Make room—this DIY requires a lot of supplies! Cost will vary depending on the size fiberglass screen roll you choose. An 8-by-25 foot screen costs about $190, but you might need a different-sized roll for your door opening.
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What you'll need:
TOOLS
Scissors
Measuring Tape
Box cutter
Stapler or glue gun
Sewing Machine (optional)
SUPPLIES
A roll of fiberglass screen (or your preferred screen type)
Outdoor Velcro fastener
Heavy-duty double-sided separating zipper
Paper or pen
Box of safety pins
Disinfectant/cleaning rag
Maybe you want to convert your garage space into a home gym or entertainment area, or you're the type of DIYer that likes to work in their garage on a nice day.
In either case, why not turn your garage into a bug-and-debris-free outdoor living space? By building a garage door screen, you can effectively turn your garage into a terrace for your hobbies—or just relaxation.
Learn how to build your own DIY garage door screen in this six-step guide.
Prepping to Build a Garage Screen Door
Before slicing into that roll of mesh screen, you’ll need to decide which type of garage screen door you want. This guide will walk you through how to build a simple zip-up garage door screen. It’s a cost-effective way to keep bugs out and add additional living space, while also being easy to take down and store when not in use.
When it comes to the cost of installing new screen doors, there are more complex projects, such as retractable or sliding screen doors you might consider DIYing. Each comes with advantages.
For example, a sliding screen door is more challenging to install DIY, but can hook up to your remote garage opener. If you envision a more complex screen door rather than as simple zip door, ask alocal garage door company in your area for a quote on all these models to see which fits your goals and budget.
Take Doorway Measurements
With a tape measure, gather the dimensions of the doorway space you're trying to cover with a screen. You'll need the length and width, along with any obstacles that may change your measurement. Double-check these measurements, as you want to get them right before ordering supplies and making your screen.
You'll need this information when you go pick up materials or order a kit, or if you’re trying to give a pro a quote over the phone.
Gather Materials and Pre-Cut Your Screen
With a box cutter, carefully cut your screen to fit the doorway section. Be sure to adhere to the measurements you took before, and add at least an extra inch to both sides to account for seam allowances. If you're worried it might not reach, add another inch or two on top of that. You can always cut away the excess later.
Lastly, you’ll need to cut a straight line down the middle to make room for the zipper attachment.
Attach Your Zipper to the Screen
Photo: romarti / Adobe Stock
Line your zipper up with the two pieces of screen netting up with the zipper, then staple or glue the two pieces together. You can insert safety pins first to make this process easier for yourself.
If you're feeling crafty (and want to build something you know will last a long time), break out the sewing machine and double-stitch the zipper instead.
Be sure to use a double-sided zipper so you can enter and exit your garage from both sides.
Attach Your Velcro Fasteners to the Edges
Similarly, you'll need to install one-half of the velcro fasteners to the perimeter of your screen. You can do this with any of the options mentioned above. Some velcro fasteners come with sealing glue attachments that can make the job easier, but they may cost a few bucks extra.
Put Velcro Fasteners Along the Edge of Your Garage
Line the inside of your garage with the other end of the velcro fastener strips you picked up earlier. You’ll need enough to cover the length of both sides as well as the overhead space, which may require a stool or ladder to reach. Remember to use caution when using a ladder.
It’s a good idea to disinfect or towel off the area where velcro will go on your walls first, as dirt can make the sticky adhesive work less effectively.
Test Your Work
Photo: romarti / Adobe Stock
Attach your new double-sided garage door screen to the velcro fasteners. It should fit snugly over the frame of your garage. Cut away any excess material as needed with your box cutter.
You're done! Now you can put your tools away and enjoy the fruits of your labor, knowing the mosquitos will have to get their kicks elsewhere.
Cost to DIY Garage Screen Doors vs. Hiring a Pro
The cost to install a garage door screen yourself starts at $200. A professionally installed garage door screen usually requires custom work and will cost around $1,400 for parts and labor.
Home improvement stores and even online retailers carry all-in-one garage screen kits, which could also make life easier. Be sure to read reviews, as the less expensive kits may not be durable. Low-cost screens break relatively easily, and the cost for screen repair can be as much as $150.
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