How to Build a DIY Screened-in Porch

How to Build a Screened In Porch

1. 1 Outline Project Area On Porch Floor

   

   The goal is to create the largest possible space not obstructed by beams, posts, railings, trim, or the ceiling. Check the corners of the outline with a framing square to make sure the chalk lines are square. Mark the door's rough opening—the door width plus 3" for the door frame and 1⁄2" for the door.

2. 2 Attach 2 x 4 Sole Plates

   

   Attach 2 x 4 sole plates to the porch floor inside the outline using 3" deck screws driven at 12" intervals. Do not install sole plates in the door's rough opening.

   Tip: Paint all of the wood parts for the screen-in before you install them.

3. 3 Mark Stud + Post Locations On Sole Plates

   

   Start by marking 2 x 4 door frames at the sides of the door's rough opening—frames should rest on the floor, butted against sole plates. Mark the doubled 2 x 4 posts at the front corners of the project outline, and mark 2 x 4 end posts on the sole plates next to the wall of the house. Mark the 2 x 4 studs for screen supports, spaced at even intervals of 24" to 36", depending on the total distance spanned. Lay the 2 x 4 top plates (cut to match the sole plates) next to the sole plates, and copy post and stud marks onto the top plates.

4. 4 Mark Locations For Top Plates

   

   Using a straight 2 x 4 and a level, mark the locations for the top plates on the ceiling directly above the sole plates.

5. 5 Attach Top Plates to Ceiling

   

   Attach the top plates to the ceiling with 3" deck screws driven into the rafters, if possible. Make sure the top plates are aligned directly above the sole plates, with the framing member marks also in alignment.

6. 6 Cut Studs + Posts to Length

   

   Cut the studs and posts to length, then position and install them at the marks on the top plates and the sole plates. Install by toenailing with 16d galvanized casing nails. When installing the 2 x 4 door frames, nail through the frames and into the ends of the sole plates.

7. 7 Cut 2 x 4 Spreaders

   

   Cut 2 x 4 spreaders to fit between the studs and the posts at the same height as the porch railing. Attach them with 16d casing nails. The spreaders prevent framing members from warping and provide a nailing surface for screen retaining strips.

8. 8 Install 2 x 4 Door Header

   

   Install a 2 x 4 door header to create a rough opening that is 3⁄4" higher than the height of the screen door. Nail the doorstop molding to the inside faces of the door frames and header. The stop molding provides surfaces for the door to close against.

9. 9 Attach Hinges to the Door

   

   We used three 2 1⁄2" door hinges. Install one hinge 12" from the top of the door, and another 12" from the bottom. Space the third evenly between them. Cut a mortise for each hinge into the edge of the door using a wood chisel, then attach the hinges with wood screws.

10. 10 Set Door in the Opening

    

    Set the door in the opening using 1⁄2"-thick spacers to hold it up off the floor. Outline the hinge plates onto the front edge of the door frame.

11. 11 Cut Mortises Into the Door Frame

    

    Cut mortises into the door frame at the hinge locations using a wood chisel. The mortises should be deep enough so the hinge plate will be flush with the surface of the wood. Attach the hinge plates to the mortises in the door and then hang the door in the opening.

12. 12 Install the Door Hardware

    

    Install a door pull, a closer or spring, a wind chain, and a latch or lock if desired. Read the manufacturer’s directions for each piece of hardware.

    
    

    Option: Install a rubber door sweep on the bottom of the door.

13. 13 Mark Centerlines Along Inside Faces

    

    Mark the centerlines along the inside faces of all studs, spreaders, and posts for reference when installing the screens. Using scissors, cut strips of screening so they are at least 4" wider and 4" longer than the opening in the framework where each screen will be installed.

    Begin attaching screens at the tops of the openings by securing them with wood screen retaining strips. Attach the retaining strips with brass brads spaced at 6 to 12" intervals.

14. 14 Pull Screen Down Until Taut

    

    Use a retaining strip (cut to the width of the opening) to press the screen against the reference line. Attach the bottom retaining strip near the ends, then staple the screen at the sides, flush against the reference lines. Attach retaining strips at the sides of the opening.

15. 15 Trim Excess Screening

    

    Use a utility knife to trim excess screening at the edges of the retaining strips. Install screens in all of the remaining openings.