, and a utility knife.

Consider the Different Types of Screens

If you thought that one variation of a screen is just like the next, that's just not the case. McCoy says that there are several types of screens, such as fiberglass, polyester, stainless steel, and copper screens that you can consider. While each type is a great screen option for this project, some will be better for your specific location than others.

"If you live in a warm area and get lots of sunlight in your backyard, fiberglass screens provide good airflow and minimal sunlight glare." shares McCoy. "However, if you live somewhere with lots of rainfall, aluminum might be your choice since they're rust-resistant and won't sag."

Screen Panels

When screening in a porch, some may opt to build their own panels. McCoy says it's important to select a wood that is insect- and weather-resistant, such as redwood, cedar, or treated lumber.