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The most affordable way to screen in a porch is to add a base track system to an existing wooden frame. The whole process should cost around $2,000 for supplies, depending on the size of your porch. It’s much pricier to build a screened-in porch or sunroom from scratch—and you’ll probably need to hire a contractor for a project like that.

If you’re not keen on using a traditional doggie door, there are some alternatives. One popular option is a solid, insulated door that you can lock when you’re out of the home for added security. You can also opt for a doggie screen, which you can lift and lower to allow your pooch access to the outdoors. These are a bit more convenient to use than a regular exterior door, although security could be an issue. You can also install a screen door with a small opening for your pup to prevent bugs from coming inside as your dog exits.

The screen on many screen doors is held in place by screen spline. Screen spline is typically a thin vinyl tubing that fits into the groove of the door’s frame and holds the screen in place. To install the spline on a screen door, you’ll need a spline roller—a tool that presses the spline and screen into the door’s narrow groove. Note that old spline can crack and break, so replacing your screens is a good time to replace the spline, too.

While sometimes used interchangeably, screen doors and storm doors have key differences. Screen doors are simple structures, typically composed of just a frame and a screen, designed to keep out bugs while allowing air circulation. In contrast, storm doors are heavier and more complex, built to protect your home's main entry door from weather and intruders. They usually feature an aluminum frame with interchangeable tempered glass and screen panels, allowing you to switch between ventilation and insulation. A storm door offers more protection and versatility but generally costs more than a basic screen door.