Can You Screen In A Pergola? Important Facts

These days it seems everyone wants to have a covered patio. Many of these outdoor living spaces add to the resale value of homes. But pergolas might be the best option for some people. Pergolas can add a sense of sophistication and elegance to these outdoor areas.

But If you are wondering and want to find out whether you can screen in a pergola, continue reading.

Can You Screen In A Pergola?

Although it is not common to screen pergola, the structure of the pergola allows the installation of screens. Screening a pergola is an excellent and cost-effective way to enjoy your outdoors in a comfortable and bug-free environment.

Screen Materials

Screening your property is always about keeping the insects out. But nowadays screening offers more than protection from bugs. Here are some of the most common types of screening material to choose from, to help you decide which is the right material for you.

Fiberglass

Fibreglass mesh is probably the most common type of screen used not just for pergolas but for porches as well. It is cheap and provides better visibility because it has a minimal glare from external lights. Fibreglass is very flexible and won’t easily crease or fold, unlike other materials. However, fibreglass tends to tear and stretch more easily.

Pet Screen

If you have pets then pet paw damage may worry you – at least the bottom part of your screened pergola.

Pet screen is a lot stronger than your standard mesh. Pet screen is made of plastic mesh that is split and puncture-resistant. It is best for pet owners or parents with small kids. Because of Its thickness, it provides less visibility than other screens and can also be more expensive.

Aluminum

Aluminium is also a common screen material but more expensive than fibreglass. Although it provides good visibility, you may find yourself annoyed with the glare, in particular with bare aluminium ones. It is less flexible making it more difficult to install but it also means it is stronger.

It is important to note that if you are residing near coastal areas then aluminium may oxidize.

Bronze, Steel, Copper

For more luxurious designs, you can choose bronze, copper, or stainless steel. These metals are highly durable and long-lasting and are popular for their unique colour and more elegant appeal over the standard mesh. Unlike aluminium, these metals can hold up better near coastal areas.

Here is a video of a cool motorized screen in a pergola:

Quick And Easy Way To Add Screen and Enclose Your Pergola

If you are planning to DIY your add screen in your pergola to provide more protection from bugs then you can follow these simple tips.

Using Shade Cloth

Shade cloth is an easy way to enclose your pergola if you don’t want too much hassle with pergola screens. It provides a total enclosure and can be easily removed if you want to enjoy the breeze or the sun.

Shade cloth is best for pool areas as it provides maximum thermal and UV protection. It is not as strong as screens but it does provide a level of protection from bugs.

You can hang it up on an existing structure like an arbour or pergola frames or install one made of wood, metal, or plastic yourself.

Removable Screening

You can easily find these cheap screening materials at most local hardware stores. You can choose to install it yourself or hire a handyman or contractor to do the job for you.

If you plan to DIY it you will need to purchase hinges, endcaps, and bias trim. These are important parts of the installation because they ensure that your screen is secured firmly in place.

Some removable screening materials come with a frame so you won’t have to worry about that part. However, if your pergola screening doesn’t come with it, then you can use the same type of frame as those for pergola frames – wooden or aluminium frames work best.

Although it is not difficult installing your own removable screen in pergola if you are not sure how to do it then consult a handyman for advice and help.

How Much Does It Cost To Screen In A Pergola?

The cost of screening your pergola will vary widely depending on different contractors. Every situation is different and the cost will be based mostly on the size of your pergola. However, based on the national average a screened-in pergola can cost between $2.35 per sq. ft. and $5.35 per sq. ft.

The major factors that affect the cost of adding a screen in your pergola will be the location of your property, the type of materials you’ll use, and incorporating additional features in your pergola.

Cheaper Alternative For Screen-In Pergola

If you are looking for a cost-effective solution, then mosquito curtains can be a great alternative to a screened pergola. Although it is not as elegant looking, you can use mosquito curtains to create the illusion of a screened-in area without having to pay for the cost of a shade structure.

Mosquito curtains are available in all-natural or synthetic styles that are designed to mimic the look and feel of a screened-in patio. You can add mosquito screens to your pergola and enjoy the security and peace of mind it provides.

With mosquito curtains, you won’t have to spend extra money on hardware and they also require little to no maintenance. Because they are made of mesh, they don’t interfere with sightlines. These mosquito curtains can be hung up and down the side of your home without creating any visual or acoustic issues.

Conclusion

In conclusion, you can add a screen to your pergola. It provides a safe, secure, and bug-free environment for your home. They are ideal locations for relaxing in the shade of a pergola without reducing the breeze and visibility. The best part is that screened-in pergolas do not cost much.