Retractable Screen Door

Any suggestions for a retractable screen door for placing in the door frame of an outswing door to our rear parlor deck? We just had the deck built last fall and did a window-door conversion and put in a ThermaTru custom door, which is 31.5” wide by 82” tall. It’s finally nice out and I want to leave the door open but really can’t without a screen so it’s time to get one ASAP. Since our door isn’t that wide (31.5″) I’m concerned about a frame to the retractable screen door making the width too narrow; I don’t want something so “framed out” that we lose too much width. Also, we have cats that like to go outside and ideally the screen wouldn’t be so flimsy that a cat could push its way out the door. And if I buy something that’s 80” or 81” tall for an 82” opening, will I need to have a little buildout done to make the screen fit? I’ve been researching this and am confused as to which brand is best. I have learned that Phantom has a floating mesh system that might not be pet-resistant, but it’s well regarded (including installation it would cost us around $500, which sounds high to me). There’s also apparently a brand called Plisse which would ship me a door for $200 and looks promising, and another called AIRA by Eclipse that also looks like it could work. For big-box, Lowe’s carries the Larson 39×81 for $160 or $200 including delivery, but it’s unclear whether there’s a bottom frame to help prevent my cat from escaping. And Home Depot has the ODL which is $120 or so but it’s not clear how sturdy a product it is. There’s also Mirage (based in Canada) and Screenmobile (based in CA) neither of which ship direct or have NYC dealers. Has anyone heard of Window Fix Inc in Sunset Park? I’d love feedback/suggestions. Thanks!

jeanmarine2

in Doors & Windows 11 years and 2 months ago

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diygirl | 11 years ago

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Hi – we bought one through Lowes. Not sure of brand, but the installer was nice and efficient and it cost us about $200 total. We’ve had it a couple of years and still works fine. Only issue is have to be careful of opening as it can “snap” back pretty hard. Not an issue for us as no little ones running around. But would consider that issue when buying.

NeoGrec | 11 years and 2 months ago

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We have the Aira retractable screen door. One of the best things we’ve ever bought for the house — in the warmer months it transforms our rear parlor/kitchen/dining room. Bought it from LWP in Sunset Park: 5401 3rd Ave @ 54th St. 718-492-7774\. Can’t say I loved them (unfriendly, slow) but they got the job done.

citigyz | 11 years and 2 months ago

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Love my Phantom retractable. No screen can stand up to a cat with claws.