How to Choose the Best Screen Door for your Front Door or Screen Patio
8 home styles. 70+ Doors. Many colors.
Properly designed screen doors allow you to enjoy the fresh air while keeping the bugs outside where they belong! That is what most people expect from the product they choose, but the fact is most screen doors don’t live up to those simple expectations. So whether you are looking for a front entry screen door to add curb appeal or one for a screened patio, the right choice can provide years of trouble-free use with minimal maintenance.
Many people chose a wood or vinyl screen door simply because they are readily available in the big box home improvement stores. Are they the best choice for your home and lifestyle?
Many purchase wood screen doors for the natural feel or the nostalgic squeak of the hinges. They are a common choice for older homes or ones that have wood siding. What are the drawbacks of a wood screen door? Wood rots if not properly maintained (fig 3) which requires upkeep on a regular basis. They tend to twist resulting in gaps that can let the insects in (fig 2). Even with an unsightly tension cable in place (fig 1) they sag over time and are often out of square. The screen is stapled in and held in place with wood trim so it does not stay tight and is hard to repair.
Overall, a wood screen door can start out looking beautiful but in a short time it can become a maintenance nightmare.
Vinyl screen doors are another option you may find at your local hardware store. They are more popular because they don’t require painting or staining. Some people believe they are more durable and require less maintenance than wood but looks can be deceiving. The vinyl screen door shownis a perfect example; from a distance it looks pretty good. But upon closer inspection, the common issues come into focus. They may not rot but they do flex and warp (fig 2). Most are installed with inferior hinges which don’t hold the door in place causing sagging (fig 1) over time. Daily use will take a toll on any screen door and because vinyl flexes, the structural integrity of the frame can give way quickly (fig 3). Although the screen is easier to repair over a wood door, it uses a round spline which “rolls” out with minimal effort requiring yet another costly repair. Color options are limited since most vinyl screen doors are only available in white.
Frustrated by the lack of quality and options? Many consumers end up buying a storm door which doesn’t offer the same ventilation as a screen door -- this can also void the warranty of their front entry door. Storm doors do not complement a screen patio. But home owners often choose to sacrifice aesthetics and ventilation just to get something that holds up better. Don’t settle. There is now a much better option available for your home!
Avoid the pitfalls and frustration of not choosing wisely for your home. Read 1st hand experience from a homeowner here.
Look no further! PCA manufactures a French Screen Door System that uses no center post, allowing you the convenience of an unobstructed double door opening. Imagine the benefits...

The exclusive PCA Astragal System contains dual flush bolts at the top and the bottom that are easy to operate, and provide a quick and effective way to open and close your "fixed" screen door.
The entire PCA French Sceen Door System is made of all RUST FREE components! You can rest assured your French Screen Doors for double doors will last for years to come.
Stop by or contact your local specialty home improvement center or lumber yard to see firsthand PCA’s line of aluminum screen doors. Or check out our dealer locator to find the dealer closest to you.
it will be the last screen door you'll buy. But you still have questions. We are here to help.