How to Pick the Right Screen Door: Types, Material, & Use

You’ve decided that you’re installing screen doors in your home. Excellent choice. Now all that’s left is choosing the best type of door to suit your home and needs. 

There are many options out there, which can become overwhelming. That’s why we’ve created this screen door guide – to help you make a sound decision. 

Screen doors are investments – they add value to your home, including other solid benefits like security and safety. Select the correct door, frame, material, and color to suit your needs, family, home, and neighborhood.

Keep on reading and choose your screen door today.

 

Different types of screen doors

Screen doors have evolved over the years, and many modern screen doors exist to complement your lifestyle. To quickly outline the different doors available:

    • Security doors
    • Pet resistant doors
    • Storm doors
    • Sliding screen doors
    • French doors

 

Security doors: these are solid and impenetrable doors that fit over your entryway. They have fortified locking systems and come with a mesh resistant to knives (if you choose mesh). Otherwise, your security screen door can have a glass or metal pattern finish.

Not only will they prevent burglars from entering, but with one look, they’ll also deter would-be burglars from even trying. Customize your security door to complement your home’s decor, boosting curbside appeal and adding value to the resale price.

Pet-resistant doors: pets always create a divide in the family: do we leave them indoors or outdoors while we’re away at work? Installing a pet door is the perfect solution. It allows your pet to remain independent without scratching, barking, or ‘indoor accidents.’

If you have indoor-only pets, then you might not like the idea of a doggie door. However, you don’t want them running out whenever you’ve got the door open or tearing your screen whenever a squirrel runs past the house. Pet-resistant screens have a hardier, more durable mesh.

Storm doors: doors and screens built to withstand strong winds, heavy snowfall, and harsh weather conditions. For example, there is no weather-based need to get a storm door if you live in most places in California – it’s an unnecessary expense for such a mild climate.

These doors cover your main door entirely and can be customized. If you’re unsure whether you need a storm door or not, contact your local Screenmobile. We could be the solution to the wind whistling throughout your home or the endless draft you get in the winter. If that wind can get in, it’ll start knocking things over and weaken your main door when it gets stronger.

The standard screen door

Exterior door standard size chart

This type of screen door is your best friend. It’s reliable, dependable, and does the job exactly as it should. These doors are mass-produced with standard American home door dimensions. 

If your home is more than a few decades old, don’t be surprised if your door measurements don’t conform with the standards. Building regulations and codes are updated every three years, but remember, they’re not laws, more like guidelines. 

 

Custom screen doors

Customizing your screen door is the best way to reflect you and your decor. You can choose the materials and fabrics you want, the shape of the door, and the dimensions. Even the color and design of the metal-decorated exterior, if that’s what you choose. 

Screenmobile thrives on custom screen doors and is more than happy to escort you to selecting the door type that suits your home, family, and needs.

 

Luxury screen doors

Let’s give custom screen doors a one-up and go total luxury: motorized screens, retractable screens, screens where you keep your view, but no one can see in.

Choose lavish and intricate designs, use the best material, and hook your screens to an app! 

Of course, these are the most expensive screen door types, but they will add massive value to your home. 

 

Choosing the best screen door type for your home

There are five main factors to consider when deciding which type of screen door you need for your home. 

  1. Location
  2. Space
  3. Climate
  4. Primary uses (listed above)
  5. Budget

Answering these simple questions is a great way to get the ball rolling. However, our Screenmobile representatives will be more than happy to help you with this process and more. 

Question One: Where are you located? Are you in the city or the country? In a built-up area or secluded?

Question Two: Is your door space large or small? Are you interested in double french, sliding, or standard swinging doors?

Question Three: What’s the weather like? Are you situated in Hurricane or Tornado alley, or beneath the intense glare of the Californian sun, for example?

Question Four: Why are you installing a screen door? Check out the different types above for guidance.

Question Five: How much do you have to spend? And remember, this is an investment, not an expenditure.

Take this case study, for example, from Bob Driscoll.

 

Question Answer Door Type
Location Colorado Storm Door
Space Restricted Single door
Climate Cold, heavy snowfall Storm Door
Primary Uses Prevent drafts and keep pets indoors Storm door with pet-resistant screen
Budget $500 Standard version

What he needs is a standard single storm door with a pet-resistant screen.

Try it yourself; it will save heaps of time. 

 

Knock, knock, who’s there? Screenmobile!

Find the local Screenmobile in your area and contact us today with your project details. Our technician will punctually come to your home at an appointed time and discuss your project with you. They’ll advise you on the best choice within your budget and according to your decor and needs. 

We measure, build, and install, and you enjoy the benefits of the perfect screen door type for your home. 

Request an Estimate