How To: Pick the Right Screening

As the weather warms up, there’s nothing better than opening your windows and doors to let in some much-needed fresh air. But unfortunately, that fresh breeze often brings along some unwanted guests—bugs.

Rather than relying on chemical sprays or citronella candles, one of the most effective ways to keep insects out while still enjoying the outdoors is by installing window screens and screen doors.

I’ve previously shared a DIY tutorial on how to build your own custom window screens—you can check out the video below. It’s a budget-friendly project that delivers professional-looking results. However, one important topic I didn’t cover in that video is how to choose the right screening material for your project.

From decorative options like bronze or aluminum, to practical solutions like pet-resistant mesh, and the reliable fiberglass screen, there are plenty of choices. In this post, I’ll walk you through the different types of screening materials, when to use each, and the cost considerations to help you make the best decision for your home.

Pick the Right Screening

With so many types of screen mesh available—each with its own price point and purpose—it's important to identify what you want your screen to achieve before making a decision. Whether you're focused on budget, durability, aesthetics, or pet resistance, the right screen depends on your specific needs.

The good news? All screen types will effectively block insects, so the choice comes down to additional features and how the screen will be used.

Let’s start with the most basic and affordable option, then work our way up.

Fiberglass Screening

Fiberglass screening is the most common and cost-effective option on the market today, typically priced around $0.25 per square foot. Most fiberglass mesh is vinyl-coated, which adds flexibility and improves its lifespan, even in outdoor conditions.

What makes fiberglass especially popular is its resilience and flexibility. If someone bumps into the screen—say, a curious toddler or an overexcited pet—it tends to stretch and bounce back instead of sagging or denting like metal mesh might. That makes it a smart, practical choice for families with young children or anyone working with a tight budget.

Aluminum Screening

A step up from fiberglass, aluminum screening offers enhanced durability and is a great choice—especially for homes seeking a more traditional or historic aesthetic, as it closely resembles the galvanized steel screens used in older homes.

Aluminum is tougher than fiberglass, making it more resistant to tearing. However, because it's a thin metal, it can dent easily when bumped, which may affect its appearance over time.

Charcoal Aluminum Screening

Aluminum screens come in several finishes, including bright, charcoal, and black. While bright aluminum offers a clean, reflective look, charcoal and black options are better for visibility, as they reduce glare and allow the eye to see past the mesh more easily.

Expect to pay around $0.46 per square foot, which is roughly double the cost of fiberglass—but still affordable for most projects.

Bronze Screening

If you're after a high-end, classic look, bronze screening is the premium choice. It’s stronger and more resilient than aluminum, offering better long-term durability—but it also comes with a few trade-offs.

Freshly installed, bronze screens have a rich golden hue that beautifully catches the light. Over time, this finish matures into a deep copper tone, and eventually, after decades of exposure, may develop a greenish patina, much like aged copper. This natural aging process gives bronze screens a timeless, elegant appearance—especially suited for historic or upscale homes.

The downside? Price. Bronze screening comes at a premium, costing approximately $2.65 per square foot—that’s more than 10 times the price of fiberglass. However, for homeowners seeking luxury aesthetics and long-lasting performance, it may be well worth the investment.

Pet Screening

If you share your home with furry companions, pet screening is a smart upgrade—especially for screen doors and lower window openings. This type of screen is made from reinforced fiberglass and is approximately 20% stronger than standard fiberglass mesh.

It’s designed to withstand the curious noses and paws of small to medium-sized dogs and cats—as long as they don't turn it into a scratching post! While the visibility is slightly reduced compared to standard fiberglass, it’s still very good.

At around $0.96 per square foot, pet screening is more expensive than standard mesh, but well worth the investment to avoid frequent replacements caused by playful (or persistent) pets.

Solar Screening

If you live in a hot, sunny climate—especially in the southern U.S.—solar screening is a game-changer. Made with a tighter weave, solar screen blocks up to 90% of the sun’s heat, helping to cool your home and reduce energy costs.

Priced at around $0.75 per square foot, it’s a relatively small up charge for the energy savings and increased comfort it provides. It's especially effective on south- and west-facing windows and can also be installed on pergolas or outdoor structures to create cooler, shaded seating areas.

While usually available in black, solar screening comes in several grades, offering heat-blocking levels ranging from 40% to 90%. And while all screens offer some sun protection, only solar screens are specifically engineered for that purpose.

Stainless Steel Screening

If you're looking for a premium option for high-traffic areas or coastal environments, stainless steel screening is the top-tier choice. It’s available in a matte black finish, blending in seamlessly with typical screens, but provides superior strength and maximum corrosion resistance.

With an 18×18 mesh and a cost of around $2.13 per square foot, it’s more expensive but extremely durable. It resists denting, rusting, and tearing, making it ideal for screen doors, beach houses, and other exposed locations.

That same strength, however, makes it challenging to work with. Expect dull blades and extra effort when cutting and fitting. Still, for long-lasting performance, it’s a highly worthwhile investment—even if, like me, you don’t (yet) own a beach house or screen porch!

Final Thoughts

I hope this guide has helped you find the perfect screening option for your next project. The truth is, there’s no wrong choice—just better choices based on your specific needs, environment, and budget.

Let me know in the comments which screen type you prefer and why—I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences!