We researched retractable screen doors and evaluated them based on ease of installation, ease of use, looks, and durability. Our top pick, the Andersen LuminAire Retractable Screen Door is simple to install, tucks away when not in use, moves smoothly and quietly, and comes with a lock. Here are the best retractable screen doors. What do buyers say? 2,000+ Home Depot reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above. Our top pick, the Andersen LuminAire Retractable Screen Door is easy to install and doesn’t require any cutting as long as your opening is the correct size. Installation can take less than 45 minutes, (sometimes longer if extra modifications are needed) and the door comes with a drill bit to help make things go more smoothly. There’s also a locking mechanism, but note that it may take a bit of practice to get accustomed to maneuvering it. Before purchasing, make sure to check Andersen’s helpful and detailed PDF which will help you determine whether or not this screen will fit in your space. The door is designed to slide smoothly and easily, although some users warned that the screen may rip over time with heavy use. The width can be adjusted between approximately 32 and 36 inches, and you can install it so it opens from either the right or left side. Although this setup is for a single door, you can also purchase the same style in a double version for patios. One complaint is that the aluminum mesh is so discreet that the door is easy to walk into if you forget it’s there, especially at nighttime. It’s also not ideal for toddlers or rambunctious pets who might damage it by trying to break through the screen. You should also keep in mind that this screen door only works with exterior doors that swing inwards. Price at time of publish: $219 Obviously, this style isn’t the most attractive or discreet, but given the affordable price, it may be worth it if you’re on a budget and can’t install a screen door with a plastic or metal frame. This option also works well for families with kids who have difficulty with traditional latch and lock mechanisms (just know that there’s no way to keep them from freely moving in and out). Another perk: The company, Flux Phenom, offers a lifetime replacement guarantee. Price at time of publish: $32 The door also comes with a deadbolt and a foot pedal at the bottom that allows you to prop it open with a tap of your toe. There are several different colors and handle finishes that you can mix and match for a totally custom look. The door only swings outwards, and you can choose between left- or right-handed installation. There are four different widths available, ranging from 30 to 36 inches. Price at time of publish: $414 There’s a locking latch that can be installed on either the inside or outside, and the door is meant to be moved with only one hand. We love that the discreet stripes woven into the screen offer a subtle cue that it’s there, which should help guard against unexpected bumps (especially key when there’s lots of glare from sunlight). The smooth retracting mechanism helps prevent slamming and the housing and track has a rust-resistant coating. If damage occurs and you need to replace the screen, Larson offers new ones through customer service. Unfortunately, it’s only available in one color, white. Price at time of publish: $328 The Inspire is sold in white and can fit openings as wide as 36 inches and as tall as 81 inches. The flat bottom helps make it accessible for wheelchairs and walkers since there is no edge sticking up. A nice feature is that the cassette can be removed for storage during the winter months when you won’t be using your screen door, so you won’t need to take the screen out completely. Price at time of publish: $222 The door also has plenty of heavy-duty weatherstripping, and the sweep at the bottom can be adjusted to work with your sill. The frame is nearly 1.5 inches thick and also has reinforced corners to help keep it in place. We also appreciate the variety of colors and handle finishes available to help match your decor. One common complaint is that the handle is not included and must be purchased separately (which cost around $50 at the time of publication). Price at time of publish: $325 The height is 82 inches and the doors can fit openings up to 74.25 inches wide. When you’re not using the screen, it easily retracts out of the way so you can enjoy the view through the glass. Note that some users found that the screws that came with the door were of low quality and that the installation process was tricky. Also, keep in mind that this set should only be used with French doors that open inwards. Price at time of publish: $722 This screen will work whether your door swings in or out, and fits widths between 32 and 36 inches, though you can also make it narrower by trimming the end of the track. It’s meant to fit doors that are 96 inches tall, and can be adjusted for openings of up to 97 inches. It comes in four classic colors and has an ergonomic handle fitted with a simple locking latch that can be placed on either side of the door. The aluminum frame is covered in a rust-resistant coating that’s designed to withstand the elements. Price at time of publish: $406 Most products are offered in multiple sizes, so you should be able to find a retractable screen door that fits the doorway and your tastes. Measure the height from the door sill to the top of the door frame and measure the width at the bottom of the doorway, the middle of the doorway, and the top of the doorway to ensure accuracy.
Mesh Material
The purpose of a retractable screen door is to allow air to flow into and out of the home without letting insects, leaves, and other small objects pass through the mesh. Typically, screen doors are made with either fiberglass mesh or polyester mesh, though some screens may also be made with aluminum mesh. Fiberglass mesh is a durable material that is resistant to damage, making it a great choice for high-traffic areas, like the front door. The thick layer of fiberglass keeps pests out and air in, though it hinders the view of the outside world more than polyester or aluminum mesh. “Vinyl-coated fiberglass mesh is the most popular option because of its durability, and it’s also affordable and easy to install,” says Giovanni Scippo, an interior designer and director of 3D Lines, a U.K.-based architectural renderings company. “Fiberglass doesn’t crease or easily dent after rough use,” says Jason Farr, president and owner of Aviara Pavers, a design and outdoor living specialist company headquartered in Escondido, California. Polyester mesh is one of the most commonly used materials because it’s inexpensive, easy to see through, and keeps pests out. If you choose to go with polyester, look for a product with a high fiber count to increase durability. “Polyester comes in a wide variety of prints, patterns, and thicknesses,” says Farr. Aluminum mesh is generally the most expensive option, but also the most durable due to its rigidity. It allows ample air and sun into the home. Aluminum mesh is typically coated for increased protection against rain, wind, sleet, and snow. “Aluminum is slightly more durable than fiberglass. It’s weather-resistant and offers good ventilation and protection from insects,” says Scippo. If you want a great view from your door, consider aluminum as well. “Aluminum has greater visibility, which is fantastic for looking out,” says Farr. (Just remember you may also be more likely to bump into it when it’s closed, too.) A final consideration when choosing a mesh material is light filtration and visibility. “The differences in these materials will determine how much light can enter the house or if it is even possible to see outside at all,” says Kowalski.
Frame Finish
Retractable screen doors are designed to roll up into a frame, but you need to think about what type of frame the screen has and whether it is the right choice for your home. Think about the finish and if it will look appealing with the doorframe. You can find ABS plastic frames in various colors. These frames are flexible, lightweight, and can be painted to match the decor. Metal frames can also be painted, and they are significantly more durable than ABS plastic. There are also magnetic retractable screen doors that fasten directly onto the door frame with nails or tacks. While the screen doesn’t roll up into a frame, it can be opened and secured to the sides of the doorframe, so it isn’t in the way. Metal frames might rust if you’re in a coastal area that’s exposed to a lot of moisture, but they may also be tougher if wear and tear is a factor. “Metal frames are a sturdier option for a home with kids,” says Farr.
Single vs. Double Door
Retractable screen doors come in various sizes, including both single and double door. When you are measuring the dimensions of the doorway, note whether it is a single or double door. Single-door retractable screens commonly measure between 30 to 40 inches in width, and they are typically more affordable than a double-door product because they are made with less material. A double-door retractable screen will usually measure about 60 to 80 inches in width, making it ideal for French door walkouts.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Lexi Dwyer, a freelance writer for The Spruce. She’s been writing for The Spruce since 2019 and has covered topics such as door locks, patio tables, and recycling bins. When creating her list, she aimed to include doors in a mix of styles, sizes, and configurations, and looked for ones that had good reviews for ease of installation and use, attractiveness, and durability. To learn more about retractable screen doors, Lexi spoke with Giovanni Scippo of 3D Lines, Jason Farr of Aviara Pavers, and Kamil Kowalsk of LimakWay Remodeling. Additional reporting and research for this article was done by Timothy Dale, a long-time home improvement expert specializing in plumbing, construction, and product recommendations, among other topics.
