What Exactly Is a Screened Porch or Patio Enclosure?
A screened porch (also called a screened-in porch, patio enclosure, or screen room) is an outdoor living space protected by insect screening on the walls while remaining open to air and light from above or through a roof. It sits between a fully open deck or patio and a glassed-in sunroom.
Homeowners in Upstate South Carolina choose screened porches because the climate delivers long warm seasons filled with mosquitoes, gnats, and seasonal pollen. Screening transforms an underused deck or patio into a comfortable, usable room for roughly 8–9 months of the year without the cost or complexity of a fully conditioned sunroom.
Common projects fall into three categories:
- Screen-in an existing covered porch or patio — Add framing and screens to a space that already has a roof and floor. Lowest cost and fastest timeline.
- Convert an existing open deck — Add posts, roof structure, and screening. Very common in Greenville and Laurens counties.
- New construction screened porch — Full foundation or piers, framing, roof, flooring, screening, and electrical from scratch.
Screened Porch Costs in Upstate SC (2026)
Transparent planning ranges based on current local material and labor rates. Final pricing always depends on site conditions, size, and selections.
| Project Type | Typical Range | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Enclosure Only (existing roof & floor) |
$7,000 – $18,000 | Framing, screen system, door, basic trim |
| New Basic Screened Porch (12×16 to 14×18) |
$15,000 – $28,000 | Foundation/piers, PT framing, roof, screening, ceiling fan, outlets |
| Mid-Range Three-Season (EZE-Breeze or similar) |
$25,000 – $42,000 | Upgraded windows, finished ceiling, better flooring, lighting package |
| Premium / Climate-Controlled | $42,000 – $65,000+ | Insulation, HVAC tie-in, high-end finishes, larger footprint |
What Drives the Price?
Size (Square Footage)
The single biggest cost driver. Larger porches cost more overall but usually less per square foot.
Existing Structure vs New Build
Converting a solid existing deck or covered patio can cut costs 40–60% compared with building from the ground up.
Roof Style & Complexity
Shed roofs are simplest and least expensive. Gable, hip, or cathedral ceilings add material and labor.
Screen System & Windows
Standard fiberglass is the baseline. Pet-resistant mesh, no-see-um, solar screens, or vinyl window systems (EZE-Breeze) increase cost.
Electrical & Finishes
Ceiling fans, recessed lighting, outlets, tongue-and-groove ceilings, composite flooring, and decorative posts all add value and cost.
Site Conditions & Access
Sloped lots, limited access, or required engineering can add foundation or structural costs.
Important: These are planning ranges only. Burch Contracting provides free on-site estimates with itemized pricing (materials + labor + fixed overhead & profit). No hidden markups. Request your free estimate →
Screened Porch Cost Calculator
Get a more accurate planning range. Adjust the options below — results update instantly based on 2026 Upstate SC rates.
Common: 12×16=192 • 14×16=224 • 16×20=320 • 20×24=480
Estimated Planning Range
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This is a planning tool only. Actual cost requires an on-site evaluation of structure, access, soil conditions, and final selections. County permit fees (~$350–$600) are not included. Burch Contracting provides free written on-site estimates with transparent itemized pricing.
How Long Does a Screened Porch Take?
Simple Screen-In
Existing covered porch or patio that already has a solid structure. Framing + screening + door.
Deck Conversion
Add roof structure and screening to an existing open deck. Includes electrical rough-in in most cases.
New Construction
Full build with foundation or piers, framing, roof, flooring, screening, and finishes. Weather and permits affect schedule.
Typical Project Sequence
-
1
Design & Quote
On-site visit, measurements, discussion of goals and budget. Written proposal with clear scope.
-
2
Permits
We prepare and submit required building permits for Greenville or Laurens County (and HOA if needed).
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3
Site Prep & Foundation
Footings, piers, or slab work as required. Critical for long-term stability.
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4
Framing & Roof
Posts, beams, rafters or trusses, roofing to match or complement the house.
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5
Electrical & Screening
Wiring for fans and lights, then installation of the chosen screen or window system.
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6
Finishes & Final Inspection
Trim, flooring, ceiling treatment, cleanup, and final building inspection.
Materials & Options Explained
Screen Types
| Type | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Fiberglass | Most homes, budget-conscious projects | Good visibility and airflow. Most common choice. |
| Pet-Resistant (Phifer PetScreen etc.) | Homes with dogs or cats | Much stronger against claws and pushing. Slightly less visibility. |
| No-See-Um / Fine Mesh | Areas with tiny biting insects | Smaller openings. Slightly reduced airflow and visibility. |
| Solar / Shade Screen | West- or south-facing porches | Blocks significant heat and glare while still allowing views. |
Framing Options
- Pressure-treated wood — Traditional look, strong, widely used. Requires proper detailing for longevity in SC humidity.
- Aluminum systems — Clean modern appearance, low maintenance, excellent for pure enclosures.
- Combination — Wood structure with aluminum screen tracks is very common and durable.
Window Systems (Three-Season Upgrades)
Many homeowners start with screening and later (or immediately) upgrade to vinyl panel systems such as EZE-Breeze. These panels slide or fold open for full airflow or close to block wind and light rain, turning a screened porch into a true three-season room.
DIY vs Hiring a Professional
When DIY Can Work
- • Simple re-screening of an existing solid porch
- • You already have strong carpentry skills and tools
- • No new foundation, roof, or electrical work is needed
- • You are comfortable pulling permits yourself if required
When to Hire a Licensed Contractor
- • Any new structure, roof, or foundation work
- • You want the work permitted and inspected correctly
- • Electrical, proper flashing, and long-term waterproofing matter
- • You value a written warranty and one responsible party
Why Homeowners Choose Burch Contracting
C. Scott Burch has been building custom screened porches and outdoor living spaces across Upstate South Carolina since 1995. The company is fully licensed (SC #CLG118679), insured, BBB A+ rated since 2014, and maintains a perfect 5.0 Google rating.
- ✓ Family-owned and local (Gray Court base)
- ✓ Transparent pricing with fixed overhead & profit
- ✓ Handles permits and inspections
- ✓ Written scope and clear communication
Areas We Serve
Burch Contracting builds screened porches and patio enclosures throughout Upstate South Carolina, with a primary focus on:
Service radius is roughly 35 miles from Gray Court, SC.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a screened porch cost in Simpsonville or Fountain Inn in 2026? ▼
Most projects fall between $15,000 and $45,000. A basic 12×16 new screened porch often lands in the $18,000–$28,000 range. Converting an existing covered patio is usually less. Premium three-season rooms with vinyl window systems and upgraded finishes run higher. The best way to know is a free on-site measurement and written estimate.
Do I need a building permit? ▼
In almost all cases involving new structure, roofing, or electrical work — yes. Greenville County and Laurens County both require permits for these projects. Burch Contracting prepares and files the permits as part of the service.
Can you screen in my existing deck? ▼
Yes, provided the existing deck structure is sound and can support the additional loads of a roof and screening. We evaluate the framing, footings, and ledger connection during the free on-site visit and advise whether a conversion is the right approach or if upgrades are needed first.
What is the difference between a screened porch and a sunroom? ▼
A screened porch uses insect mesh and remains essentially outdoor space with excellent airflow. A sunroom (or four-season room) uses glass or solid panels, is usually insulated, and can be heated and cooled. Three-season rooms sit in the middle with operable vinyl panels. Screened porches cost significantly less and feel more “outdoor.”
How long will the screens last? ▼
Quality fiberglass screening typically lasts 8–12+ years in Upstate SC conditions with normal use. Pet-resistant mesh lasts longer against physical damage. Screens can be replaced relatively easily when needed without rebuilding the entire structure.
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