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Started By
Message
Screened-In Patio
Posted on 11/28/25 at 7:54 am
Posted on 11/28/25 at 7:54 am
Next project on my "to-do" list is to screen in my back patio area. I have someone in mind who can do it, but they've asked me to purchase the materials.
This is what I have in mind, but am open to hearing from others who have done it, or may have a better alternative in mind.
- Framing lumber- Pressure-treated pine or cedar for posts, beams, and rails? Which one is more durable long-term?
- Aluminum framing
- Hinged door
- Polyester screening (pet-resistant, which is important to me)
- Flooring will be existing concrete
- Fasterners and sealants: Galvanized screws, nails, staples, caulk, and wood sealant for assembly and weatherproofing.
I'm not looking for anything elaborate. I just want to be able to go outside my back door, and enjoy the cooler weather months and be able to leave my back door open without my dogs getting out, or having insects fly in. I’d like everything to be black, as long as excessive fading over time isn’t a concern.
Basic stuff as far as this is concerned.
The screened-in patio will extend from the house but will be designed to stop just short of the existing gutters.
This is an example of how I would like for my screened-in patio to look like (disregard color and materials).
To make the enclosure dog-proof, I want the bottom 36" or 48" of each wall to be solid (no screen) all the way around, with screening only above that height. This stops my dog from constantly reacting to everything he sees and keeps the mesh from getting knocked out.
I would like for the height of the bottom wall to match the height of the screen door I would like to use. Example only:
This is what I have in mind, but am open to hearing from others who have done it, or may have a better alternative in mind.
- Framing lumber- Pressure-treated pine or cedar for posts, beams, and rails? Which one is more durable long-term?
- Aluminum framing
- Hinged door
- Polyester screening (pet-resistant, which is important to me)
- Flooring will be existing concrete
- Fasterners and sealants: Galvanized screws, nails, staples, caulk, and wood sealant for assembly and weatherproofing.
I'm not looking for anything elaborate. I just want to be able to go outside my back door, and enjoy the cooler weather months and be able to leave my back door open without my dogs getting out, or having insects fly in. I’d like everything to be black, as long as excessive fading over time isn’t a concern.
Basic stuff as far as this is concerned.
The screened-in patio will extend from the house but will be designed to stop just short of the existing gutters.
This is an example of how I would like for my screened-in patio to look like (disregard color and materials).
To make the enclosure dog-proof, I want the bottom 36" or 48" of each wall to be solid (no screen) all the way around, with screening only above that height. This stops my dog from constantly reacting to everything he sees and keeps the mesh from getting knocked out.
I would like for the height of the bottom wall to match the height of the screen door I would like to use. Example only:
This post was edited on 11/28/25 at 8:05 am
4
Posted on 11/28/25 at 8:04 am to Will Cover
quote:no such thing
Polyester screening (pet-resistant
put 4’ of galvanized hardware cloth inside the bug screen from the ground up all the way around and don’t forget the door
Posted on 11/28/25 at 8:07 am to cgrand
quote:
Polyester screening (pet-resistant
quote:
no such thing
put 4’ of galvanized hardware cloth inside the bug screen from the ground up all the way around and don’t forget the door
I read this on Google:
quote:
It's typically made from vinyl-coated polyester yarn, which is 7x stronger than standard fiberglass mesh and still blocks insects effectively while allowing good airflow and visibility.
Are you saying there really isn't any material strong enough to withstand a jump or two from a dog?
Posted on 11/28/25 at 8:15 am to Will Cover
yes that is exactly what I am saying 
Posted on 11/28/25 at 8:21 am to cgrand
Makes sense. I was just trying to find the most durable screen mesh possible to help withstand an occasional jump or two when I am not watching.
But ... I always should be watching, so I will figure something out.
Posted on 11/28/25 at 8:24 am to Will Cover
the hardware cloth also helps with impact from non four legged things such as broom handles, soccer balls, table corners, etc
Posted on 11/28/25 at 9:09 am to Will Cover
Not the best view but you can see part of my screened in patio in this pic:
I used western red cedar to build it.
I used western red cedar to build it.
Posted on 11/29/25 at 8:33 am to Will Cover
Not sure how you are going to do doors but when I built a screened porch I messed up so I thought I would mention my defect. I too have the small wall at the bottom to keep pets in and framed in the doors without a threshold/sill at the bottom. I did that because I was working with flagstone patio. I just cut the door so that it cleared the uneven stone at the bottom. The flagstone stops at the walls but extends through the door to walkway. Hope this makes sense. Anyway, that small gap under the door lets in flies and dirt and water when it rains that all accumulates at the base of the walls. I complicated the problem by using stacking stone for the wall at the bottom. That really accumulates the dust and dirt. Still, a screened porch is a nice addition. All of which is to recommend a door with the bottom threshold that seals the door completely if your plans called for something different. Good luck with project.
Posted on 11/29/25 at 8:47 am to Will Cover
If you already have a covered porch with columns, all you technically need is the aluminum frame, screen, door kit, and spline. I would be concerned that the installer wants you to buy the material.
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