How To Enclose A Porch On A Budget (Several Options Round-Up w/ Videos)

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Are you trying to find a solution to increase your living area while allowing you to spend time outside without worrying about the weather? Do you want to create an inviting outdoor space that you can use regardless of the weather? A porch enclosure is a great option that can give you all of these advantages and more. It will increase the value of your house and give you more room to host visitors or just rest alone. Enclosing your porch can be an easy and affordable method to increase the comfort of your outdoor space with the correct materials and design. Continue reading to find out how you can quickly enclose your porch and begin relaxing in the great outdoors.

TL;DR

Enclosing a porch is an easy and cost-effective way to add extra living space to your home.

  • Choose the right materials for your climate and budget.
  • Install insulation, windows, and doors for comfort and security.
  • Add finishing touches like trim, paint, and furniture to complete the look.

With a few simple steps, you can transform your porch into a cozy outdoor oasis!

Q5 BRANDS Super Clear All Purpose Recyclable Vinyl-4 Gauge 25 Yards x 54 Inches Extra Durable, Protective Furniture Covering
Q5 BRANDS Super Clear All Purpose Recyclable...
(131) Amazon Prime
TANG Sunshades Depot Exterior Roller Shade Roll up Shade for Patio Deck Porch Pergola Balcony Backyard Patio or Other Outdoor Spaces Blinds Light Filtering Block 90% UV Rays 7’ W x 6’ L Brown
TANG Sunshades Depot Exterior Roller Shade Roll up...
(1271) Amazon Prime
DocaScreen Fiberglass Screen Roll - 96 inch x 100 feet - for WindowDoor, Porch or Patio Screening and Replacement, Charcoal
DocaScreen Fiberglass Screen Roll - 96 inch x 100...
(11030)
JUMP TO A SECTION...
1. Screens
2. Shades
3. Vinyl
4. Glass Panels
5. Plastic Panels
Why You'd Want To Enclose A Porch: 3 Reasons
Conclusion

Do you have a porch or a patio that needs to be enclosed?

Do you have walls or support beams around your porch but find yourself wishing the space was a little more closed off than it is currently?

Would you like to learn how to enclose a porch cheaply?

If so, we’ve got you covered!

In this article, we’ll walk you through five different porch enclosure options so you’ll never again have to wonder about what you can use to close off your patio or porch. You’ll be able to figure out which of these options are right for your needs and learn a little bit more about how to enclose a porch, too.

By the time you finish reading, you’ll know which type of porch enclosure is right for your needs and which one will fit into your budget well, too. But why would you even want to do this? Isn’t it better to just leave your porch as it is?

You may have your own reasons for wanting to close off your porch, but no matter what inspires you, read on to learn more about your options.

1. Screens

DocaScreen Fiberglass Screen Roll - 96 inch x 100 feet - for WindowDoor, Porch or Patio Screening and Replacement, Charcoal
11,030 Reviews
DocaScreen Fiberglass Screen Roll - 96 inch x 100 feet - for WindowDoor, Porch or Patio Screening and Replacement, Charcoal
  • For Use With All Screening Applications: Fiberglass Screen Replacement works for windows, doors, porches, or...
  • Easy to Install: Anti-wrinkle material features a flexible and durable mesh that's difficult to crinkle, crease,...
  • Effective Insect and Critter Protection: Perfect enclosure to block annoying mosquitos and other bugs so your...
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Screens are a great old-fashioned way to enclose a porch. They allow lots of airflow and visibility without letting in bugs and other unwanted invaders.

Pros

  • Screens are fairly easy to hang if you have a little bit of DIY knowledge and experience.
  • Screens are, by far, the most affordable alternative for enclosing a porch or patio.

Cons

  • If the weather gets bad, screens are likely to tear, fall down, or otherwise become damaged more easily than some of the other options listed here.
  • Screens may not have the aesthetic appeal of some other enclosure options listed below, depending on your preferences and sense of style.

SEE HOW PORCH SCREEN WORKS:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRr2NMbOaYg

2. Shades

TANG Sunshades Depot Exterior Roller Shade Roll up Shade for Patio Deck Porch Pergola Balcony Backyard Patio or Other Outdoor Spaces Blinds Light Filtering Block 90% UV Rays 7’ W x 6’ L Brown
1,271 Reviews
TANG Sunshades Depot Exterior Roller Shade Roll up Shade for Patio Deck Porch Pergola Balcony Backyard Patio or Other Outdoor Spaces Blinds Light Filtering Block 90% UV Rays 7’ W x 6’ L Brown
  • Please note: Shipping box size you receive will be smaller than product size as rods come in sections that needs to...
  • Sunshades Depot roller shade was designed to provide shade and privacy for your porch, gazebo, patio, back yard,...
  • Breathable Fabric- Made of 165GSM polyethylene –Provide up to 90% UV protection, keep your space much cooler and...
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If you’re looking for an enclosure that can keep the sun at bay but not entirely close off your porch, you may want shades. Shades are easy to install and work just like traditional window shades without preventing you from using your porch as an open-air one when you want to, also.

Pros

  • Shades are easy to install and fairly affordable.
  • It’s easy to find shades in a variety of different colors and styles to suit your needs.

Cons

  • Shades can be harder to keep clean and may need to be taken down for regular cleanings.
  • Shades don’t completely enclose your porch.

SEE HOW PORCH SHADES WORKS:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lh73uZrMHCk

3. Vinyl

Q5 BRANDS Super Clear All Purpose Recyclable Vinyl-4 Gauge 25 Yards x 54 Inches Extra Durable, Protective Furniture Covering
131 Reviews
Q5 BRANDS Super Clear All Purpose Recyclable Vinyl-4 Gauge 25 Yards x 54 Inches Extra Durable, Protective Furniture Covering
  • FLEXIBLE AND EASY TO WORK WITH - Our special Interleaf-Paper backing prevents the vinyl roll from clinging and...
  • EXTREMELY DURABLE - Start any DIY project with confidence. Our clear vinyl will outlast rain, sleet, snow, wind, or...
  • INDOOR / OUTDOOR USE - Ideal for everything from giving your porch or deck a makeover to creating clear tablecloth...
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Vinyl sheets can be purchased in clear or tinted options to enclose your porch but still let in plenty of light. These are great options for sunroom makeovers.

Pros

  • Vinyl is durable and holds up well to weather.
  • Vinyl panels come in lots of different color options to help you find exactly what you’re looking for.

Cons

  • Vinyl panels aren’t compatible with all types of existing porches.
  • Depending on how much space you’re looking to cover, vinyl panels can be a very pricey alternative to some of the other options listed here.

SEE HOW PORCH VINYL WORKS:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJ5_tGMRLbQ

4. Glass Panels

When you want a true sun room experience out of your porch, you need glass panels for your enclosure purposes. These panels will make your porch look like it’s surrounded by big, beautiful windows, allowing you to look out on the world and enjoy a great view of your yard at the same time.

Pros

  • Glass panels are beautiful, elegant, and classy when they’re hung appropriately.
  • Glass is very long-lasting and holds up well, especially when you choose outdoor-appropriate glass panels.

Cons

  • It’s tougher to clean glass than most other options listed here.
  • Glass may become damaged more easily during severe storms or weather events like hurricanes.

5. Plastic Panels

Clear plastic panels can make excellent wall enclosures for porches, especially if you’re willing to purchase higher-quality plastic. Thinner plastic is only acceptable for a temporary fix, while thicker plastic will last many years.

Pros

  • Plastic panels are easy to keep clean by just rinsing them off.
  • Plastic holds up well against weather wear and tear.

Cons

  • The high-quality plastic needed for a job like this can be very expensive if you have a large porch that needs to be enclosed.
  • Plastic can look a little tacky if it isn’t hung in place professionally, and if it develops holes or damage, this is very obvious.

Why You'd Want To Enclose A Porch: 3 Reasons

There are several reasons why you’d potentially want to enclose your porch. Here are a few of them:

how much does it cost to enclose a patio
  • An enclosed porch is safer from the elements. When your porch is enclosed completely, you don’t have to worry as much about wind, rain, snow, and UV rays. While all of these can still potentially get in a little bit, depending on the type of enclosure you choose, the risks are much less significant with an enclosed porch.
  • Enclosed porches are free from bugs. Mosquitoes carry diseases and other bugs can be annoyances, but with an enclosed porch, you don’t have to worry about any of this. You can sit outside without concern and without being bothered by flying creatures, too.
  • It’s safe for pets and kids to play on enclosed porches. Your whole family—even the furry members—can spend time outdoors getting some fresh air when you have an enclosed porch.

Conclusion

Did you figure out which type of porch enclosure is right for you? When it comes down to it, the decision is entirely based on your preferences and needs. You can’t go wrong with a good old-fashioned screened-in porch, however, and if you’re looking for the most bang for your buck, this is probably the best way to go. A screened porch gives you plenty of airflow and exposure to the great outdoors without allowing in any bugs or much rain—although some moisture can get in. This is a low-cost way to enclose your porch, and repairing it is very simple and affordable too.

If you want something a little more permanent and something to add more value to your home, however, you may want to go with glass panels instead. This is a very pricey alternative, but glass panels can make your porch into something more like a sun room that your whole family can safely enjoy for many years to come.

Pick your favorite option from our list and get ready to have fun on your enclosed porch!


5 Tips for Enclosing Your Porch

  1. Measure the area of your porch to determine the amount of materials you will need.
  2. Choose a material that is durable and weather-resistant, such as vinyl or aluminum.
  3. Ensure that the framing is properly secured to the existing structure of your home.
  4. Install windows and doors that are energy efficient and secure.
  5. Seal all seams with caulk to prevent air leakage and water damage.

ALSO: Consider adding a screened-in porch for an additional layer of protection from insects!

Last update on 2023-04-18 at 18:26 Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE, COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED ‘AS IS’ AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.


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