What is the best screen mesh for a dog?

Pet-resistant mesh: a heavy vinyl-coated polyester about seven times stronger than standard fibreglass. It stands up to claws and pushing. It is a standard-size weave, so it does not stop no-see-ums.

What mesh keeps no-see-ums out?

A 20 by 20 weave (20 strands per inch each way) instead of the standard 18 by 16. It is the usual choice near water and marsh. It reduces airflow slightly.

What size spline do I need for my screen door?

It depends on the groove width and the mesh thickness. Measure the old spline's diameter, or the groove: about 1/8 in takes 0.125–0.140 spline, about 3/16 in takes 0.160–0.175, and a 1/4 in groove takes 0.190–0.250. Heavier mesh takes a size smaller than light mesh in the same groove.

How much mesh do I buy?

The frame size plus two inches on every side, so a 36 by 80 inch frame wants a piece at least 40 by 84. Mesh comes in rolls 36, 48, 60 and 72 inches wide.

Which screen mesh should I use?

Say what the screen has to cope with and how big the frame is. The picker names the mesh, how much to buy, and which spline fits the groove.

A screen is not a barrier for a child or a pet

What does the screen have to cope with?

Tick everything that applies. None is fine — standard mesh is the answer.

A dog or cat uses or pushes the doorNo-see-ums, gnats or sand flies get throughAfternoon sun and heat come through the doorThe view matters — I want the mesh to disappearSmall children lean on it

Screen frame widthThe screen door frame, outside edge to outside edge.inchesScreen frame heightinches

How wide is the spline groove?

The channel round the frame that the rubber spline presses into.

Narrow — about 1/8 inA thin screwdriver tip just fits.Medium — about 3/16 inThe most common.Wide — 1/4 in or moreNot sure

How this works

Screen mesh is chosen by what it has to stop: standard 18 by 16 fibreglass for flies and mosquitoes, 20 by 20 for no-see-ums, a heavy coated weave for pets, a dense solar weave for heat, and a fine-strand weave where the view matters. One need usually wins; the picker says which and what you give up.

The amount is the frame plus two inches a side, and the spline is sized to the groove and the mesh thickness together — a heavier mesh takes a smaller spline in the same groove.

It runs in your browser and nothing you enter is sent anywhere. It is a guide, not a diagnosis — door makers differ, so check your manufacturer where it says to, and the technician confirms what has actually worn when they see the door.

Questions people ask

What is the best screen mesh for a dog?: Pet-resistant mesh: a heavy vinyl-coated polyester about seven times stronger than standard fibreglass. It stands up to claws and pushing. It is a standard-size weave, so it does not stop no-see-ums.
What mesh keeps no-see-ums out?: A 20 by 20 weave (20 strands per inch each way) instead of the standard 18 by 16. It is the usual choice near water and marsh. It reduces airflow slightly.
What size spline do I need for my screen door?: It depends on the groove width and the mesh thickness. Measure the old spline's diameter, or the groove: about 1/8 in takes 0.125–0.140 spline, about 3/16 in takes 0.160–0.175, and a 1/4 in groove takes 0.190–0.250. Heavier mesh takes a size smaller than light mesh in the same groove.
How much mesh do I buy?: The frame size plus two inches on every side, so a 36 by 80 inch frame wants a piece at least 40 by 84. Mesh comes in rolls 36, 48, 60 and 72 inches wide.

Other free tools

Rather have someone look at it?

Phones answered around the clock. Free estimate — the price is agreed before work starts.

Request service Request a technician · (888) 851-3682