We installed Phifer Wire's standard black fiberglass insect screening in the openings above the handrail. Below the railings and on the porch door, we installed Phifer's new PetScreen (55 to 68 cents per square foot), a durable material that resists tears and punctures from pet claws. This vinyl-coated polyester is much stronger that standard screening.
Fiberglass and aluminum screening come in a variety of colors. However, black screening is typically the best choice for porches and doors because it's less reflective and offers much better visibility than lighter colors, especially bare aluminum.
We also replaced the warped wood door with Screen Tight's Better Board solid-vinyl screen door. This unit never needs painting and it won't rot, split, or fade. Available at most home centers, it comes in 32- ($58 to $68) and 36-in. ($62 to $72) inches.

PREPARING THE PORCH
Start by using a hammer and flat bar to pry off all the wood battens nailed to the porch framing. On our porch, we removed the horizontal 1x2 battens first (photo 1), then yanked off the vertical 1x4 battens that were nailed to the 4x4 posts (photo 2).
Once you have removed the battens, cut down the old screens with a utility knife. There will be many old tacks and