A lanai is a screened-in porch used for relaxation and entertainment. Unlike traditional porches, lanais are usually built at the back of the house, like a patio, and they’re sometimes built to enclose swimming pools. Lanais are most popular in tropical climates like Hawaii and the Southeastern United States.
The average cost to add a screened lanai to an existing roof and floor is between $1,310 and $2,530 per 200 square feet. If your home doesn’t already have a patio or porch that you can convert, you’ll need to build a full lanai porch. The average full installation cost is $16,440, but the project can range in price between $6,110 and $26,530.
In this article, we’ll examine the costs associated with installing lanais onto existing porches as well as the costs of constructing a new lanai.
In this guide:
- Average Costs
- Cost Estimator by Size
- Cost Estimator by Material
- Other Factors That Affect Cost
- Related Services
- Lanai vs. Other Types of Porches
- Pro Cost vs. DIY Cost
- Cost by Location
- FAQ
Average Costs of a Lanai in 2024
| National Average Cost | $2,000 |
| Typical Price Range | $1,310 – $2,530 |
| Extreme Low-End Cost | $1,000 |
| Extreme High-End Cost | $4,000 |
The national average cost of installing a lanai is $2,000 for a 200-square-foot area ($10 per square foot), with prices typically ranging between $1,310 and $2,530 ($6.50 to $13 per square foot). The cost of labor, the size of your project, and your location will all affect the price. In some cases, lanai screens can be installed for as little as $1,000. On the other hand, a complex project can make the price shoot up to $4,000.
The average costs include the cost of materials, which are likely to be between $3.05 and $4.90 per square foot, and labor, which typically ranges between $5.35 and $7.55 per square foot.
Lanai screens can be installed on an existing porch or patio that has a floor and a roof. Lanais are typically built at the back of the home, although if you have a front porch you’d like to convert into a lanai-like space, you could do that too.
If your home doesn’t have a suitable patio or porch, you’ll need to build one before you can begin installing the screens. A porch costs $14,400 on average, with prices ranging between $4,800 and $24,000. Therefore, a lanai porch can cost around $16,400 to install. But depending on various cost factors, the prices range between $6,110 and $26,530.
To save money on your lanai, you can:
- Build a smaller porch if you don’t have one in place already
- Choose cost-effective materials for your porch
- Get quotes from multiple contractors
Lanai Cost Estimator by Size
Smaller lanais are the most cost-effective because they take less time and materials to build. If you already have a suitable patio with a roof, you’ll probably want to install lanai screens to cover the entire structure.
However, if you’re building a whole lanai from scratch, you have options when it comes to both the construction materials and the size. That gives you an opportunity to customize the space.
Here are the average costs of installing lanai screens, by size:
| Porch Size | Average Cost | Typical Range |
| 80 square feet | $800 | $520 – $1,040 |
| 144 square feet | $1,440 | $940 – $1,870 |
| 200 square feet | $2,000 | $1,310 – $2,530 |
| 224 square feet | $2,240 | $1,340 – $2,900 |
| 300 square feet | $3,000 | $1,950 – $3,900 |
| 350 square feet | $3,500 | $2,750 – $4,550 |
| 400 square feet | $4,000 | $2,400 – $5,200 |
Here are the average costs of installing entirely new lanais, by size:
| Porch Size | Average Cost | Typical Range |
| 80 square feet | $6,560 | $2,440 – $10,640 |
| 144 square feet | $11,810 | $4,360 – $19,150 |
| 200 square feet | $16,400 | $6,110 – $26,530 |
| 224 square feet | $18,370 | $6,720 – $30,780 |
| 300 square feet | $24,600 | $9,150– $39,900 |
| 350 square feet | $28,700 | $11,150 – $46,550 |
| 400 square feet | $32,000 | $12,000 – $53,200 |
Lanai Cost Estimator by Material
The total cost of materials for screening your lanai will likely be between $3.05 and $4.90 per square foot but may be cheaper or more expensive depending on the type of material you choose.
As for your screen material, aluminum and fiberglass are the most common options that vary in cost. Below are a few cost estimates for materials you’re likely to consider for your lanai screens:
| Material | Average Price per Square Foot |
| Fiberglass | $0.15 |
| Aluminum | $0.30 |
| Polyester | $0.60 |
| Stainless steel | $1.00 |
| Brass | $6.00 |
Although some materials can work out to be very cost-effective, it’s important to note that investing in a better material can often result in a longer lasting result. For example, brass costs $6 per square foot, but it’s more durable and lasts longer than cheaper material.
You’ll also need to consider other materials you’ll need for the frame and roof of your lanai. Wood is among the most common options for porches and costs between $1 and $5 per square foot. Steel is another popular choice, and it usually costs between $2 and $4 per square foot.
Both of those materials are also suitable for your lanai roof and frames. Another option for your roof is polycarbonate. This material may cost between $1 and $2 per square foot.
Other Factors That Affect Cost
Whether you’re installing lanai screens onto your existing porch or building your lanai from scratch, you’ll come across a variety of other factors that affect the total cost.
Labor
Labor costs can vary depending on the complexity of the project and the size of your lanai. Installing lanai screening could cost between $5.35 and $7.55 per square foot in labor.
Features
Any features you want to add to your lanai will add to the overall cost. Your climate and the activities you enjoy in your free time will probably have an impact on the features you choose.
Door
Your lanai screens will need a door. The cost of your door will depend on the type of door you choose. Most screen doors cost around $300, but if you’re looking for a high-end, secure door, you could spend up to $1,500. You may also be interested in getting a mesh door for protection against insects, which normally costs around $15.
Lanai Placement
Lanais are typically built at the rear of the home on the first floor. However, houses come in different shapes and sizes, and if you want your lanai on the second floor, it may be an option. A second-floor lanai would likely cost more due to the increased cost of labor and materials.
Time of the Year
Contractors tend to be busier during the warmer months. If you want to save money, you could try to schedule your lanai project during a slower time of the year and see if you can get a discount.
Permit
Depending on the rules in your area, you may need a building permit before you can build your porch. A permit can cost around $200, but in some cases, it can be more expensive. Speak to your contractor or municipality to find out exactly what your local regulations and costs are before you begin.
Related Services
Along with building your lanai, you may be interested in other home improvement services. They all come at their own price points, and many of them may be needed in order to ensure the building project goes smoothly. Below are some of the related services you may need to start budgeting for.
Swimming Pool
Lanais are sometimes used to create swimming pool enclosures. They can allow homeowners to enjoy their pool behind screens, protecting them from insects. They also keep pools cleaner, protecting them from debris, leaves, and so forth.
The costs of building a concrete pool range between $35,145 and $62,500, with $60,390 being the national average cost. The costs of professionally installing an above-ground pool range from $1,698 to $5,969, with most homeowners paying around $2,693.
Repairs
If you already have a porch or a roofed patio that you wish to convert into a lanai, you may need to repair the existing structure before screening it in. If your porch or patio has been in place for a while, you could come across a number of existing issues, such as rotten railings, bad flooring, and so forth.
On average, a porch costs $2,365 to repair, but this price will vary depending on the scope and complexity of the job. In some cases, you may be better off building a new structure.
Land Grading
If you’re constructing an entirely new lanai, you may need to grade the land in order to level the foundation. Normally, land grading costs range between $0.08 and $2.00 per square foot. That would be between $16 and $400 per square foot for a 200 square foot lanai. Your soil, the complexity of your project, and the size of your lanai will all affect the price.
Roof Shingles
Lanais usually have a roof that requires shingles. Their costs will vary depending on the shape of your roof and the type of shingles you choose. You can, however, expect to pay around $159 per 100 square feet.
Lanai vs. Other Types of Porches
Lanai porches are stunning structures, perfect for relaxation and leisure during warm summer days. However, with so many different kinds of porches out there, you may be wondering what their differences are and if a lanai is really right for you. Here are brief descriptions of the most common types of porches.
Screened-In Porch
Screened-in porches and lanais are similar. Most porches are in the front of the house, while most lanais are in the back. Both projects have similar costs.
Sunroom
If you’ll need to build an entire lanai from scratch, a sunroom could be an alternative that you might consider instead. A sunroom, sometimes called a ‘Florida room,’ is essentially a room with many windows to let in natural light. That way, homeowners can enjoy the outdoors from the comfort of the indoors. Sunrooms cost $42,500 on average if they’re built from scratch. Their prices may range between $27,000 and $58,000.
Portico
A portico is normally a smaller porch at the front of the home with columns. It is usually around 40 square feet. Building a portico can cost between $2,500 and $4,500, but the costs can go up even more if the structure is to be more ornate or constructed from expensive materials.
Pro Cost vs. DIY Cost
Are you looking to build an entire lanai, including the roof, columns, and flooring? You should leave the job to a professional. Having a professional build a lanai can be expensive, but it’s often worth it in the long run, as they have the skills, tools, and experience to build a structure that will last.
However, if you’re a skilled DIYer who already has an existing back porch in place, you could save money on lanai screen installation. As labor for installing new screens may cost between $5.35 and $7.55 per square foot, you could save between $1,070 and $1,510 on your project if you want to install screens on a 200-square-foot porch. The tools you’ll need to buy in return should cost around $100 or less.
It’s important to note that DIY lanai projects are risky. If you’re not familiar with the tools or the installation process, you could end up making mistakes and causing damage to your home or even risking personal injury. Therefore, for most people, it’s best to hire a professional to help with the project in order to ensure that the job is done safely and properly.
If you’ve made the decision to install your lanai screening yourself, here’s a video that shows the steps of installing lanai screens in more detail:
Cost of a Lanai by Location
Lanais are most popular in tropical climates such as Hawaii and Florida, but they can be installed anywhere, and the cost will vary in each location. Installation and labor for lanais are likely to cost more in areas where the cost of living is high. Moreover, keep in mind that the farther you are from your contractor, the more expensive the project will be.
To find out how much it will cost to construct a lanai, get a quote from a contractor near you. We recommend getting as many quotes as possible to find the best deal.
FAQ
A lanai is a type of porch that originated in Hawaii. The main way it differs from a screened-in porch is that it’s usually located at the back of the house, whereas a screened-in porch is normally found at the front entrance.
A Florida room is another word for a sunroom. Sunrooms are different from lanais because they’re typically enclosed rooms within a house with large windows to allow in a lot of natural light. They can be used as an extension of your home. Although lanais can be adjusted to fit the needs of the homeowner, they’re a type of porch.
Many homes in Florida have lanais because they’re a pleasant way to enjoy the warm weather outside without leaving the comfort of the house. Since the lanai is at the back of the house, it usually gives more privacy than a traditional porch and can be used as an extension of the living space.
Yes, installing a lanai expands your living area, allowing you to enjoy your outdoor space.
Lanais are typically built on the first floor, at the rear of the home. You can, however, build something like a lanai on a higher floor of your house. It will probably cost more because it will take more time and materials to build.
Final Thoughts
A lanai can be a great way to enjoy the outdoors in your backyard. Unlike a standard screen porch, a lanai is usually found at the back of the home.
A back porch or patio can be turned into a lanai by adding screens or other materials. This way, you can enjoy the outdoors while being protected from bugs and various weather conditions.
For anyone looking to relax, enjoy the fresh air, or get more use out of their existing outdoor space, a lanai can be an excellent choice.
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Main Photo by: Roger W / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
