Do It Yourself or Not: Install a retractable screen door
Most of us are familiar with a screen door that swings on hinges or slides in a track. Another version is a screen door that retracts and blends into a door frame housing, providing a clear, unobstructed view. Just think of it as a window shade on its side that keeps pesky bugs out and cool breezes coming in.
We found retractable screen doors made of aluminum and wood that mount inside a door frame, with either a left- or right-hand operation, sold at home centers and online. They range in sizes from 30 to 36 inches wide to 78 to 81 inches high. The components include the screen housing, a top and bottom track and sill plate, and two door pulls. The retractable screen doors come in several colors and sizes to fit most single, double and slider doors. For the unit to function properly, all corners of the door must be square or less than 1/4-inch out-of-square.
If you’re handy and have carpentry skills and tools you can buy a good-quality retractable screen door, assemble it and install it for $330, and save 30%. A handyman or contractor will charge $470, including labor and material, to install a standard height retractable screen.
Before you shop for one, make an accurate sketch of your door with measurements of its width and height. If you do the job, you’ll need an electric drill with bits, a Phillips screwdriver, hacksaw, file, carpenter’s square and measuring tape. It makes the job easier if you have a helper to line up the tracks during installation because you’re working at the top and bottom of the door. Assuming the door frame is square and free of hardware, it’ll take an hour or two to install the screen. If the door jamb needs a coat of paint, do it before the installation to prevent painting the new door.
Pro Cost: $470 — DIY Cost: $330 — Pro time: 3.0
DIY Time: 4.5 — DIY Savings: $140 — Percent Saved: 30%
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©2025 Gene and Katie Hamilton. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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