How to Install a Screened-In Porch

Measure and record the width and height of the opening using measuring tape.

Screen and framing kits are easy to use because of the corner connectors. To get the accurate frame measurements, you’ll need to account for the corner connectors. For example, our connectors were 3/4" long, so we subtracted 1-½" (3/4" doubled) from our width and height runs to get the correct frame dimensions.

Cut frames to size with a hacksaw, and assemble the frame using the plastic corner connectors.

Roll out the screen, and center it in the frame. With the screen pulled tight, use the roller to push the spline into the frame’s channel. Work your way around the frame cutting the spline at the corners with a utility blade.

Carefully trim away the excess screening material as close to the spline channel as possible using a utility blade.

Using your opening's height and width dimensions, cut shoe molding with a miter saw.

Paint the molding to match your woodwork. We used a semi-gloss black paint.

Once shoe molding is dry to the touch, install the outer molding with a nail gun loaded with 16-gauge, 2" finish nails. 

Standing on the inside, place the screened frame up against the outside molding.

Nail interior shoe molding in place with 2" finish nails to secure the frame.