How Much Does It Cost To Install Flyscreens? [2024]

The Australian summer calls for a cool breeze in your home, but without flyscreens this wouldn’t be possible. An open window is an invitation to all manner of bugs, perhaps most annoyingly the mosquito. 

From time to time, flyscreens need to be repaired or replaced, especially in homes that have pets with sharp claws. Your first question will likely be how much flyscreens cost to install.

Flyscreen installation can cost anywhere from $130 to $500, depending on the type of flyscreen as well as the quality of the product. Expect to pay $130 for a single window (supply and install fibreglass mesh), $290 for 5 windows (supply and install fibreglass mesh), $500 for 10 windows (supply and install fibreglass mesh) or retractable flyscreens.

This article will help you work out:

• What type of flyscreen?
• Which flyscreen mesh and frame?
• How much does it cost to install flyscreens?
• Who can install your flyscreens?

What type of flyscreen should I get?

Modern flyscreen doors and windows are made from an aluminium frame that is powder coated in your desired colour with a steel, fibreglass or aluminium mesh.  However, timber-framed flyscreens are also available and these can be a highly attractive alternative once they have been painted, stained or polished.

There are several different styles of flyscreens that function slightly differently:

• Fixed Flyscreens - this screen is typically attached to a window frame and cannot be opened or adjusted

• Hinged Flyscreens - this is a flyscreen that acts much like a shutter in that it can be opened and closed.

• Sliding Flyscreens - this flyscreen is typically a sliding window or door, often used on a patio door or a window where airflow into the home is needed.

• Retractable Flyscreens - the most versatile flyscreen which allows you to retract it when it is not required.

• Security screens and doors - some security screens and doors have mesh small enough to prevent insect entry, but are also designed to withstand high impact and attempts to cut through the screen to gain entry into the home.

What flyscreen mesh and frame options are there?

There are two elements to a flyscreen, the mesh and the frame. Let’s first look at the mesh which keeps the bugs out, these come in a variety of materials. The common factors that people account for are visibility – ensuring that you can enjoy a view out of your flyscreen – and durability. Generally, your options will be:

 

• Polyester/polypropylene - the most common mesh, cheap and resistant to pet claws.

• Fibreglass - this is a budget mesh that is durable though it’s not suitable for bushfire zones.

• Aluminium - this mesh has good visibility and durability and is also fire resistant.

• Stainless steel - the most durable mesh, with good visibility and resistance to fire.

There is also hybrid mesh, which is often stainless steel coated with polypropylene, making it extremely durable and resistant to damage.  

Sometimes your style of flyscreen may influence your choice of the mesh such as pleated mesh for retractable flyscreens, which allows the flyscreen to be opened and closed.

How much does it cost to install flyscreens?

Generally, people get flyscreens for either doors or windows and they will have different costs associated. The size and number together with ease of access will largely determine what your flyscreens cost.

How much does a flyscreen window cost?

If you are simply looking to get your existing flyscreen mesh replaced, expect to pay:

• $130 for a single window (supply and install fibreglass mesh)
• $290 for 5 windows (supply and install fibreglass mesh)
• $500 for 10 windows (supply and install fibreglass mesh)

How much does a flyscreen door cost?

If you are looking at getting new windows or doors installed, expect to pay:

• $305 for a sliding door 1200mm w x 2100mm h with heavy-duty (paw-proof) mesh and latch
• $340 for a hinged door 860mm x 2400mm h with heavy-duty (paw-proof) mesh and latch

The cheapest types of flyscreen doors are standard sliding or hinged doors with aluminium frames.

Many homeowners are switching from sliding flyscreen doors to retractable flyscreens because they cover a wider area and leave more open space when they are retracted. Retractable flyscreen doors are ideal if you're replacing sliding glass windows or doors with bifold doors.

Retractable flyscreens start at around $500 (supply only), but professional installation is advised. Since retractable flyscreens are usually chosen for wide windows and doors, expect to pay:

• $3200 for top-quality retractable flyscreen doors (including state-of-the-art hardware) 
• $800 for medium to large windows.

Getting quotes for flyscreen installation

When it comes time to get quotes for flyscreen installation, remember that the number of windows and doors you want to be covered, together with the ease of access will be what your handyman installer will need to know.

You might also like: Stylish and Practical Retractable Flyscreen Options, Get Ready for Summer with These Retractable Screen Ideas