Retractable screen doors provide homeowners with a fresh, new approach to the traditional hinged screen doors most of us are used to. They open completely out of the way, aren’t as heavy as regular screen doors, and are usually easy to install. Once in place, they allow fresh air to circulate through open doorways while they are in use. When they aren’t in use, the entire screen retracts sideways or rolls upwards into the framework on the outside edge of your door jamb.
Retractable screen doors are available in different colors to match your house including white, brown, and black. Some are also paintable. Most brands offer a range of different sizes to fit single and double doors as well as garage doors and large openings.
Best Retractable Screen Door
The Brisa, made by Larson, is a versatile, top-quality aluminum retractable screen door that fits a wide range of both in- and out-swing entry doors. It does everything a well-designed product should do. It lets fresh air circulate from the outside in, maintains maximum visibility from the inside out, and stops insects and dirt from getting into your home. The design boasts ergonomic features and has a wonderfully smooth sliding operation.
Available online for not much more than our budget pick, the Brisa retractable screen door by Larson is one of the best on the market. It weighs only 20 lbs and is reasonably easy for a competent DIY enthusiast to install in only about half an hour. The limited lifetime warranty on everything except the mesh screen adds trust and credibility to the product.
- For 80” tall in-swing or out-swing entry doors...
- Innovative EZ-glide system provides a smooth and...
- Simple1-hand operation with ergonomic handle and...
- Easy 30-minute installation, no metal cutting only...
- Quick-snap track installs easily and adjusts to...
Last update on 2024-11-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Runner Up: Best Retractable Screen Door
Everything the Brisa does, the Cool by Genius can do too! Ergonomics and the innovative EZ glide system are just two features that both products boast. The Brisa screen doors are a bit more versatile in terms of the door opening dimensions they cater to without cutting and rejigging. It is also quite a lot heavier (or let’s say more substantial) than the Cool Genius. We guess that this could affect longevity and durability. But the bottom line for us was the price. The cheapest offer we could find for a Cool Genius was quite a lot more than the most expensive price we could find for a Brisa.
Last update on 2024-11-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Budget Choice: Retractable Screen Door
Although not the cheapest retractable screen door we reviewed, we found Larson brand screen doors available at a very competitive price – well under $200.
Larson screen doors are, like our best and runner-up choices, made primarily from aluminum and they slide smoothly and easily from side to side. They are easy to install and carry a limited five-year warranty. We love the fact that you get a wheelchair-friendly product at a budget-friendly price.
Last update on 2024-11-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Retractable Screen Door Buyer’s Guide
When shopping for a retractable screen door there are a few key things you need to consider. Not all screen doors are the same and almost every doorway or entryway is different. Taking some time to consider your needs before shopping is the best way to make sure you purchase a product that satisfies you.
Door Size
The first question you need to ask yourself before shopping for a screen door is how big of an entryway you are looking to cover. The door sizes can vary dramatically so start by getting a proper measurement of your door. Also decide if you are going to cover a single door or a double door.
Entryway Material
Attaching a screen door will involve mounting it into the door frame or installing some guide rails. To make installation easy it is important to know what sort of material you will be installing against. Typically the retractable screen door will screw into a wood or aluminum piece but some houses might only offer brick or other harder materials around the entry.
Door Swing
Know if your door swings in or out to make sure that the retractable screen is not interfering with its action. Also be mindful of if your doors opens from the left or right side. Some retractable screen doors have overpowered springs that cause them to retract ferociously, so you want to find an installation area that lets you access the latch and lock after swinging open the door.
Traffic
The last consideration is the type and amount of traffic the door will have. Is it going to be a door that is used often or will it sit mostly unused throughout the summer? This will impact how durable of a door you need. Super high-traffic entryways might be better suited with a magnetic screen door. Also think about if it will be children or adults using the door, as doors that children use a lot should have a soft close spring for safety.
Taking some time to think about the details around your doorway will make purchasing and ultimately installing a screen door a much easier task.
Retractable Screen Door Reviews
We have chosen the six best retractable screen doors for you to consider. In these reviews we look at the key points and the details of each model so that you can compare them and decide which is the best choice for your home. Most designs are for single doors.
Cool Genius Retractable Screen
Key Points at a Glance
- Fits most standard door sizes and all doorsill types.
- Made for both in- and out-swing entry doors.
- Installs on the outside of door frames.
- EZ-Glide System enables a smooth, steady operation.
- Retractable design keeps the screen door out of sight when not in use.
- Can be installed to open from the left or the right.
- Easy installation without the need to cut or drill.
- Easy to slide in and out of place from side to side.
- Ergonomically designed locking device enables users to latch and lock the door with just one hand.
- Cool Genius retractable screens carry a limited lifetime warranty on all parts except the mesh.
Dimensions and Specs
- Fits standard door widths of between 32 and 36 inches without cutting
- Fits standard door height of 78-79 inches, 80-81 inches, and 96-97 inches depending on type
- Surface (face) mounted on the outside of existing doorways
- Screen cassette uses brackets that are about 1-inch high and adjustable to accommodate the required fit
- Weighs only 1.52 lbs
The Details
Cool Genius retractable screens for single doors boast a spring tension that is 40% less than other screens. That lets them offer an efficient, quick, and easy one-handed operation to open and shut the screen doors. The housings and tracks are manufactured from aluminum and powder-coated for superior appearance. The cassette housings that hide the screen have smooth, rounded edges that create an unobtrusive appearance.
Overall, this is a good-looking screen door, though it’s a little pricey when compared to the other brands we reviewed. But it’s particularly lightweight and it can be installed on every type of doorsill without cutting. All you need is a power screwdriver and the right screws. Cool retractable screen doors by Genius have been designed with DIY homeowners in mind. Installation is super-easy, and anyone with reasonably competent DIY skills should be able to install one of their screen doors in 30-60 minutes. Once installed, it’s not going to require anything but very basic maintenance. That said, you will need to vacuum the tracks from time to time.
The Bottom Line
Families that rely on this door handling a lot of traffic appreciate its smooth action and easy latch / lock. Genius Cool retractable screen doors are available in stock sizes and usually ship within one or two days. Custom sizes are not available, but numerous standard configurations are. Made in the U.S.A, these superior screen doors are constructed from rust-proof aluminum and they boast high-quality screen materials. The limited lifetime warranty will definitely give you peace of mind.
- Easy To Install - Fitting most standard single door openings, the...
- Effortless Retractable Door Screen - Smoother than a typical sliding...
- Smooth Gliding, No Slamming - Unlike magnetic door screens that stick...
- Adjustable Retracting Screen Door - Designed for versatility, the...
- Retractable Screen Doors for Single Doors - The Genius COOL...
Last update on 2024-11-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Brisa White Retractable Screen Door
Key Points at a Glance
- Aluminum screen door that is surface-mounted over a door frame, door trim, or a brick mold.
- Made for in- and out-swing entry doors.
- Retractable doors fit all doorsill types.
- Smart, neutral design with a smooth, steady ergonomically effective design.
- Allows fresh air to circulate without the risk of slamming doors.
- Provides insect protection and literally stops dust in its tracks.
- Innovative EZ glide system that ensures a smooth, steady operation.
- Mesh screen housed in a retracted cassette on the left or right side of the screen door.
- Screen is pulled across the entrance to the door from side to side.
- All parts except the mesh are covered by a limited lifetime warranty.
Dimensions and Specs
- Fits door widths of 32-36 inches
- Three frame heights – short, standard, and tall:
- 78-79 inches
- 80-81 inches
- 96-97 inches
- Door thickness, front to back 2 inches
- Weatherstripping included
- Reversible door handle
- Weight 20 lb
- Can be trimmed with a hacksaw to fit custom-sized door frames
The Details
This good-looking screen door from the Brisa brand utilizes neutral materials that will coordinate perfectly with brick and wood moldings. The robust design features a strong aluminum housing and tracks as well as an aluminum sill plate with a slide adjustment to make it fit securely. The design also incorporates rugged weather stripping to keep insects and dirt outside.
The outer face of the screen door opens fully for people to walk through and to allow the circulation of fresh air. It also results in an unobstructed view through the screen. A latch lock keeps the screen securely in place when it is in use. The easy-to-clean painted surfaces and aluminum cassette and track are rust-free and don’t need any form of maintenance. Easy to install with a screwdriver and eight screws in just 30 minutes as no intrusive housing or tracks need to be installed.
The Bottom Line
Brisa retractable screen doors are one of three brands manufactured by the U.S. company, Larson, a market leader in the industry. They feature a superior design that boasts an intuitive and ergonomic function.
We are surprised that the Brisa brand is generally so well-priced for what it offers, particularly since there is a limited lifetime warranty.
- For 80” tall in-swing or out-swing entry doors with a width range of...
- Innovative EZ-glide system provides a smooth and steady experience,...
- Simple1-hand operation with ergonomic handle and secure latch helps...
- Easy 30-minute installation, no metal cutting only requires one power...
- Quick-snap track installs easily and adjusts to widths between 32”...
Last update on 2024-11-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
National Door Company White Retractable Screen
Key Points at a Glance
- Aluminum retractable screen door that is installed over patio door or entry doors.
- Made for single in-swing doors.
- Can be used on right- and left-handed doors.
- Mesh screen that maximizes the circulation of fresh air.
- In-track velcro keeps insects out and keeps the screen tightly in place.
- Magnet-free mechanism locks the screen in place.
- National Door Company doesn’t include retractable screen warranties on its website, but a warranty is available from Amazon customer service on request.
Dimensions and Specs
- Size: 36 x 80 inches
- Fits door width of 36 inches than can be cut down to 32 or 30 inches
- Fits door height of 82 inches
- Weighs 16 lbs
The Details
The National Door Company’s white retractable screen is a relatively streamlined and lightweight design weighing in at only 16 lbs. It looks good and fits well, however the durability is a bit questionable and it’s definitely not cheap!
Like the best retractable screen doors, this one from the U.S. National Door Company is made of aluminum and it fits standard door openings. It is easy to install and fits the bill in terms of allowing fresh air to circulate.
The Bottom Line
Even though it is reasonably attractive, we are a bit loath to recommend this product. It is more expensive than most of the other retractable screen doors we reviewed, and overall, customers’ comments we sourced online are negative about its durability. If you are looking for an option for a single season or for a low traffic door it is worth considering.
- Complete screen system installs right over existing entry or patio...
- Screen is 82 inches in height and has a width that can be cut d from...
- Mesh screen allows for maximum fresh air circulation, retracts when...
- Features magnet free locking mechanism and in-track velcro that holds...
- Attractive white finish to match any home design
Last update on 2024-11-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
VISISCREEN Double Door Retractable
Key Points at a Glance
- Sold as a resizable kit in two sizes.
- Mesh screens that don’t compromise visibility of views or light.
- Mesh screens have a patented visual marker that alerts you to the fact that they are there.
- Mesh screens are factory fitted.
- Incorporates two retractable screen cassettes mounted on either side of the door opening.
- Low-friction technology enables super-smooth gliding.
- Full-length magnetic door seal.
- Ergonomic, adjustable cast-metal handles.
- Patented speed-reducer (brake) kicks in when the screen retracts.
- The retractable screen door carries a limited lifetime warranty that covers all mechanical components except the mesh, which carries a limited 3-year- warranty from the manufacturer (Aedes Technologies LLC).
Dimensions and Specs
- Sizes: 72 x 100 inches:
- Fits openings from 48-72 inches wide
- Fits door frames up to 100 inches high
- Weighs 18.2 lbs
- 72 x 84 inch:
- Fits openings from 48-72 inches wide
- Fits door frames up to 84 inches high
The Details
Visiscreen offers double door resizable retractable screen doors off-the-shelf, but also offers a service that will enable you to determine your sizes, including for single doors. You measure and they cut to ensure that you get exactly the size you need for your home. The screen frame is made of low-maintenance vinyl-coated fiberglass and is easy to clean.
Like all mesh screens, the Visicreen double doors retractable screen allows air to circulate and doesn’t create a visual barrier. Additionally, it features a patented visual marker that is woven into the mesh. When you come within 10 feet of the marker it shows up as a warning. When you are at a safe distance from the screen (more than 10 feet), it appears to vanish from view. This effectively maintains aesthetics, functionality, and safety all at the same time.
The Bottom Line
The Visiscreen double door retractable screen is ideal for double doors. If we were considering a single door screen, we might have been tempted to make this our winner or runner-up, largely because of the visual marker warning. We also like the magnetic door seal and the way it glides so smoothly. But our top two choices also glide beautifully, and both feature the superior EZ glide system, which isn’t specified for the Visiscreen retractable doors.
On the downside, the Visiscreen frame is made from fiberglass rather than tough, durable aluminum, like our top two choices.
- Retractable screen system is easy to install and operate; Easily...
- Designed to withstand prolonged exterior exposure; Allows for...
- Speed reducer (brake) provides safe and controlled retraction; Full...
- Superior operation using low friction technology; Hardware is provided...
- 0. 011 in thick, low maintenance vinyl coated fiberglass charcoal...
Last update on 2024-11-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Winsharp Screen Custom Cut
Key Points at a Glance
- Custom-cut aluminum retractable screen door.
- Mesh manufactured from fiberglass.
- DIY kit fits on the outside of door frames or can be embedded on the inside.
- Screens that are not embedded are folding.
- Made of aluminum coupled with bug-proof netting.
- Allows visibility through the screen and blocks out mosquitoes and other bugs.
Dimensions and Specs
- Fits door widths from 31 to 40 inches
- Fits door openings of up to 83 inches
- Weight 10.75 lbs
The Details
Because this product is cut to size by the manufacturer in South Korea before being shipped to the U.S. supplier, Foire, you must provide 100% accurate measurements. Also, even though this is a DIY product, installation involves considerable measuring and drilling to install the magnetic catch plates. You won’t have to screw the frame to your door frame though. Instead, you can use builders’ adhesive or industrial Velcro strips.
It is as easy to clean as other retractable screen doors, but will likely require more maintenance because of the installation methods used.
The Bottom Line
The price is right and the product seems to be reasonably well made. Also, most reviews on Amazon are positive. However, Winsharp doesn’t have an advertised website and there is no identifiable manufacturer’s warranty. The product is made in South Korea and shipped to customers by Foire, out of Delaware. In Amazon’s customer FAQs, Foire states it offers a 1-year warranty, but gives no details or references. Nevertheless, you might be covered by Amazon’s standard one-year limited warranty.
Although this is the cheapest product we reviewed, we couldn’t find the wow factor we were looking for.
![Custom Cut to Size,[ Grey, W xH (inch)], Aluminum Retractable Front Screen Door net,Fiberglass mesh with alumium, Mosquito Screens I Bug Net for Doors (W 40 x H 83(inch), Folding)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51DvYTDv-OL._SL160_.jpg)
Last update on 2024-11-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Larson White Retractable Screen Door
Larson manufactures several retractable screen door brands, Brisa, Inspire, and Escape. All three Larson brands are available in white, and they share the same, or similar basic features. But there are some differences.
We review the top-quality Brisa retractable screen door by Larson later on. So here, we are going to focus primarily on Larson’s Inspire and Escape white retractable screen doors.
Key Points at a Glance
- Both brands offer greater visibility as well as airflow to keep your home cool during the day.
- Mesh manufactured from fiberglass.
- Both incorporate a fully assembled cassette that houses the retracted screen.
- All three brands are made of aluminum and installed on the outside of an existing opening or door frame.
- Inspire screens feature a good-looking pleated design, while Escape and Brisa are mesh screens that stop insects from getting inside.
- Allows visibility through the screen and blocks out mosquitoes and other bugs.
- Inspire retractable screen doors have a flat bottom that makes them wheelchair-friendly.
- Both types are self-adjusting, which makes them ideal for uneven openings. This also makes them easier to install.
- Limited five-year warranties on all mechanical parts for both the Inspire and Escape brands. Brisa screen doors carry a limited lifetime warranty.
Dimensions and Specs
- Fits standard-sized doors that are 39 inches wide
- Fits left- and right-opening doors
- Flat bottom for wheelchair access
- Die-cast metal handle
- 39-inch doors weigh 13 lb
The Details
Attractive and functional, Larson’s white retractable screen doors provide the options of three different in-house brands, all of which feature similar retractable door screen designs. They look attractive and work well. Low maintenance for the Inspire and Escape brands, and relatively no maintenance for Brisa, are welcome features of Larson’s retractable screen doors. All Larson white retractable screen doors are made from white powder-coated aluminum and the designs are reasonably robust.
The Bottom Line
Larson retractable screen doors are all relatively easy to install, although the top-quality Brisa brand is easiest. Based on standard door applications and average DIY skills, the Brisa should only take about 30 minutes to install. Installation of the other two Larson brands is a little more involved and requires the use of additional tools including a power drill and power or hand-held saw. So, unless you have proven DIY skills, don’t be surprised if they take a lot longer.
Consider price and specific features before deciding which Larson brand (if any) to choose.
- Completely assembled no cut cassette
- Easy to install and operate
- Adjustable height – 2"
- Self-adjusting to fit uneven openings
- Superior gliding featuring low-friction technology
Last update on 2024-11-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Conclusion
The best retractable screen doors maximize fresh air and don’t spoil the view when they are in use. When they aren’t in use, you can store them conveniently out of sight. But not all retractable screen doors are the same. In choosing our best, runner-up, and budget retractable screen doors, we weighed up all the features each offers as well functionality and price.
Durability is a factor that consumers often question, and we struggled with this one. It’s difficult to test durability without installing each and every product and trying it out for two or three months. One criticism they all seem to have in common is that animals, especially cats, can easily damage the mesh. And this applies as much to our best, runner-up, and budget choices as the other products we reviewed.
Ultimately, we focused on quality and value to make our three choices. Your needs may not be the same as ours, and so we urge you consider them all before you make a final decision.
Last update on 2024-11-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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