How much does a lanai cost?
How much does a lanai cost?
$10 – $25 cost per square foot (add screens to existing porch)
$50 – $175 cost per square foot (build new screened-in lanai)
$2,000 – $5,000 total building cost (convert existing 200 SF porch)
$10,000 – $35,000 total cost to build (200 SF new lanai)
Screened-in lanai cost
A screened lanai costs $2,000 to $5,000 on average or $10 to $25 per square foot for adding screens to an existing porch. The cost to build a new lanai is $10,000 to $35,000 on average or $50 to $175 per square foot including the foundation, roof, and screens.
| Size (square feet) | Adding lanai screens to a porch (existing roof & floor) | Full installation cost (porch structure + screens) |
|---|---|---|
| 5'x10' (50 SF) | $500 – $1,250 | $2,500 – $8,750 |
| 8'x10' (80 SF) | $800 – $2,000 | $4,000 – $14,000 |
| 10'x10' (100 SF) | $1,000 – $2,500 | $5,000 – $17,500 |
| 10'x20' (200 SF) | $2,000 – $5,000 | $10,000 – $35,000 |
| 12'x12' (144 SF) | $1,440 – $3,600 | $7,200 – $25,200 |
| 12'x16' (192 SF) | $1,920 – $4,800 | $9,600 – $33,600 |
| 12'x20' (240 SF) | $2,400 – $6,000 | $12,000 – $42,000 |
| 16'x16' (256 SF) | $2,560 – $6,400 | $12,800 – $44,800 |
| 20'x20' (400 SF) | $4,000 – $10,000 | $20,000 – $70,000 |
| 24’x24’ (576 SF) | $5,760 – $14,400 | $28,800 – $100,800 |
| 24'x36' (864 SF) | $8,640 – $21,600 | $43,200 – $151,200 |
*Prices include materials and labor.
Cost calculator to build a lanai
Lanai installation costs $4 to $60 per square foot for labor alone. This wide range depends on whether you're adding screens to an existing porch or building a new lanai.
| Factor | Screening in an existing porch (cost per square foot) | New lanai installed (cost per square foot) |
|---|---|---|
| Materials & screens | $6 – $15 | $28 – $115 |
| Labor to build | $4 – $10 | $22 – $60 |
| Total cost to add | $10 – $25 | $50 – $175 |
Additional Florida lanai cost factors include:
New vs. existing structure – Enclosing an existing porch, patio, or deck with screens is cheaper than building a whole new lanai. Building a new porch costs $40 to $150 per square foot for the base and roof frame.
Grading & drainage base prep – A drainage system installation costs $1,000 to $4,000. The cost to regrade a yard is $500 to $1,000 to make a level foundation.
Materials & screen type – Aluminum and fiberglass screens cost less, while stainless steel and copper screens cost the most.
Door – Installing a basic screen door is cheaper than a high-end door with extra locks and security features.
Flooring – New flooring installation costs $4 to $15 per square foot on average when laying it over an existing porch, patio, or concrete slab.
Railing – A porch or deck railing costs $20 to $60 per linear foot installed when using wood or vinyl materials.
Steps – Concrete steps cost $100 to $500 per step, depending on the design and size. Adding wooden stairs costs $40 to $50 per step if the lanai is on a platform or deck.
Building permit – A permit costs $200 to $500 for constructing a new screened-in lanai. Permit fees can increase for a lanai larger than 200 square feet.
Labor installation cost to screen in a lanai
Labor costs $4 to $10 per square foot for adding screens to an existing covered porch. Building a new screened-in lanai from the ground up requires more expert labor based on the design and size.
Labor fees vary by the contractor's expertise:
An architect costs $100 to $250 per hour to design plans for a new custom lanai home addition. A design plan is typically necessary for a building permit application.
A carpenter costs $30 to $100 hourly to make new frames and roof supports.
An electrician costs$50 to $130 per hour to install outside wiring and hook up any connections needed.
A handyman costs $50 to $80 hourly to install a prefabricated screened-in lanai kit on an existing foundation.
Lanai screen material prices
Lanai screen prices are $0.20 to $1.00 per square foot on average, depending on the material, quality, and order size. Fiberglass screens are the cheapest, while copper materials are the costliest at $2.00 to $3.00 per square foot. Screens are typically cheaper when purchased in bulk on large rolls.
| Screen material | Material price per square foot |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | $0.45 – $0.75 |
| Fiberglass | $0.20 – $0.35 |
| Copper | $2.00 – $3.00 |
| Solar sun-blocking | $0.85 – $1.30 |
| PVC-coated polyester | $0.60 – $1.00 |
| Stainless steel | $0.90 – $2.00 |
*Prices excluding installation.
Lanai framing and posts prices
New posts for a screened-in lanai cost $30 to $250 each for most materials, with costly stone posts priced as much as $700 each.
Prices start at $150 to $300+ for a vinyl, PVC, or aluminum framing system to support the screens.
| Post material | Price per post |
|---|---|
| Pressure-treated wood columns | $30 – $100 |
| Fiberglass | $90 – $200 |
| Reinforced aluminum | $90 – $110 |
| Wrought iron | $45 – $65 |
| Vinyl | $100 – $250 |
| Stone | $200 – $700 |
*Prices excluding installation.
Roof cost for a lanai
Building a new gable roof for a screened-in lanai costs $70 to $155 per square foot total for the roof framing, supports, and shingles. This custom-built patio roof typically matches the home's shingles. A gable roof is the longest-lasting type.
| Roof finish | Cost per square foot installed | Average total cost* |
|---|---|---|
| Asphalt shingles | $70 – $130 | $14,000 – $26,000 |
| Metal | $70 – $140 | $14,000 – $28,000 |
| Tile | $75 – $150 | $15,000 – $30,000 |
| Wood shakes | $75 – $140 | $15,000 – $28,000 |
| Slate / stone | $80 – $155 | $16,000 – $31,000 |
| Flat | $70 – $135 | $14,000 – $27,000 |
*For a 200-square-foot lanai, including posts, footings, and wood framing.
Alternatively, a patio cover costs $20 to $60 per square foot installed for a flat vinyl or aluminum design that also makes a good lanai roof. This cheaper option typically doesn't attach to the home's roof.
Prices of add-ons for a lanai
Common add-ons for a lanai include:
Ceiling fan installation costs $150 to $350 per unit.
Outdoor lighting installation costs $80 to $300 per fixture.
The cost to install an outdoor outlet is $180 to $350.
Building a fire pit costs $325 to $2,000. Adding any appliance that makes an open flame or cooks food also requires a vent hood above for enclosed spaces.
An outdoor kitchen costs $7,000 to $35,000.
An outdoor heater costs $150 to $500.
Lanai vs. other types of porches
A screened lanai costs nearly the same as most covered and screened-in patios. By comparison, a porch costs $40 to $150 per square foot with a gable roof attached to the home and open walls.
Other alternatives to lanai entertaining areas include:
A Florida room or sunroom costs $80 to $400per square foot. These home additions typically have partial or complete insulation if they're 4-season rooms. Complete walls with large windows are more common in these designs than screens.
A covered deck costs $5,000 to $18,000 on average or $25 to $90 per square foot. These fees include a new deck and roof built simultaneously.
A veranda costs $27,000 to $67,500 installed. This covered wrap-around porch is level with the ground floor and has multiple doors connecting to the home.
Lanai FAQs
What is a lanai?
A lanai is a porch with a roof attached to the house. The word "lanai" is Hawaiian and refers to covered porches, decks, or balconies, typically with screens to repel bugs. While some lanais have open walls, screened-in lanais are the most popular.
Other common features of a lanai include:
Extra-large screens or an open wall to allow bigger outdoor views
A concrete or stone floor that stays cool in warm climates
Plenty of space for furniture and a dining table
Ceiling fans
Outdoor lighting
Doors leading to a pool, yard, or patio
Adjustable blinds or removable panels
For people living in climates with cold winters, an insulated sunroom or solarium is more suitable than a lanai that's meant to be more exposed to the outdoors.
Does a lanai add value to your home?
Adding a screened-in lanai raises the home's appraisal value, with an ROI of 80% to 100% upon resale based on your location. A lanai also offers more curb appeal by letting people enjoy the outdoors without bugs or rain interfering.
How long does it take to build a lanai?
Building a screened-in lanai takes 4 to 6 weeks for a new foundation, walls, roofing, and screens. The total duration fluctuates based on the size, chosen materials, features, and design. A bespoke design could extend the project by several weeks.
Securing a building permit can add an extra 1 to 4 months, depending on the city.
Modifying an existing base by adding screens and a roof takes 2 to 7 days.
How long does a lanai last?
A lanai lasts 5 to 10 years before the screens need replacing. The screens are typically the first part to wear out. Higher-quality materials installed correctly and maintained consistently can make a lanai last up to 20 years or more.
How much does it cost to replace a lanai screen?
The cost to rescreen a porch or lanai is $2 to $4 per square foot to remove the old screens or panels and replace them with new ones. This price range is for reusing the existing screen frames with new screens. Contact a lanai screen repair professional for more information.
Does a screened-in lanai add to square footage?
A screened-in lanai typically doesn't add to the home's total square footage. Only fully enclosed, insulated, and temperature-regulated additions with HVAC systems matching the rest of the home will increase square footage.
Getting estimates from lanai builders
Before hiring a screened-in lanai installer near you, always do the following:
Compare multiple quotes from companies with at least 5+ years of experience.
Check that they have current licenses, insurance, and surety bonds.
Read their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Ask for a detailed estimate and contract before any construction starts.
Beware of the cheapest bids that typically result in low-quality work.
Give the final payment only after the job is complete.
Questions to ask
Ask these important questions when interviewing lanai builders:
How long have you been building lanais?
Can I see your reference list and portfolio of past projects?
How long will it take to construct this lanai?
Will I need reinforcements for the extra weight when converting my porch into a lanai?
Which screen type is best for my climate?
Can you match the new lanai roof to my home's roof?
Which screened-in lanai designs do you offer?
How much can I customize the plans?
Does this quote include all materials, labor, delivery, and cleanup?
Do you offer a labor warranty?