How to Add a Screen at the Porch Door

Decide if you want the screen door to open out or in. The answer will dictate on which side of the porch door you will mount the screen door.

Measure the height of your porch doorjamb, where you will attach the screen door frame. Mark both sides of the screen door frame to the same length and cut along the line with a hacksaw. If your doorsill slants, slope the cut in the same direction.

Screw the screen door frame into the doorjamb at the pre-drilled holes. You may have to drill pilot holes if your doorjamb is made of hardwood.

Attach the screen door to the frame by screwing the hinges to it at the pre-drilled holes.

Measure the width of your porch door and mark the header of the screen door frame. Saw it to a matching width, if necessary. Screw the header to the top of the doorjamb at the pre-drilled holes, making sure the corners fit snugly against the screen door frame sides.

Slide the extender piece onto the bottom of the screen door. Install the brush stripping on the bottom of the extender, if your kit has this item, and trim it to the matching width. The extender piece should clear the doorsill, but the brush strip should brush against it to seal it against drafts, rain, insects and leaves.

Screw in the door latch according to the instructions provided with your screen door kit. If your kit came with a pneumatic closing mechanism, install that also. Check the kit's instructions. Adjust the closer so the door closes smoothly, rather than slamming shut.