What Does a Screen Porch Enclosure Cost? Here's What to Expect

Screen porch enclosure cost ranges widely depending on the type, size, and materials you choose. Here's a quick snapshot so you can find your ballpark right away:

Enclosure TypeTypical Cost RangeAverage CostScreen existing porch (DIY kit)$2,000 - $4,000$3,000Basic screened-in porch$600 - $3,500$1,200New screened porch (professional)$5,000 - $40,000~$6,5003-season sunroom$8,000 - $60,000$13,2004-season sunroom$20,000 - $80,000$40,000

Cost per square foot typically runs $10–$25 for basic screening and $28–$120 for full enclosures.

A screen porch can completely change how you use your outdoor space. No more swatting mosquitoes. No more retreating inside when the afternoon sun hits. For Florida homeowners especially, it's one of the most practical upgrades you can make — protecting your family from bugs, harsh weather, and intense UV rays, all while adding real value to your home.

But the pricing? It can feel like a moving target. A simple screened porch and a four-season sunroom both fall under "porch enclosure," yet they can differ by tens of thousands of dollars. That gap comes down to your existing structure, materials, size, and what you actually want the space to do.

I'm Cody Lafferty, and with over 10 years of hands-on experience in aluminum and screening — from fabrication and installation to full project management — I've helped countless Florida homeowners understand exactly what drives screen porch enclosure cost so they can make confident, informed decisions. In this guide, I'll break it all down clearly, so you know what to expect before you talk to a single contractor.

Average Screen Porch Enclosure Cost by Type

When we talk about a "porch enclosure," we are really looking at a spectrum of outdoor living. On one end, you have a simple mesh barrier to keep the "no-see-ums" at bay. On the other, you have a fully conditioned living space that feels just like your living room. Naturally, the screen porch enclosure cost scales with that complexity.

The national average to simply screen in an existing porch or patio is roughly $1,200, but most homeowners in the Space Coast region find that a professional, durable installation for a standard 200-square-foot area typically lands between $2,000 and $5,000.

If you are looking for more than just a mesh breeze, you might be considering a sunroom. A 3-season sunroom usually costs between $8,000 and $60,000. These are wonderful for Florida because they provide glass protection from the rain and wind, though they aren't tied into your home's central AC. A 4-season sunroom, which includes full insulation and HVAC integration, is a major construction project ranging from $20,000 to $80,000. For more detailed insights on these variations, you can explore how much does a patio enclosure cost.

Cost to Screen in Porch vs. New Construction

One of the biggest questions we get is: "Can I just screen in what I already have?"

If you have an existing roof and a solid concrete foundation, you are in luck. Screening an existing structure is the most budget-friendly path, typically costing between $2,000 and $4,000 (or about $10 to $25 per square foot). This involves building a custom aluminum frame within your existing pillars and stretching high-quality mesh across them.

However, if you are starting from scratch—meaning you need a new foundation poured and a roof built—you are looking at "new construction" pricing. This can range from $25 to $120 per square foot. New builds require structural reinforcement to handle the weight of the roof and the "wind load" (a fancy term for how much a hurricane-force wind will push against your screens).

According to labor and wage statistics for construction, professional labor accounts for a significant portion of this cost, often 20% to 40% of the total project. While it might be tempting to save a few bucks with a DIY kit, professional installation ensures that the structure meets strict Florida building codes—something that is non-negotiable in places like Melbourne or Titusville.

Material Choices and Screen Porch Enclosure Cost

The materials you choose aren't just about looks; they dictate how long your enclosure will last and how much maintenance you'll face.

• Fiberglass Mesh: This is the standard choice. It's affordable ($0.15 to $0.50 per square foot) and offers great visibility. It typically lasts 7 to 10 years.
• Aluminum Frames: We use high-grade aluminum because it doesn't rust—a must-have for our coastal environment. Wood frames might look "classic," but in Florida's humidity, they require constant staining and are prone to rot.
• Solar Screens: If your porch faces the afternoon sun, solar screens can block up to 70% of heat and glare. They cost a bit more ($0.75 to $1.50 per square foot) but can save you a fortune in cooling costs.
• Pet-Resistant Mesh: Got a cat that thinks screens are scratching posts? Pet mesh is roughly seven times stronger than standard fiberglass. It adds about $2 to $3 per square foot to the total but saves you from constant repairs.

For those looking for the ultimate convenience, motorized screens are an option, though they represent a premium investment, often costing $2,000 to $4,000 per unit.

Key Factors Influencing Your Enclosure Investment

When we sit down to give you an estimate, we aren't just looking at the square footage. Several "behind the scenes" factors impact the final screen porch enclosure cost.

1. Project Size and Configuration: A simple rectangular enclosure is straightforward. If your porch has multiple angles, height variations, or requires custom-sized doors, the labor and material waste go up.
2. Foundation Work: If your existing patio isn't level or is cracked, we may need to perform site work. A new foundation for a 4-season room can account for about 8% of the total project cost.
3. Roofing Costs: If we are building a new roof, expect this to be about 12% of your budget. Options range from simple aluminum pans to insulated "sandwich" panels that keep the space much cooler.
4. Electrical Wiring: Most homeowners want at least one ceiling fan and a few outlets. Adding an electrical package typically adds $800 to $1,500 to the project.

Understanding these variables is key to avoiding "sticker shock." You can find a deeper dive into these numbers in our guide on how much a screen enclosure costs.

Regional Considerations: The Florida Factor

Building a screen porch in Brevard County is very different from building one in the Midwest. We live in a "High Velocity Hurricane Zone" (HVHZ) or near-HVHZ areas, which means our building codes are some of the toughest in the country.

Wind-Load RequirementsEvery enclosure we build must be engineered to withstand specific wind speeds. This requires thicker aluminum posts (usually 4x4 minimum for corners), specialized "tuff-line" or heavy-duty screening, and specific anchoring systems that go deep into the concrete.

Salt Air CorrosionIf you live in Satellite Beach, Indialantic, or Cocoa Beach, you know that the salt air eats everything. We recommend "coastal upgrades," such as enhanced powder-coated finishes and stainless steel fasteners. These upgrades might add a $2,000 to $5,000 premium to a large project, but they prevent your enclosure from looking like an eyesore in five years.

Hurricane ResistanceIn Florida, a screen enclosure isn't just a luxury; it's a structural addition. Engineering for hurricane resistance is a mandatory part of the process, often costing between $1,000 and $2,000 for the plans and certifications required by the county. For more on local pricing, see our breakdown of Florida pool enclosure costs.

Frequently Asked Questions about Screen Porch Enclosure Cost

Do I need a permit to enclose my porch?

Yes. In almost every municipality we serve—from Palm Bay to Titusville—a building permit is required for a porch enclosure. Because you are making a structural change and potentially adding "livable" square footage, the city needs to ensure it meets safety and zoning laws. Permit fees generally run between $200 and $800, depending on the project's value. The good news? We handle the entire permitting process for our customers so you don't have to spend your Tuesday morning at the permit office.

Does a screen porch enclosure add value to my home?

Absolutely. On average, a well-built screen porch offers a Return on Investment (ROI) of about 75%. In the Florida market, outdoor living space is a top priority for buyers. An enclosure effectively turns a "maybe" space into a "definitely" space. If you go the extra mile and build a 3-season room with glass windows, the perception of "added living space" is even higher, which can significantly boost your market appeal.

How long does it take to build a screen porch enclosure?

The actual on-site construction of a standard 150-to-200-square-foot screen room usually takes 1 to 3 days. However, the total project timeline—from signing the contract to the final walkthrough—is typically 4 to 8 weeks. Why the gap? Permit approval can take anywhere from two to four weeks depending on the local building department, and we also have to account for material lead times and site preparation.

Conclusion

At Lafferty Aluminum & Screening, we’ve spent over 30 years perfecting the art of the Florida outdoor lifestyle. As a family-owned business based right here in Melbourne, FL, we understand that your home is your biggest investment. Our goal isn't just to put up some mesh; it's to provide quality craftsmanship that stands up to the Space Coast's unique weather challenges while giving you a bug-free oasis to enjoy your morning coffee or evening glass of wine.

Whether you are in Vero Beach, Rockledge, or Merritt Island, we are here to help you navigate the screen porch enclosure cost and design a space that fits your budget and your life. We pride ourselves on customer satisfaction and transparent pricing—no hidden fees, just honest work.

Ready to transform your backyard? Get a free estimate for your screen enclosure today and let's start planning your perfect outdoor retreat!