Most homeowners pay $8,700–$28,350 to enclose a patio, with a national average of about $17,800. Simply screening an existing covered patio costs about $10–$25 per sq. ft. ($2,000–$5,000 for 200 sq. ft.), while a four-season sunroom can run $200–$400 per sq. ft. (HomeAdvisor and HomeGuide data, as of October 2026).
Updated October 8, 2026. Source: HomeAdvisor + 1 more. National US estimates.
Enclosing a patio turns it into a bug-free, weather-protected space you can use for more of the year. The cost depends on how far you go: screens on an existing roofed patio, a three-season room with windows, or a fully insulated four-season sunroom that works like part of the house.
Below you'll find prices by enclosure type and size, a breakdown for a typical project, and how to save. If you only want overhead shade, a pergola is far cheaper; see our pergola installation cost guide.
Average cost
Typical patio enclosure costs by project type, national averages as of October 2026:
| Scenario | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Screening an existing covered patio (about 200 sq. ft.) | $2,000–$5,000 | $10–$25 per sq. ft.; uses existing roof and slab |
| Typical enclosure: framed walls with screens or windows | $8,700–$28,350 | National average about $17,800 |
| Three-season room | $7,000–$55,000 | About $80–$230 per sq. ft.; windows but little or no insulation |
| Four-season sunroom | $16,000–$70,000 | About $200–$400 per sq. ft.; insulated and heated or cooled |
Patio enclosure cost by type
| Enclosure type | Installed cost per sq. ft. | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| DIY screen kit | $10–$20 | Kits cost $1,500–$5,000; needs an existing level base |
| Screening an existing roofed patio | $10–$25 | Cheapest professional option |
| New screened-in patio (base, roof and screens) | $50–$175 | Built from scratch |
| Three-season room | $80–$230 | Glass or vinyl windows, usable spring to fall |
| Four-season sunroom | $200–$400 | Insulated, year-round space |
| Solarium | $300–$800 | Glass roof and walls |
Patio enclosure cost by size
| Size | Screens on existing patio | Walls and windows |
|---|---|---|
| 10 x 10 ft (100 sq. ft.) | $1,000–$2,500 | $10,000–$35,000 |
| 12 x 16 ft (192 sq. ft.) | $1,900–$4,800 | $19,200–$67,200 |
| 10 x 20 ft (200 sq. ft.) | $2,000–$5,000 | $20,000–$70,000 |
| 16 x 16 ft (256 sq. ft.) | $2,550–$6,400 | $25,600–$89,600 |
| 20 x 20 ft (400 sq. ft.) | $4,000–$10,000 | $40,000–$140,000 |
Cost breakdown: materials, labor, permits and extras
Line-item estimate for enclosing an existing covered patio of about 150–200 sq. ft. with framed walls, screens or vinyl windows and a door, on the existing slab. Ranges are national, as of October 8, 2026.
| Cost item | Typical range | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Materials (framing, screens or windows, door, trim) | $5,000–$12,000 | Aluminum framing with screens is cheapest; glass in metal frames costs most |
| Labor | $3,000–$10,000 | Three-season construction labor runs about $3,000–$15,000 |
| Permits & survey | $200–$500 | Full enclosures usually need a permit |
| Electrical, flooring & extras | $300–$3,000 | An outdoor outlet averages about $300 |
| Contingency (about 10%) | $500–$2,000 | Slab leveling, roof tie-in, drainage |
| Estimated total | $9,000–$27,500 | Before any discounts or rebates |
Building a new slab, deck or roof for the enclosure adds substantially to these figures.
What affects the price
- Material. Screens in plastic or aluminum frames are the cheapest option, while glass in metal frames is the most expensive. Wood framing looks traditional but needs more upkeep than aluminum or vinyl.
- Size. Cost scales with floor area. Screening an existing 10x10 patio runs about $1,000–$2,500, while adding walls and windows to the same space costs $10,000–$35,000.
- Glass or screen. Screen mesh costs only about $4.50 per sq. ft. in materials, so screened enclosures stay affordable. Adding windows for a three-season room raises the price to about $80–$230 per sq. ft., and an insulated four-season room to $200–$400.
- Permits. Full enclosures and sunrooms typically need a building permit, usually about $200–$500; a property survey, if required, averages $380–$540. Simple screen additions often don't need one.
- Foundation. If there's no suitable base, a new concrete patio costs about $3–$35 per sq. ft., a deck base $25–$50 and a porch base $40–$150. Sunrooms generally need a sturdy reinforced slab, while a screened porch can often use the existing floor.
Ways to save
- Start with screens on an existing covered patio; at $10–$25 per sq. ft. it is a fraction of the cost of a glass enclosure.
- Use a premade kit if your patio already has a stable, level base and roof; kits cost about $1,500–$5,000 in materials.
- Choose removable vinyl or acrylic window panels instead of glass for a three-season room to get weather protection for less.
- Keep the existing slab and roofline so you avoid paying for a new foundation and roof structure.
- Get at least three quotes from enclosure or sunroom contractors and ask for the price per sq. ft. so different designs are easy to compare.
Related questions people ask
How much does a screened-in patio cost?
A screened-in patio costs about $10–$25 per sq. ft. if you're screening an existing roofed patio, or roughly $2,000–$5,000 for 200 sq. ft. HomeAdvisor puts basic screened-in projects at $500–$4,000. Building a new screened patio from scratch, with a base, posts and roof, runs about $50–$175 per sq. ft.
How to get an accurate quote
Get at least three written quotes from licensed, insured contractors who build patio enclosures or sunrooms. Give each:
- The patio's dimensions and whether it already has a roof, a level slab and electrical outlets.
- The type of enclosure you want (screens, three-season or four-season) and preferred frame material.
- Extras such as a door, ceiling fan, lighting, flooring or heating and cooling.
- Ask who handles permits and surveys, whether the existing slab is adequate, and what warranties cover frames, glass and labor.
FAQ
What is the difference between a three-season and a four-season room?
A three-season room has windows or panels but little insulation, so it is comfortable in spring through fall and costs about $80–$230 per sq. ft. A four-season room is insulated, often with HVAC, for year-round use and runs about $200–$400 per sq. ft.
Do I need a permit to enclose a patio?
Full enclosures and sunrooms usually require a permit, typically $200–$500, because they change the structure of the home. Partial enclosures and simple screen additions often don't, but check with your local building department.
Does a patio enclosure add value to a home?
An enclosure adds usable space, and a fully insulated four-season room may count as living area. A screened enclosure is cheaper but usually isn't counted as heated square footage.
For the big picture, start with our complete fence installation cost guide.
Related cost guides
Sources
- HomeAdvisor — How Much Does It Cost to Enclose a Porch or Patio in 2026? (updated Jun 20, 2026). Checked October 8, 2026.
- HomeGuide — How Much Do Patio Enclosures Cost to Build? (2026) (Feb 10, 2026). Checked October 8, 2026.
Prices are estimates and vary by location and provider. See our methodology and editorial policy. Browse all yard & pests cost guides.