How to Build a Screen Porch on a Patio

Measure the outside edge of the covered patio. Get the measurement between each support post.

Transfer the measurements to 2-by-4 boards and cut them with a power saw. Make two boards for each section between posts -- one for the top and one for the bottom. These are the top and bottom plates of the screen framing.

Paint the boards or stain them depending on your preference, and set them out to dry for several hours.

Raise one board to the ceiling between support posts. Drill 3-inch screws through the board and into the ceiling. Repeat for each section between support posts.

Drop a plumb line from the top plate down to the floor to show you where exactly the bottom plate should be.

Place bottom plates where the plumb line indicates. Drill 3-inch masonry screws through the boards and into the patio to secure them.

Get the measurement of the height between the top and bottom plates. Cut 2-by-4 boards to fit this height. You will space the boards, or frame studs, no more than every 4 feet in between the supports.

Paint or stain the stud boards the same as you did the others.

Slide the studs in between the top and bottom plates at the proper spacing. Drill 3-inch screws through the studs at an angle and into the plates.

Roll out the screen so that it is a couple inches longer than the height of the frame. Cut the screen with wire snips.

Staple the screen to the top of the section with a staple gun.

Stretch the screen down and staple it at the bottom, and then repeat by stretching and stapling the sides. Continue with each section between studs.

Measure the outside edge of the framing again and cut 1-inch wide wood strips to fit. Paint or stain the strips and let them dry.

Place the wood strips over the screen framing. Tack the strips in place with finishing nails. Counter sink the nails slightly and cover up the heads with wood putty.

Sand the putty smooth in an hour after it dries and touch up with paint.