How do I Screen a Porch at Low Cost?

Construct Porch Framing

• 1

  Measure the distance between the posts that make up the exiting porch and between the floor and ceiling.

• 2

  Place a treated two-by-four, cut with a circular saw to the width needed for each section, on its side. This will be the bottom plate of the walls that will frame the porch. Nail two-by-four studs, cut to half the height of the porch, every 24 inches, except for the first and last stud. Cut the first and last stud to fit the full height of the porch and nail them to the bottom plate on either end of the shorter studs.

• 3

  Measure the space between the two longer studs on either end of the stud wall. Cut a two-by-four to fit this space. Nail it across each stud to create a "hand rail." If you hammer the nails underneath the stud, angling up through the stud into the other piece of wood, you'll have a rail that is not marred by nail marks.

• 4

  Nail the upper studs, cut to the same size as the lower-middle studs, to another two-by-four cut to the size of the opening. This is your stud wall's top plate. Space these studs every 24 inches, as well. Attach the free end of the middle studs to the hand rail by, again, nailing up at an angle, through the underneath of the handrail and into the upper studs. Nail through the top plate into the ends of the longer, outer studs.

• 5

  Cut hardboard exterior panels (sometimes called Masonite) to fit across the outside of each lower two-by-four section if you want "splash boards" to block mud and rain. Build a new stud wall for each opening between posts, but leave an opening to install a screen door.

• 6

  Measure the door height and cut a treated two-by-four to fit above door and across the door opening. Nail the wood into place on either end. Place a board above the door in the header space that has now been created, for a decorative touch.

• 7

  Prime and paint or stain both the outside and inside of your stud wall. Allow the finish to dry completely.

Screening Your Porch Frame

• 8

  Mark the center of each stud, plate, and hand rail to use as reference for installation. Measure each section of your new framework where you will install the screen. Add at least 4 inches to the height and width figures to allow for error and installation.

• 9

  Cut each section of screen, using scissors and cutting carefully to ensure your screen is straight. Fold over about an inch on each end of the screen, then position the screen in place and stretch it across the opening. Staple the screen to the wood frame every 2 inches, starting at the top center and working outward. Stretch the screen taut and attach it in the bottom center, nailing outwards every 2 inches. Repeat on each side, making sure it is always taut and working from the center to the outside.

• 10

  Stain or paint 1-inch pieces of lattice, trim, batten, or other decorative strips, as desired. Cut each to fit across each screen section. Use this to cover the edges of the screen where it is stapled to the wood framing. Nail trim in every 6 inches.

• 11

  Set the door into place and attach hardware according to manufacturer's instructions.