Check Out Our Homeowner’s Guide to Choosing the Perfect Porch Screen Material
When homeowners begin dreaming of that cozy, bug-free veranda, one of the first decisions is: what kind of screen should I use? Long gone are the days of flimsy mesh that sags or blocks your view. With today’s advanced screen materials, you can enjoy large, durable panels that don’t require a center crossbar—delivering strength, style, and a seamless view.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key options—from Nano 50 to Dim-Out 99—so you can choose the screen that best fits your priorities for visibility, sun control, privacy, and durability.
No More Center Crossbars
Older screen systems often required a vertical or horizontal support bar in the middle of a large opening to keep the mesh taut and stable. But newer, high-strength screen fabrics allow for wide spans without that unsightly crossbar. That means uninterrupted views and a cleaner aesthetic.
Strength + Stability
These advanced materials are engineered for weather, UV exposure, wind, and repeated use. The result? A system that stands up to seasons of summer heat, coastal breezes, or mid-Atlantic storms without sagging, tearing, or losing tension.
Screen Material Options: From Nano 50 to Dim-Out 99
The screen material options range from Nano 50, which offers a clear, open view while keeping out bugs, all the way to Dim-Out 99, which provides maximum shade and near total sunlight blockage for added privacy and comfort. Between these two extremes, there are several varieties to match your specific needs along with a range of color options.
| Screen Material | Openness / Transparency | Shade / Solar Control | Privacy / Light Block | Ideal Use Cases |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nano 50 | Very open, high transparency | Light shading | Minimal privacy | For views, maximum airflow, minimal obstruction |
| Standard 70 | Balanced transparency | Moderate shading | Mild privacy | General-purpose screened porches |
| Solar 90 | Slightly less openness | Stronger sun control | More privacy in bright sun | West/south exposures, glare mitigation |
| Dim-Out 99 | Low openness / darker | Maximum shading / blackout | High privacy / light blocking | Near bright windows, afternoon sun, privacy zones |
Final Thoughts
Upgrading a screened-in porch isn’t just about “more mesh.” It’s about choosing a screen material that balances light, view, sun control, and longevity—all while letting you enjoy your outdoor space in comfort. The move from basic mesh to high-strength materials—from Nano 50 through Dim-Out 99—gives homeowners real choice, letting them tailor each wall of their porch to face its unique conditions.
With the ability to span wide openings without a center crossbar, you get style, strength, and seamless views all at once. When you’re ready to turn your porch into a year-round sanctuary, aligning your screen material choice with your exposure and priorities is the key to lasting satisfaction.
