How to Design a Screened Porch

Draw an outline of the porch with the correct dimensions.

Determine the dimensions of screen rolls available locally. Screen rolls are commonly available in 48-inch widths and 56-inch lengths.

Draw the 2-inch-by-4-inch lumber for horizontal and vertical separators and a top and bottom horizontal plate. Place the vertical boards the same distance apart as the width of the screen rolls. Draw them attached to the top and bottom plates.

Place the horizontal 2-inch-by-4-inch supports on the drawing at a height that will not be at eye level when you are sitting in a chair.

Create a material list from your drawing. Staples will be needed to attach the screen to the outside of the supports. If the floor of the porch has holes or cracks, design for screen to be stapled underneath to make the entire area covered with screen. Add paint to the list and make a note to the builder to paint the boards and lattice before stapling the screen in place.

Design for lattice boards to cover the outside of each horizontal and vertical support. Also cover with lattice boards along the top and bottom plates where the screen is stapled and around the doors.