If you have a patio or porch, you’ve definitely considered screening it in at some point.
Screening in a patio may be a difficult and time-consuming task for those without the necessary tools and knowledge. However, if you’d like to learn how to screen a patio yourself, you’ll find all you need to know right here!
Traditionally, a porch screen is hung by stapling it to the porch’s wooden framework. Staple guns and screens are all you need, but the screens are difficult to keep tight, resulting in frequently shredded and drooping screens that require replacement after only a few years. Fortunately, there is a more efficient process that lasts longer, looks way better, and can be used by the average homeowner without requiring specialized skills.
What You’ll Need
To install a patio screen, you’ll need the following materials:
- A drill or screwdriver and a utility knife
- 1” wood or sheetrock screws
- Rubber mallet
- Screen base and cap
- A roller knife
- Rubber or vinyl screen spline
- Vinyl, aluminum, or fiberglass screen
Start by figuring out how much material you’ll need. Calculate the size of the screen you’ll need by drawing a plan of your patio and multiplying the width by the height of each wall. Make sure to add an extra 10% to account for waste.
Once you have the necessary equipment and materials, you can start working on screening your patio.
Screening the Patio
- The first step is to remove any old screen from your patio (if there’s an already existing screen), as well as any screws, nails, staples, and battens. Then clear the frame to install the new base strips.
- Screw the base strips into place on the wall. To avoid bending the base strip, don’t tighten it too much.
- The roller knife and screen spline can be used to roll the top horizontal side of a screen into the base first. Make sure the screen is centered and as tight as possible by rolling each vertical side into position, then pulling it tight and rolling the bottom horizontal side into the base.
- If you make a crease or fold in the screen, just pull out the spline and start over. You want your screen to be as flat, wrinkle-free, and tight as possible after you’re done. Remove any extra screen or loose material by trimming it down.
- The rubber mallet can be used to tap the cap into place over the base. Your porch will have a polished look thanks to this screen covering. And if you need to make repairs or maintain your patio’s screens later on, remove the cap by carefully pulling it off with a screwdriver.
Do you need to hire an expert?
Well, not necessarily. Screening a patio isn’t easy and, if done poorly, would necessitate regular repair and maintenance. If you’re not an experienced DIYer, hiring a professional to get the job done perfectly the first time may be the best course of action.
But if you’re up for an adventure, follow each process carefully, and you’ll have a completely screened patio in no time.
