This time on the Budget Blinds of Scottsdale blog we’re going to look at something a little bit different from our usual window coverings! One of the great things about Arizona’s relatively mild falls, perfect springs, and even mostly ok winters, is just how pleasant it is to be outside on enjoying the fresh air with friends and family. If you have a porch, it’s even better! This time on the blog let’s talk about how to screen in a porch to make it as comfortable as can be!

Basics of DIY Porch Screening

A porch should have a few key structural elements: floor, roof, posts, handrails. With this in mind here are a couple different directions you can take to screen the porch.

The first is to simply get screen material and staple it down across the outside of the porch, using the floor, the roof, and the posts. While this is simple, it might not be the cleanest, most professional looking job. For that it’s recommended that you build individual wood-framed screen panels.

Building using screen panels looks cleaner, and can make it easier to replace when one section gets damaged. You can also more easily remove and store the panels if it’s not something you want all year long!

Before you get to work making panels, a note on codes and regulations!

Codes and Regulations

Depending on where you’re located, you may be required to obtain a permit before performing any work on your home. This is especially likely in historically designated neighborhoods or communities with a housing association. Verify that you are able to do the alterations before moving forward, we’d hate to see you stuck with a bunch of supplies and unable to do anything.

When to Build a DIY Screened-In Porch

Thankfully in Arizona, you can build and install screens year-round! While the winter might be too cold too often to enjoy the porch, it makes it an ideal time to install them so that you can fully enjoy the spring.

Here’s What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

Speed Square
Circular saw
Cordless drill
Six-foot step ladder
Laser level
Carpenter's pencil
Staple gun

Materials

9 8-foot two-by-twos
1 48-inch by 25-foot window screen
2 1/2 inch screws
3 1/2-inch Bolts with matching washers and wing nuts
16 3-inch zinc corner braces

How to Build Your Porch Screen Panels

Measure Porch Ceiling Height

First, measure the height of the porch, floor to ceiling. You want to have this in mind for the panels you’ll be going for. Transfer this measurement to the 8’ 2”x”s and cut to size, nice.

Hot Tip!

In the next step you’ll be making two 4’ boards representing the top and bottom of the panel, subtract 1 ½” inches from the ceiling height measurement before cutting the 8-foot boards on the miter saw.

Cut Screen Panel Boards

Using the saw cut a two by two in half, creating two 4’ boards. These are going to be the top and bottom rails for a single panel. Repeat for another panel.

Install a Nailing Board on the Floor

Now, grab your drill and put in four pilot holes through one of your 4’ 2”x2”. Switch over to your driver bit and run the screws through the 2”x2” into the floor.

For a Finished Look - If you really want to make it look finished, move the board back from the edge about an inch and a half. This let’s you get the screen flush with the outer edge of the porch flooring but this is by no means a necessity.

Repeat the process to put a nailing board on the ceiling!

Make the Panel Frame

Use two of the 4’ boards for the top and bottom and two longer boards for the sides. Use four of the metal braces and screws. Make sure they’re square using the… well.. Square!

Repeat for the second frame.

Add a Center Rail

Adding a center rail will cue people walking about on the porch to not stomp through the screen on accident. Sure, it also provides some structural support but we all know someone would walk through these screens otherwise. Using the miter saw, cut each rail to 45” and place them around the 40” to 48” height, wherever looks good to you. Use four more corner braces to lock them in.

Again, repeat for the second frame.

Add the Screen Material

Now it’s time for the screen! Stretch the screen material across the face of a panel and then down on the sides. Keep the screen tight as you staple it down to the sides. Keep the screen tight and flat against all sides. Cut off excess with scissors.

Create Holes and Insert Bolts

You’ll probably need some help for this part, a significant other, an older child, a particularly smart dog, whatever you got!

Have your helper push the panel tight to the floor and ceiling nailing boards. Using your drill, put two holes through the panel and the nailing board. Do this on the top and bottom, and repeat for the second panel.

With the holes prepped, have your helper keep pressure on the panel as you install the bolts.

Bing, bang, boom you have yourself a screened porch! Want another option for your backyard? Get yourself some exterior shutters! Give us a call and schedule your free at home consultation today!