COST GUIDES

How much does a fly screen door cost?

Updated 08/26

How much does a door screen cost?

Blog>Cost Guides>How much does a fly screen door cost?

Cost up the price of buying and installing a fly screen door, from budget magnetic kits to bespoke security screens.

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This article can help you understand
  • Which type of fly screen door suits your home

  • The difference between magnetic, retractable and bi-fold screens

  • What DIY kits cost vs professional installation

  • How much security screen doors cost

  • What affects your final price

  • How to find a trusted fitter near you

Fly screens are a simple way to keep bugs, pollen and draughts out while letting fresh air in - and they've become one of the most searched-for door upgrades in the UK.

Whether you want a cheap magnetic kit for a patio door or a bespoke, professionally fitted security screen, prices vary hugely depending on the type, size and how it's fitted.

This guide breaks down fly screen door costs by type, so you know what to expect before you buy or book a tradesperson.

Fly screen door cost guide

Fly screen door typeUnitCost - lowCost - highAverage cost
Magnetic fly screen (DIY kit)Per door£10£40£25
Fly screen curtain/stripPer door£15£40£28
Retractable fly screen doorPer door, supplied£80£300£190
Bi-fold/patio door fly screenPer door, supplied£150£500£325
Swinging/hinged screen doorPer door£100£350£225
Security screen doorPer door, professionally fitted£250£600£425
Professional installation (labour only)Per door£75£200£138
Last updated: August 2026
Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now

Costs range from budget magnetic kits at around £10 to bespoke security screen doors at up to £600, professionally fitted.

Top Tip

If you're only trying to keep flies out of a rarely-used door, a magnetic or curtain screen is usually enough. Save the retractable and bespoke options for doors you use every day.

attaching-fly-screen-velcro-strip-door

Types of fly screen door

Here are the most popular types of fly screen and screen door, from cheapest to most secure:

Magnetic fly screen doors

Magnetic fly screens are the cheapest and easiest option. They fix to the door frame with adhesive strips or Velcro, and the two halves snap shut behind you thanks to magnetic strips down the middle - no drilling required.

They're ideal for renters or anyone wanting a quick, temporary fix, but they're not as durable or secure as other types.

Fly screen curtains

Fly screen curtains (sometimes called strip curtains) hang in strands or beads across a doorway. They're cheap and easy to fit, and work well on wide openings like patio doors, but they offer little in the way of security or draught-proofing.

Retractable fly screen doors

Retractable screens slide open and disappear into a slim casing when not in use, so they don't affect the look of your home. They're a popular choice for sliding and patio doors and can be fitted to most door types, making them fairly versatile.

Bi-fold and patio door fly screens

Bi-fold doors need a screen that can fold or slide out of the way with them, so these are usually custom-made to match the width and track of your existing doors. Expect to pay more for a bespoke fit, but you'll get a screen that moves with your door rather than getting in the way.

Swinging (hinged) screen doors

Swinging screen doors open and close like a normal door. They usually have an aluminium, steel or wooden frame, so they're a more secure option than magnetic or curtain screens, and you can choose a design that matches your home.

Security screen doors

Security screen doors add a strengthened, durable layer to your external door, deterring intruders while keeping pets and children safely indoors or outdoors. They're the priciest option but the only one designed with security as the main focus.

Not sure which type suits your home? A window fitter can advise on retractable and bi-fold screens, while a locksmith can talk you through security options for the door itself.

How much does a magnetic fly screen door cost?

Magnetic fly screen kits are the cheapest option, typically costing £10 to £40 for a standard single door size. Larger or double-door kits, and heavier-duty mesh, will push you towards the top of that range.

Most are designed for DIY fitting and don't require a tradesperson, though you may want a professional if your door frame is an unusual shape or size.

How much does a retractable or bi-fold fly screen cost?

Retractable screens for standard doors cost £80 to £300 supplied, depending on size and mesh quality.

Bi-fold and patio door screens cost more, typically £150 to £500, because they're made to measure and need to track alongside multiple door panels.

Top Tip

Always measure your door opening (width and height) before buying online - bi-fold and patio screens are rarely a standard size, and an ill-fitting screen won't retract smoothly.

man installing door screen

How much do security screen doors cost?

Security screen doors typically cost £250 to £600 for a single door with a secure locking system, professionally fitted. The exact price depends on the frame material (aluminium, steel or timber), mesh type and lock quality.

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Screen door installation cost

If you'd rather not fit a screen door yourself, hiring a professional typically costs £75 to £200 in labour, depending on whether the screen arrives ready to install or needs full assembly first.

Bespoke bi-fold, patio or security screens usually take longer to fit and may cost more at the top end, especially if your door frame needs adjusting first.

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Fly screen door checklist

Before contacting a tradesperson, here's what to check:

DIY or professional fitting - which should you choose?

Not every fly screen needs a tradesperson. Use this as a quick guide:

  • Go DIY if: you want a magnetic or curtain screen, your door is a standard size, and you're comfortable with basic tools

  • Hire a professional if: you're fitting a retractable, bi-fold or security screen, your door frame is non-standard, or you want a guaranteed, neat finish

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How to find a checked fitter for your fly screen door

Search Checkatrade to find a vetted window fitter or locksmith near you, and compare quotes before you commit.

Have this information ready so fitters can give you an accurate price:

  • The type of screen you want (magnetic, retractable, bi-fold or security)

  • The exact width and height of your door opening

  • Whether the screen needs to be bespoke or off-the-shelf

  • Any access issues, such as an unusual frame or step

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Fly screen door cost FAQs

  • A magnetic fly screen is a fixed panel that snaps shut behind you, while a retractable screen slides open and disappears into a casing when not needed. Retractable screens cost more but look neater and last longer.

  • Most mesh screens last around 3 to 5 years before the mesh needs replacing, though frames typically last much longer. Cheaper magnetic and curtain screens tend to wear out fastest with frequent use.

  • Yes - a torn mesh panel can usually be re-meshed rather than replacing the whole frame, which is often cheaper. This is worth asking a tradesperson about if only the mesh has failed.

  • If you have cats or dogs, pet-resistant mesh is a good investment. It's more tear-resistant than standard fibreglass mesh and better withstands scratching and pawing.

  • Standard magnetic, curtain and retractable screens are not designed for security - they're for keeping insects out. Only screens specifically marketed as security screen doors offer meaningful resistance to intruders.

  • Off-the-shelf magnetic and curtain screens can usually be self-fitted. Bespoke bi-fold and patio door screens are made to measure and are best left to a professional to ensure smooth operation.

  • No, fitting a fly screen or screen door doesn't usually require planning permission, as it's considered a minor addition rather than a structural change. Check with your local authority if your property is listed.

  • Measure the full width and height of your door opening, including the frame, before ordering. For bespoke screens, a professional installer will usually measure on-site to guarantee an accurate fit.

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