Installed outside an entry door, a screen door lets fresh air in but keeps bugs out; a storm door generally has glass in the place of screens, and protects the entry door from bad weather, blocks drafts, minimizes energy losses and increases security. Combination doors act as screen doors in warm months and storm doors in cold ones.
Typical costs:
Whether it's for a front, back or side entryway or a sliding patio door, standard-size (32-36 inches wide) plastic and metal screen doors run $35-$150, while locking metal security screen doors are typically $75-$200 or more.
Basic wood-framed screen doors start around $50-$250 depending on quality, and go as high as $300-$1,100 or more for carefully crafted models with woods such as oak, mahogany or poplar in elaborate designs ranging from geometric patterns to ocean waves, palms trees, lighthouses and more.
Standard storm doors average $100-$300. High-quality all-season storm/screen doors with decorative trim or patterns can run $200-$750.
Expect to pay anywhere from $100-$400 for decent quality retractable screen doors that roll away when not in use, either into a side casing or up overhead. Temporary retractable models that install with Velcro are available for $10-$50, but are not long-lasting.
Getting exactly the right size door is crucial to keep insects outside or warmth inside: measure the opening, not the existing door. BobVila.com provides a video on installing a screen door. ThisOldHouse.com[1] explains how to build an elegant wooden screen door from scratch, while WashingtonPost.com[2] gives an overview of what to consider when buying storm doors.
Screen and storm doors come with a variety of hardware; DoItYourself.com[3] describes the possibilities.
Additional costs:
Standard doorknobs and other hardware is typically is included with screen doors or storm doors, but companies such as ScreenDoors.com[4] offer extras such as upscale locksets for $20-$170.
A screen door closer may be included; if not, it might cost an additional $10-$25.
Shopping for a screen door:
Lowe's[5] sells a range of screen and storm doors, and provides installation services.
Retractable screen door manufacturers include Phantom[6] and Bella[7] . High-end wood doors are available from ScreenDoors.com[8] and WoodenScreenDoor.com[9] .
7 Lesser-Known Discounts for the 50+ Crowd As they age, members of the Baby Boomer generation don't like to admit that they're senior citizens, but they love getting discounts. It's kind of a quandary, because some of the best deals available are reduced prices for older folks. || Posted October 21 2013
7 Ways to Stretch Your Reduced Food Budget End of the year budgets are tight for everyone, especially in this economy.It's especially hard for the millions of Americans who depend on government programs like food stamps to help make ends meet. || Posted November 11 2013
CostHelper is based in Silicon Valley and provides consumers with unbiased price information about thousands of goods and services. Our writers are experienced journalists who adhere to our strict editorial ethics policy.
CostHelper Community
UTI urgent care visit Paid: 147.00 Visit was $135. Antibiotics was $12. Waiting for four hours in the waiting room and the visit was quick... [more]
Spanish Medical Interpreter Paid: 150.00 I worked with SynShyne Services out of Monroe, NC. They were so worth the price! Professional, friendly, accurate, great attitude and always on time. I recieved an itemized report after every contact and a user friendly invoice weekly... [more]
Skin prick allergy test Paid: 573.00 Took my 9 yr. old in after an allergic reaction to eggs. Several panels for nuts, fish & top 8 allergens. Sure enough, egg came up. Got a script for epinephrine and left... [more]