Cost Considerations of Screened-In Porch

Explore the Costs of Building a Screened Porch

Planning a screened-in porch project is one of the smartest home investments you can make—combining the fresh‑air charm of an outdoor living space with year‑round protection from bugs, pollen, and unpredictable weather. But before you pick out your favorite porch furnishings and potted plants, understanding the many cost factors that go into building a high‑quality screened porch or patio is crucial. 

Join our Raleigh screened-in porch builder from Premier Porches and Decks as we walk you through the most important cost considerations for building a new covered porch for your North Carolina home. 

How Much Does a Screened-In Porch Cost? 

You can generally expect a new screened‑in porch to range between $10,000 and $35,000, while screening an existing porch typically costs around $2,000 to $5,000. However, these estimates can vary widely due to many factors—materials, labor, add‑on features like lighting and insulation, and permitting fees all play a role in determining your final project cost. 

Project Scope and Planning for Screened Porches

Before diving into material choices, two of the biggest up‑front budget drivers for any screened porch installation project are the overall footprint you choose and the work needed to prepare your site. 

Size and Placement Cost Considerations

Adding screens to an existing porch typically runs about $10 per square foot, whereas building a new screened‑in porch from scratch—including framing, roofing, and screening—averages $25–$60 per square foot, with high‑end custom jobs approaching $120 per square foot. 

Site Prep Cost Considerations

Preparing a level, buildable footprint generally costs $0.08–$2.00 per square foot for grading and leveling, which equates to roughly $500–$3,000 to prep a 200–300 sq ft area outdoors.

Foundation and Flooring Costs

Before installing screens or railings, your covered porch needs a stable foundation and flooring that fits your budget, climate, and desired maintenance level. Foundation costs start around $4–$9 per sq ft for poured concrete, while flooring material choices range from budget‑friendly concrete to premium composite or hardwood decking. 

Here are some ballpark installation costs per square foot for each flooring material option. It’s important for homeowners to remember these screened porch costs vary with local labor rates, site complexity, and material quality: 

• Poured Concrete Pad: $4.25–$9.00/sq ft 
• Concrete Pavers or Stenciling: $4.00–$20.00/sq ft 
• Composite Decking: $20.00–$60.00/sq ft 
• Natural Treated Wood Decking: $15.00–$40.00/sq ft 

Roofing Material Costs

Your new sunroom requires a strong and dependable roof that meets both your aesthetic and functional needs. Roofing expenses can vary widely based on the materials selected, design intricacy, and desired durability. Homeowners have options ranging from economical asphalt shingles to higher‑end materials like metal, tile, or slate, each with its own long‑term benefits and maintenance requirements.

Below are some approximate installation costs per square foot for common roofing materials: 

• Asphalt Shingles: $16.00–$30.00/sq ft
• Metal Roofing: $70.00–$140.00/sq ft
• Tile Roofing: $75.00–$150.00/sq ft
• Wood Shakes: $75.00–$140.00/sq ft
• Slate/Stone Roofing: $80.00–$155.00/sq ft
• Flat Vinyl/Aluminum Porch Covers: $20.00–$60.00/sq ft

Walls, Railings, and Screen Costs

Choosing between knee walls, full‑height walls, or a simple railing with screens dramatically impacts both your porch’s look and your budget: 

• Knee walls: Short, solid walls under 3-ft offer privacy and a sturdy base for screens at roughly $10–$20 per linear foot installed. 
• Railing‑plus‑screen systems: These are the least expensive enclosure, averaging $6–$30 per linear foot for rail kits. 
• Full‑height solid walls: Costing a more premium price—around $20–$30 per linear foot installed—full walls require full framing, sheathing, and finishes. 

Pricing for Types of Window Screens

• Fiberglass: $0.25–$0.50 per sq ft installed—economical, tear‑resistant, and rust‑proof.
• Pet‑Resistant (PVC‑coated polyester): $0.60–$1.00 per sq ft—extra durability for claws.
• Aluminum Mesh: $0.35–$0.70 per sq ft—stronger, corrosion‑resistant.
• EZ‑Breeze/Window Panels: $2,000–$4,000 per unit—converts to glass for year‑round use.

Entry and Egress Pricing

Providing safe, attractive access to your new screened‑in porch requires selecting the right screen door, staircase, and handrail system. Door style, stair material, and guardrail choice each carry distinct price points and must comply with North Carolina building codes for safety and durability.

Screen Door Options

• Standard Hinged Screen Door: The most budget‑friendly choice at roughly $100–$300.
• Sliding Screen Door: Costs $300–$700 installed and saves space while providing smooth access.
• Dutch Screen Door: At $200–$400 installed, this split‑door style combines ventilation with the option to secure pets or children in place

Staircase Material Costs

• Wood: $300–$700 per set
• Composite: $600–$1,500 per set
• Concrete: $500–$1,900 per set

Pricing for Handrails and Guardrails

• Wood: $6–$30 per foot
• Vinyl: $15–$50 per foot
• Aluminum: $30–$120 per foot

Ceiling and Finishing Materials Costs

Creating a beautiful and energy-efficient screened-in deck not only enhances your outdoor space but also helps control temperature and lighting. Below are the key cost considerations for ceiling finishes, insulation, and the necessary electrical components for lighting and fans.

Ceiling Finish Options

• Beadboard: An economical option, beadboard ceiling panels can cost as little as $1–$5 per square foot. They add a classic, cottage feel to your porch.
• Tongue‑and‑Groove: This ceiling style provides a seamless, elegant look with interlocking boards, costing approximately $3–$9 per square foot installed. Hardwood options, such as pine, are popular for their natural warmth.
• PVC Panels: Ideal for areas with high moisture, PVC panels are durable and low‑maintenance. Prices typically range from $2–$6 per square foot, depending on the finish and quality.

Insulation Options

If you plan to climate‑control your porch, insulation is key:

• Fiberglass Batting: $0.30–$1.50 per square foot
• Spray Foam Insulation: $0.50–$2.00 per square foot
• Rigid Foam Board: $0.25–$2.00 per square foot

Lighting and Fan Costs

Adding proper lighting and ceiling fans transforms your porch into a versatile living area:

• Rough‑In Wiring and Installation: Electrical work for a screened‑in porch can run from $50 to $100 per hour. For basic wiring—including one ceiling fan and several light fixtures—expect additional costs of about $150–$400, depending on complexity.
• Fixture Installation: Standard ceiling fan installations (including rough‑in and final hookup) typically average $145–$355.
• Additional Outlets/Switches: If extra outlets or dedicated circuits are needed, budget an extra $100–$300 per outlet or switch.

Labor and Permitting Cost Considerations

Accurately estimating labor and permitting costs is essential for keeping your screened‑in porch project on budget. Here’s what you need to consider.

Typical Labor Hours by Trade

• Framing: Skilled carpenters generally spend about 20–30 hours framing a modest porch. Complex designs or larger projects may require more time.
• Roofing: Roofing specialists typically work 10–20 hours to install or repair a porch roof, with the time varying by roof style and material.
• Finish Carpentry: Adding aesthetic touches like trim, screens, and detailed finishes usually takes around 10–15 hours of labor.

Labor rates in the Raleigh area usually range from $30 to $100 per hour, depending on the contractor's expertise and the job's complexity.

Porch Permit Fees in Raleigh and Wake County

Building permits for a screened‑in porch generally cost between $150 and $400. 

The exact fee depends on factors like project size, scope, and local building codes. It's important to confirm these fees with your local building department before starting your project to avoid any surprises later.

Impact of Project Timing 

The timing of your project can significantly influence labor and material costs:

• Peak Season: During spring and summer, when demand is high, labor rates can increase by 10–20%, and you might face longer wait times for screened porch contractors.
• Off‑Season: Scheduling your project in the fall or winter can result in lower labor costs and shorter scheduling delays, as sunroom contractors are typically less busy during the colder months.

Contact Our Screened-In Porch Experts in Raleigh Today

Transform your outdoor living space with a custom built screened porch from Premier Porches and Decks. Let our experienced team guide you every step of the way—from your initial consultation to the final build. Please call us us now at  984-282-6721 or fill out the contact form below.

We proudly serve homeowners throughout Raleigh, North Raleigh, Youngsville, Cary, Morrisville, Knightdale, Clayton, Holly Springs, Wake Forest, Apex, Fuquay-Varina, Zebulon, Youngsville, Chapel Hill, Durham, and the surrounding Triangle areas.