Learn
Know your screen before you buy
Screen types
Standard window screen
The everyday insect screen for single-hung, double-hung, and sliding windows.
Sliding window screen
Rides in a track beside a slider; often uses rollers or plungers.
Mesh
Charcoal fiberglass
The most popular choice. Low glare, best outward visibility.
Gray fiberglass
Lighter look that blends with light frames; slightly more visible.
Aluminum
Crisp and durable, but dents, can oxidize near the coast, and is more difficult to work with.
Solar
Dense mesh that blocks much of the sun's heat and glare, with reduced outward visibility.
Pet-resistant
Heavy vinyl-coated polyester that stands up better to claws and paws.
No-see-um
Extra-fine weave that stops tiny biting insects and some pollen, with less airflow than standard mesh. Because it traps pollen, it may need cleaning more often.
Frames & color
Frame thickness
Standard frames are 5/16", 3/8", or 7/16" thick. Match your window channel.
Frame color
White, bronze, silver, black, and tan are common. Match your window trim for a clean look.
Hardware
Leaf springs
Flat springs on one edge push the screen tight into the channel.
Pull tabs
Small tabs on the opposite edge so you can pull the screen out.
Corner inserts
Metal or plastic corners that join the four frame pieces into a rectangle.
Spline
The rubber cord that presses the mesh into the frame's groove and holds it tight.
Ram horns
Curved clips that hold the screen from the top edge.
Plungers
Spring-loaded pins, common on sliders and casement-style openings.
What's in a kit
The kit
Frame pieces, corner inserts, pull tabs, leaf springs, mesh, and spline — everything but the tools.
The tools
A spline roller, a flathead screwdriver, and a utility knife cover nearly every build. A mallet helps on stubborn corners.
Guides & how-tos
Coming soon
How to replace window screen mesh (rescreen a window)
Coming soon
The cheapest way to get custom window screens online
Coming soon
DIY window screen kit vs. assembled: which is worth it?
Coming soon
Fiberglass vs. aluminum screen mesh
Coming soon
Pet-resistant and solar screens explained
Coming soon
Leaf springs vs. ram horns vs. plungers
Coming soon