If mosquito invasions are preventing you from enjoing your porch in summer, now’s the time to think about screening it in. If your porch already has a framework, your task is relatively simple. But if your porch only has posts, you will need to construct a framework to attach the screening to. Here’s how:

1. Cut a top plate from a 2-by-4 so that it fits between the porch’s posts. Using 16d galvanized nails, secure it to a beam or to joists. If the top plate parallels the joists, secure it to nailing blocks installed between the joists. Cut a 2-by-4 for the bottom plate, and position it directly beneath the top plate. Measure and cut the bottom plate where you will install the screen door. Secure the plate with 16d galvanized nails if the floor is wood or with masonry anchors if it is concrete.

2. Install wall studs with stud-framing clips on 16- or 24-inch centers where needed to support the screening. Position them so they are flush with the plates’ edges. Check plumb and nail the clips to the studs and plates, or toenail the studs to the plates with 12d nails.

3. Cut knee rails and supports for each end of each knee rail out of 2-by-4s. Toenail the supports to the bottom plate. Then toenail the supports and the knee rails to the posts and/or studs.

4. If you would like the screening to be removable, you can build screen frames to fit into the openings created by the framework. First, build screen surrounds from beveled 1-by-4s and nail them in the openings. Then nail 1-by-1 stops flush with the outside edges of the surrounds, checking for square as you go. Assemble 1-by-3s to create the screen frames, and, using 1 1/2-inch screws, drive them in at an angle to secure the frames to the stops.

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