What Drives Screened Porch Cost in Alabama
Four things account for most of the price variation in screened porch projects: size, framing material, roof type, and whether you need a new foundation or can build on existing concrete.
In Mobile specifically, there are a few cost factors that differ from other Alabama markets. Gulf Coast humidity means we strongly recommend pressure-treated or aluminum framing rather than standard lumber -- the upcharge is worth it. No-see-um mesh costs more than standard 18x14 screen, but the love bug seasons in May and September and heavy mosquito activity from March through October make it a practical choice for most customers, not a luxury.
Screened Porch Cost by Project Type
| Project Type | Typical Range (Mobile, AL) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rescreen only (existing frame) | $2,000 -- $5,000 | Price depends on porch size and mesh type |
| Screen porch repair | $500 -- $3,500 | Storm damage, rotted framing, door hardware |
| Enclosing an open porch (existing slab) | $8,000 -- $18,000 | Adding screen framing and panels to covered porch |
| New screened porch (existing slab) | $10,000 -- $25,000 | Framing, roofing, screen, door -- no new concrete |
| New screened porch (new slab) | $18,000 -- $40,000 | Includes concrete pour and footings |
| Aluminum screen room | $12,000 -- $28,000 | Pre-engineered aluminum system with screen infill |
| Pool enclosure | $20,000 -- $55,000 | Size and height are main cost drivers |
| Three-season room | $22,000 -- $50,000 | Insulated, may include HVAC rough-in |
| Sunroom addition | $35,000 -- $80,000+ | Foundation, glass, HVAC -- treated as addition |
How Size Affects the Price
As a rough rule of thumb, a screened porch in Mobile costs between $80 and $180 per square foot all-in, depending on materials and what's included. A 200-square-foot porch on the low end of materials might land around $16,000 to $22,000. A 400-square-foot porch with premium framing, a standing-seam metal roof, and no-see-um mesh could be $45,000 or more.
These are fully installed numbers including permits, framing, roofing, screen, and a screen door. They don't include electrical, ceiling fans, or any deck refinishing work.
Framing Material Costs
Pressure-treated pine is the most common framing material and the most affordable. Aluminum framing costs 20 to 35 percent more but is completely rot-proof and holds up well in coastal conditions. Cedar and composite options exist but are less commonly used in the Mobile market.
For pool enclosures specifically, aluminum framing is almost always the right choice. The combination of pool chemicals, humidity, and proximity to water makes wood framing a poor long-term choice for pool structures.
Screen Type and Cost
Standard fiberglass 18x14 screen is the cheapest option. No-see-um (20x20 mesh) costs roughly 15 to 25 percent more. For Gulf Coast conditions, we recommend no-see-um for most residential porches. Charcoal solar screen, which blocks more sun and provides better outward visibility, costs somewhat more than standard screen but less than no-see-um.
Pet-resistant screen costs two to three times more than standard screen and is worth considering if you have dogs or cats that spend time on the porch.
Permits and Their Cost
Building permits through Mobile Building Services are required for new screened porches and most enclosures. Permit fees in Mobile typically run $150 to $600 for residential porch work depending on project value. We include permit costs in our quotes and handle the filing ourselves -- you don't pay separately or deal with the permit office.
Permit processing in Mobile generally takes 1 to 3 weeks. We schedule the job start date around permit approval, not before it.
What's Not Included in Most Quotes
Be clear with any contractor about what's included. Items that are commonly excluded from standard screened porch quotes:
- Electrical work (outlets, lighting, ceiling fans)
- Deck refinishing or staining
- Concrete repair or leveling on an existing slab
- Tree trimming or grading around the build area
- Furniture or decor
Our quotes always specify exactly what's included and what's not. If you want ceiling fan wiring or lighting added, we'll include it in the quote after the on-site visit.
Mobile vs. Other Alabama Markets
Labor costs in Mobile tend to be slightly lower than in Huntsville or Birmingham. Material costs are roughly the same statewide. However, the coastal climate considerations in Mobile -- corrosion resistance, no-see-um screen, drainage design -- can add 10 to 20 percent to material costs compared to a similar job in a drier inland market.
For Baldwin County projects (Fairhope, Daphne, Spanish Fort), pricing is similar to Mobile. We don't add a travel surcharge for the bay crossing.
How to Get an Accurate Quote
Phone quotes for screened porches are rarely accurate. The only way to get a real number is an on-site visit where we can measure the space, assess the existing structure, and talk through your goals.
When we come out, we'll ask about your preferred screen type, framing material, roofing preference, door hardware, and timeline. We'll also check whether the existing slab or deck can support the new framing without modifications. Some older slabs in Mobile need minor leveling work before we can build -- that's something we catch during the estimate, not after we've started.