You love spending time outdoors, but bugs, rain, and harsh sun can make it uncomfortable. A screen room sounds like the perfect solution—an open, airy space that lets you enjoy fresh air without the downsides of being fully exposed. But how much does a screen room cost?
At JSB Home Solutions, we specialize in semi-custom screen room additions designed to provide affordable, low-maintenance outdoor living spaces. We’ve helped homeowners all around Columbus, Ohio create screen rooms that fit their budget while enhancing their home’s functionality and curb appeal. And we believe that pricing information should be clear and readily available so you can plan your project. So much so, that we have built an entire page of our website around screen and sunroom pricing.
By the end of this article, you’ll understand the full cost breakdown of a screen room addition, the biggest factors that impact pricing, and smart ways to save money while still getting a high-quality space.
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What is a Screen Room?
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A screen room is a covered outdoor space enclosed with durable mesh screens to provide protection from insects, debris, and mild weather while still allowing for fresh air and natural light. Unlike three- and four-season sunrooms, screen rooms are not insulated and do not include climate control.
Screen rooms are often built over existing patios or decks (although they don't have to be), making them a more cost-effective way to add functional outdoor space to your home. They can be customized with aluminum or wood sunroom framing, a solid or lattice-style roof, and various screen types based on durability and visibility needs.
Screen Room vs. Sunroom: Which One is Right for You?
If you want an affordable way to enjoy the outdoors during mild weather without annoying bugs taking a bite out of you, a screen room could be just the solution you are looking for.
If you want a fully enclosed space that is protected from the elements, a three-season sunroom may be the better investment. You can read more about the cost of three-season sunrooms here.
Not sure which option fits your lifestyle and budget? Our Sunroom Planning Workbook includes information about screen room features, costs, and designs, compared to three-season and four-season sunrooms, helping you weigh the pros and cons of each option before making a decision. Download your free copy today!
Average Cost of a Screen Room Addition
The cost of a screen room addition depends on factors like size, materials, and whether you’re building from scratch or enclosing an existing patio. Below, we’ll break down all the key expenses.
Overall Cost of Screen Rooms
The first factor to consider is whether you’ll go with a prefabricated screen room or a custom-built screen room.
A prefab screen room is a budget-friendly option, with pricing ranging from $8,000 to $20,000. In the world of screen and sunrooms, pre-fabricated means that the pieces used to assemble the room are manufactured in standard materials, sizes, and colors. But those pieces can be combined in many configurations to give you a semi-custom room. It's a bit like building with Lincoln Logs. The same set of pieces can be used to make lots of different structures.
A custom-built screen room, designed specifically for your home, typically ranges from $15,000 to $30,000, depending on size, materials, and additional features. Custom builds allow for better integration with your home’s architecture.
| Screen Room Type | Cost Range | Cost per Sq. Ft. |
|---|---|---|
| Prefab Kit | $8,000 – $20,000 | $20 – $60 |
| Custom Built (JSB’s Specialty) | $15,000 – $30,000 | $40 – $100 |
👉 JSB installs pre-fab BetterLiving screen rooms, manufactured in the USA by Craft-Bilt. This ensures high-quality materials and expert craftsmanship for a durable, long-lasting outdoor space.
Screen Room Material Costs
Your choice of screen type, framing material, and roofing will affect the overall cost of your screen room.
| Feature | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Screening Material (Fiberglass, Aluminum, Pet-Resistant) | $500 – $3,000 |
| Framing Material (Aluminum, Vinyl, Wood) | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| Roofing (Solid Panel, Open Lattice, Using Existing Roof) | $2,000 – $8,000 |
Screening Materials: Standard fiberglass mesh is the most affordable option, while aluminum and pet-resistant mesh cost more due to durability and longevity.
Framing: Aluminum framing ($5,000–$12,000) is the most popular due to its lightweight, rust-resistant nature. Wood framing ($10,000–$15,000) offers a more natural look but requires more maintenance.
Roofing: If your home already has a covered patio, you can reduce costs by using the existing structure. If a new roof is needed, solid insulated panels ($4,000–$8,000) offer better protection from the elements, while open-lattice roofs ($2,000–$5,000) provide partial shade at a lower cost. Open lattice roofs are essentially a screened in pergola.
👉 JSB's screen rooms are aluminum with fiberglass screens and solid panel roofs. We also specialize in Under Existing rooms, which use your home’s current roof structure to save on costs.
Screen Room Labor and Installation Costs
Professional installation ensures your screen room is sturdy, weather-resistant, and properly anchored. If you are considering a DIY sunroom install, check out this article to make sure you are prepared for your project. Labor costs vary based on project complexity.
| Installation Type | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Professional Installation (Recommended) | $5,000 – $12,000 |
| DIY Screen Room Kits | $1,500 – $5,000 |
| Site Preparation (Foundation, Leveling, Existing Patio Conversion) | $500 – $3,000 |
👉 JSB offers a limited lifetime craftsmanship warranty on our screen rooms, meaning we will fix any issues due to installation mistakes for as long as you own your home. Plus, Craft-Bilt offers a 50-year transferable manufacturer warranty—so if you sell your home, the next homeowner benefits too. Warranties like these make professional installation well worth the investment.
Screen Room Permits and Zoning Fees
Many areas require a permit to add a screen room, especially if it’s a permanent structure attached to your home. Here’s a general estimate of permit and inspection costs:
| Permit Type | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Building Permits | $500 – $2,000 |
| Inspection Fees | $100 – $500 |
👉 At JSB, we handle the entire permitting process, including HOA approvals, to ensure compliance with local building codes.
How to Save Money on Your Screen Room
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Adding a screen room can be affordable, but there are ways to cut costs even further while still getting a high-quality space.
One of the best ways to save money is to use an existing patio or deck as the foundation, reducing construction costs. Choosing aluminum framing over wood also lowers costs while providing durability and low maintenance.
Another way to cut expenses is by selecting fiberglass screening, which is more affordable than aluminum mesh while still keeping bugs out effectively.
And if you’re handy, DIY kits can save $3,000 to $5,000 on installation. Just make sure you are prepared to DIY a screen room project before you get started.
Is a Screen Room Right for Your Home?
A screen room is a cost-effective way to expand your living space while still enjoying fresh air, shade, and bug protection. Unlike a four-season sunroom, a screen room provides outdoor enjoyment at a fraction of the cost.
If you want a simple, budget-friendly way to extend your patio or deck, a screen room is a great investment. If you’re looking for year-round use with full climate control, a four-season sunroom may be a better choice.
Before starting your project, make sure to plan your budget, materials, and design preferences. Our Sunroom Planning Workbook includes valuable insights on screen rooms, sunrooms, and budgeting tips to help you make the right decision. Download your free copy today to start planning your dream space!
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