We researched the best retractable screen doors on the market, carefully evaluating their installation requirements, size compatibility, materials, durability, and overall performance.
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A reliable retractable screen door should be easy to install and operate, and since it serves as an outdoor barrier, it should be durable enough to withstand the elements. For that reason, many doors are outfitted with a magnetic closure to provide a watertight seal when the door is closed. All of our top picks include all of the necessary hardware for do-it-yourself installation. Many can also be adjusted to fit door frames of various sizes, as well as different door types, including double doors and French doors.
“Retractable screen doors are a great way to open up your home to light and fresh air while keeping bugs and other pests out,” says Brian Shaunfield, a store manager at Lowe’s . “In addition to protecting your home from the elements, screens increase curb appeal , deflect water, and protect windows from dirt and debris.”
Compared to traditional sliding or swinging screen doors, retractable screen doors are typically easier to operate, and you can often do so using one hand or a push-button closer. As the name implies, the screens are designed to remain in a retracted position, allowing users to leave the door open as they make their way in and out of the house.
Best Overall
Andersen LuminAire Retractable Screen Door
PHOTO:
Homedepot
$228 At Home Depot
What We Like
Adjustable width
Discreet and streamlined profile
Lockable latch for added security
Available in multiple finishes and sizes
What We Don't Like
Easy to walk into
The Andersen LuminAire Retractable Screen Door earns our top spot because it is extremely easy to operate and install. This screen door glides smoothly and easily, and it can be operated with one hand for added convenience.
The door comes with a locking latch that adds extra security. Installation takes about 30 minutes, and the door comes with a drill bit to make the process go smoothly. The only additional tools required are a power drill or screwdriver and sealant.
The LuminAire features an aluminum frame and reinforced corners for durability. Another important point to mention is that the aluminum mesh is nearly transparent, which is great if you want an obstructed view through the glass. However, it's important to note that the mesh can be easy to miss and walk into, so it may not be the best choice for homes with playful children or pets who could accidentally damage it.
This screen can be adjusted to fit door frames between 32 and 36 inches, and you can install it as a left—or right-handed door. We recommend checking Andersen's helpful and detailed PDF to help you determine whether or not this screen will fit in your space.
Please note that this screen is intended for doors that swing inward and is not compatible with patio doors. The LuminAire is available in four neutral frame finishes—white, sandstone, bronze, and black—and in several sizes to fit door frames of various heights. It also includes a color-matched handle for a streamlined design.
Dimensions: 36 x 80 inches (available in two other sizes) | Frame material: Aluminum | Color options: White, sandtone, bronze, and black
Best Budget
Augo Magnetic Screen Door
PHOTO:
Amazon
$27 At Amazon
What We Like
Easy to install
Magnetic closure for hands-free use
Ideal for homes with children and pets
What We Don’t Like
No locking mechanism
Not the most attractive
The Augo Magnetic Screen Door is a fast, effective, and affordable way to keep bugs out. It has 30 magnets that run along the seam, which allows for hands-free use. The two panels open and close automatically when people pass through, which, unlike our best overall pick, makes this screen a good choice for high-traffic households with children and pets.
It can be adjusted to fit door frames up to 38 inches wide and 83 inches tall, and it’s constructed from heavy-duty black mesh to resist wear and tear. While this style isn't the most attractive or discreet, it’s a budget-friendly alternative to costlier options with plastic or metal frames.
One unique feature of this screen door, compared to other magnetic ones, is that it has handy snaps to hold the sides in place to allow for easy entry and exit. It is also by far the easiest option to install from our list. Simply use the provided thumbtack and velcro-like strips, and you're good to go. It’s important to note, however, that this screen doesn’t have any locking mechanism, and there is no way to keep children and pets from moving in and out (unless the door is closed).
Dimensions: 36 x 83 inches | Frame material: Fiberglass mesh | Color options: Black
Best Weather-Resistant
Andersen 3000 Series Retractable Screen Storm Door
PHOTO:
Homedepot
$496 At Home Depot
What We Like
Available in multiple sizes and colors
Hands-free foot pedal holds door open
Ideal for extreme climates
Pre-assembled for easy installation
What We Don’t Like
Bulkier than other options
Although this door is bulkier than other options, it’s a great choice if you live in a storm-prone area with heavy winds. Its 1.5-inch thick aluminum frame and plenty of weatherstripping make it a good bet for harsher climates where you want to keep drafts out.
This storm door from Andersen features a retractable screen that can be opened and closed vertically with one hand, providing almost instant ventilation as needed. For added convenience, it also features a hands-free foot pedal at the bottom that holds the door open.
This door comes in four sizes, ranging from 30 to 36 inches wide, to fit a variety of door frames. Additionally, it comes in eight different colors, allowing you to choose a color that complements or contrasts with your existing exterior. However, it is one of the more expensive options on this list, but that is not surprising given its vast array of features.
The Andersen 3000 series has a built-in deadbolt lock for added security, and the handle set, which comes in 10 different finishes, is included. For the window itself, customers can choose between clear glass or Low-E glass, which is darker but much more energy efficient.
Please note that this door only swings outwards, and you can choose between left- or right-handed installation. To top it off, this door comes pre-assembled for easy installation, which can take as little as 45 minutes, according to the manufacturer.
Dimensions: 32 x 80 inches (other sizes available) | Frame material: Aluminum | Color options: White, almond, sandtone, terratone, cinnamon toast, charcoal gray, bronze, black
Best for Pets
Larson Tradewinds Selection Pet Door
PHOTO:
Lowe's
$615 At Lowe's
What We Like
Built-in pet door
Bottom expanders seal opening
window easily opens with one hand
What We Don’t Like
Only fits pets up to 40 pounds
This elegant storm door has a retractable screen that allows you to control the breeze, let in light, and keep pests out. It also offers an array of convenient features to justify its steep price tag. Perhaps the most noteworthy feature is a built-in 8 x 12-inch pet door, which allows animals to come and go as they please.
It’s important to note that the door only accommodates pets up to 40 pounds. The door can be held open with the tap of your toe, and there is a keyed deadbolt lock for added security and peace of mind.
Although the full glass door allows maximum natural light into your home, it still provides superior weather protection. The door has double weatherstripping and an overlapping edge on the aluminum frame to create a tight seal. It’s available in two sizes to suit 32- and 36-inch-wide openings, and it comes in five neutral colors to complement almost any exterior.
For added convenience, this door features universal hinges for left- or right-sided installation. One caveat to this otherwise stellar offering is that the handle is sold separately, and you can choose from several shapes and finishes.
Dimensions: 32 x 81 inches (wider size available) | Frame material: Aluminum | Color options: White, black, brown, almond, sandstone
Best for French Doors
Verona Home Design Retractable Screen
PHOTO:
Wayfair
$474 At Wayfair
What We Like
Wool pile creates a tight seal
Comes with locking mechanism
Screen stays out of the way when not in use
Compatible with inward-opening French doors
What We Don’t Like
xzh supply professional and honest service.
Installation can be tricky
This double-screen set by Verona Home Design is one of the few options compatible with French doors. The set consists of two aluminum sliding screen doors, which feature a track wool pile on the top and bottom to keep the frame securely in place.
The white frame will blend in with many decor styles, and the aluminum mesh offers greater visibility, providing an unobstructed view through the glass. These screens’ 2-inch thickness is ideal for keeping out drafts and pests, and there’s also a locking mechanism on the handle for added protection.
These retractable screen doors are 82 inches high and fit door openings up to 74.25 inches wide. Thanks to a monorail track design, the doors retract smoothly and stay out of the way when not in use. Keep in mind that this set can only be used with French doors that open inward.
Dimensions: 74.25 x 82 inches | Frame material: Aluminum | Color options: White
Best for High-Traffic
Larson Aluminum Frame Retractable Screen Door
PHOTO:
Amazon
$222 At Amazon
What We Like
Opens and closes gently
Can be operated with one finger
Self-adjusts to fit uneven openings
Removable cassette for seasonal storage
What We Don't Like
Doesn’t have a lock
Striped design isn’t the most attractive or discreet
This retractable screen door can be operated with the touch of a finger, making it an excellent choice for a high-traffic area. It also has a brake mechanism that allows it to open and close gently, keeping noise to a minimum.
Thanks to a flat bottom, this door is also accessible for wheelchairs and walkers, as there is no lip or edge to get over. It comes with a white frame and can fit openings as wide as 36 inches and 81 inches tall. We love that the door self-adjusts to fit uneven openings, further adding to its convenience.
The Inspire 300 is made of aluminum and features a die-cast metal handle for durability; however, it doesn’t have a locking mechanism. One caveat to the pleated design is that it is distracting and not as attractive or discreet as other options. On the other hand, the striped design is ideal if you want to prevent people from walking into the door. A nice feature is that the cassette can be removed for seasonal storage, which means you don’t have to take the screen out completely.
Dimensions: 36 x 81 inches | Frame material: Aluminum | Color options: White
Best for Sliding Doors
Larson Brisa Retractable Screen Door
PHOTO:
Amazon
$249 At Amazon
$270 At Wayfair
$348 At Home Depot
What We Like
E-Z Glide System for smooth functionality
Striped pattern increases visibility
Durable, rust-free aluminum housing and track
What We Don't Like
Installation can be tricky
The Larson Brisa Retractable Screen Door can be pulled from side to side across the entryway as needed, making it an ideal choice for sliding patio doors. The full-view screen provides an unobstructed view of your yard, letting in a fresh breeze while keeping insects and debris out.
This single door is designed to fit in door frames that are 80 inches tall and between 32 and 36 inches wide. If you have a narrower door, it can be modified with two simple cuts. This screen can be installed on the right or left side of the door, and it reacts into a cassette when not in use.
One of our favorite features is the innovative E-Z Glide System, which helps to reduce noise and ensures that the door opens and retracts smoothly every time. The ergonomic handle allows for easy, one-handed operation, and it’s equipped with a locking latch for additional security.
We also appreciate the subtle stripes on the screen so people are aware that it’s there and don’t accidentally walk through it. Once installed, no maintenance is required because the aluminum housing and track are rust-free. We read some reports of parts breaking over time, so be sure to take advantage of the warranty if you encounter any problems.
Dimensions: 36 x 81 inches (adjusts to widths between 32 to 36 inches) | Frame material: Aluminum | Color options: White
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When summer gives way to autumn, it’s time to open the doors and welcome natural light and fresh air into the house. Of course, an open door also invites flying insects, creepy crawlies, and other potential pests—that’s where a good storm door comes in. Not only does a quality storm door block bugs while letting in light, but it also serves as an insulating layer against both hot and cold weather when paired with the exterior door.
Here’s a look at the features shoppers will want to consider and some of the best storm doors available today.
Photo: istockphoto.comWhile most of the storm doors on our list share similar characteristics, there are several differences among them, and this can impact a shopper’s choice. The following sections explain the key features that may help anyone interested in buying a storm door for their home select the one that’s best suited for them.
While some people use the terms “storm door” and “screen door” interchangeably, that doesn’t really apply here; a storm door is not the same thing as a screen door, so switching one out for the other won’t work.
Screen doors let in air and light while keeping bugs at bay. Storm doors do the same thing but are generally a bit sturdier. While storm doors often have a screen, they also add an extra layer of protection in the form of glass against rain, snow, and wind. Here’s another bonus shoppers will want to consider: Storm doors are more likely to enhance front door design than an average screen door.
Most quality storm doors are made from lightweight aluminum over a rigid foam core. They’re corrosion-resistant and require virtually no maintenance. Steel- and vinyl-clad storm doors and wood core options are also available. Higher-end models can serve as a home’s front door.
Storm doors come in various glass-panel options. Here’s a look at the design options available.
Storm doors come in standard sizes to fit entry doors. To ensure the right size, shoppers will need to measure the height and width of the existing entry door. Standard exterior doors are 80 inches tall, but the width can vary. While most entry doors are 36 inches wide, some are either 34 or 38 inches wide. Most back and side doors measure 32 inches wide.
As for opening options, many quality storm doors are reversible, meaning they can be installed to open either on the right side or the left side. For example, if a storm door is labeled as “right-opening,” that means the handle is on the right side when facing the door from outside the home. Users often prefer a storm door to open on the same side as the entry door.
Virtually all of today’s storm door glass is tempered, meaning that if broken, it will shatter into tiny pieces rather than dangerously sharp shards. Some storm doors feature double panes and include low-emissivity (low-e) glass to block heat transfer and conserve energy. Storm doors offer plain full or top glass panels or etched, frosted, or stained glass. Some even boast double glass panels with operable mini-blinds between the panes.
The two most common storm door colors are almond and white, but custom doors are available in a variety of colors, such as brown, evergreen, brick, sandstone, and many more, to complement the exterior aesthetic of a wide variety of homes. While some storm doors include a handle set, others require the handles to be purchased separately. Storm doors with built-in pet openings are suitable for animal lovers who want to let their furry family members come and go as they please.
Anyone looking to purchase a storm door should be aware that there will be some assembly involved. Unlike exterior entry doors, storm doors do not come prehung in their jambs. Rather, they are a boxed kit that includes the door, a top jamb (drip cap), a hinge jamb, a latch jamb, installation instructions, and a closer, which is a pneumatic bar that allows the door to close slowly without slamming shut. An adjustable expander may also be included in the kit. This is an extra bar that fits to the bottom of the door and allows for compensation when there are uneven sills.
The best storm doors allow plenty of light into a home while still protecting its inhabitants from wind, rain, snow, and cold weather. All of the top picks below fit standard 80-inch-tall entryways and feature operable window and screen options.
Preassembled and extremely durable, the Andersen 3000 Series Full-View Storm Door has a 1.5-inch thick frame and is built with aluminum corner brackets to withstand tough winds and even abrasions. It also features a full-view window with thermally tempered glass to withstand tough bumps and wear and tear. To work with most current door frames, this right- or left-handed model comes in four different sizes and multiple colorways for ample curb appeal.
This door can be installed in as little as 45 minutes using basic tools. An integrated retainer system makes it easy for anyone to change the configuration from glass to the insect screen panel. A push-button closer can be used to hold the door open.
Get the Andersen 3000 Series storm door at The Home Depot.
Built with an aluminum frame and a heavy-duty steel closure, the Emco 100 Series Self-Storing Storm Door is a budget-friendly and reliable option for homeowners looking for an inexpensive storm door. This storm door has a partial view window with a fixed screen and an adjustable bottom glass panel. Sliding the glass panel up lets in a lot of light and fresh air while keeping the bugs out. When it’s slid down, it shuts for full protection.
The Emco 100 Series storm door can be installed in a left or right orientation depending on the user’s preference. With the extensive range of size options available, it’s likely there will be an Emco Series 100 door to fit almost any door frame.
Get the Emco 100 Series storm door at The Home Depot.
For some, a 3/4-view (or mid-view) storm door is about visual appeal. For others, not having full glass is a more practical choice, less likely to be damaged by the bumps and knocks inevitable with busy families.
In either case, the Andersen 400 Series is an excellent option. It has the classic lines that suit a variety of homes, and it’s available in a range of colors. The heavy-duty aluminum construction offers durability. It can be hinged on either side, and smart nickel handles are included.
The Andersen 400 Series has tougher, tempered glass. The top pane can be opened with one hand for easy ventilation, and a concealed screen is also fitted.
Get the Andersen 400 Series storm door at The Home Depot.
Shoppers who want to be able to see as much of the outside world as possible will want to check out the Tradewinds Full-View Aluminum Storm Door from Larson. It’s available in 32-, 34-, and 36-inch widths and comes in eight colors. This storm door features lightweight aluminum and a retractable screen that pulls down to let in a fresh breeze. It can be mounted to open either on the right or the left side, though the handle set is a separate purchase.
The retractable Screen Away design converts this storm door into a screen door, hiding the screen in a cassette at the top of the door when not in use. Larson’s EasyHang installation system makes this an easy DIY project that can be completed with basic tools.
Get the Larson full-view storm door at Lowe’s.
Homeowners who are concerned about DIY installation may want to consider Pella’s Rolscreen Full-View Aluminum Storm Door, which boasts an exclusive Express Install system that makes short, simple work out of either a right- or left-opening installation. Its thick, overlapping frame and heavy-duty weatherstripping keep out drafts and moisture, and two closers provide smooth closing. This storm door’s durable aluminum frame has reinforced corners, keeping the door square.
This lightweight aluminum door comes in 32- and 36-inch widths and is available in multiple colors. It also includes a retractable screen and features low-e glass panels to reduce heat transfer and conserve energy. The Pella handle set is sold separately.
Get the Pella Rolscreen storm door at Lowe’s.
Larson’s factory-fitted large pet door is the ideal solution for those with pets weighing up to 200 pounds. The flexible flap provides minimum resistance, yet an interior security panel controls access and makes sure the home is secure when the pet door is not in use.
The door is constructed from vinyl over a wood core and finished with acrylic enamel to resist scratches or fading. The top glass panel has a half screen and allows for ventilation. The door can be hinged for either left or right opening, and color-matched handles are provided. However, the door is only available in white or almond. A heavy-duty weatherstrip helps keep out winter drafts.
Get the Larson pet door storm door at Lowe’s.
When the temperature drops and winds get stronger, good insulation is a key element in keeping the house warm. The Pella Venetian storm door helps block out cold weather in two ways. First, it uses heavy-duty weather strips to produce an efficient seal between the storm door and frame. Second, it employs two layers of insulated glass to minimize heat loss.
In between those two layers is a lever-operated venetian blind that offers privacy when required, and it doesn’t have dangling cords that might endanger children or pets. Blinds can be awkward to keep clean, but putting them within the door makes this tiresome chore unnecessary. A convenient foot-operated closer gives hands-free access, and universal hinging allows opening on either side.
Get the Pella Venetian storm door at Lowe’s.
A retractable screen storm door keeps out the worst of the weather, but it also allows for pleasant ventilation when desired. On the Larson Savannah, a discreet cassette at the top of the door conceals the screen when it’s not in use and provides smooth, and easy operation.
Other key features are a color-matched closer that has variable speed, an adjustable bottom bar to compensate for uneven sills, and universal hinges for left- or right-side mounting. Energy-efficient tempered glass is fitted, as is a heavy-duty weather strip. The Larson Savannah comes in four colors, though non-white models, and one of the handle options, incur a small additional charge.
Get the Larson Savannah storm door at Lowe’s.
The Andersen 3000 Series storm door is our top choice, with its durable aluminum design, left- or right-side installation option, and multiple colorways and sizes. Alternatively, the Emco 100 Series storm door is a budget-friendly pick, with a partial- view window and a left- or right-side installation option.
We researched the most sought-after storm doors in their respective categories and discovered that the best models are determined by their materials, size options, style, and other special features included by the top brands.
As we were searching for the best options available, we found the most popular types among users were steel and aluminum storm doors with full-view styles. While not as popular, those with partial- or half-view styles are also viable options for those who want a little less light coming in through their doors.
Most of the doors on our list also come in multiple sizes to fit shoppers’ current door frames and are offered in many colors to complement a home’s curb appeal. As for special features, select options included above come with adjustable screens, tempered glass on their windows, and even doggy doors for pet-friendly households.
This guide addressed all of the factors anyone will want to keep in mind when choosing the best storm door. Despite this, questions may remain, and it’s always good to ask more about a product before buying. Here are some of the most common questions shoppers usually ask about choosing, using, and installing a storm door.
Storm doors add a layer of protection to a front, back, or side door by keeping rain, sleet, and snow out.
It does, but not too much. A storm door protects the integrity of a front door, which is a plus for many potential buyers.
Install the drip cap and hinge rail then position the storm door, attaching hinges with screws. If it opens and closes smoothly, attach the latch bar and install the handle.
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