A back door often handles more daily traffic than the front entrance: taking out trash, carrying laundry, bringing in groceries, or stepping into the garden. The right screen needs to suit those routines, not just the size of the doorway.
What type of screen is best for a back door? A retractable or accordion screen is worth considering when you want to move the mesh aside without a swinging panel. A hinged screen door can suit an entrance with enough swing clearance. A magnetic mesh curtain may suit a temporary setup where its attachment method is compatible with the frame. For every option, check fit, closure, mesh specification, and everyday access before choosing.
This guide compares the main back door screen options and explains the checks that matter before ordering.
Back Door Screen Types: A Practical Comparison
| Screen type | How it opens | When to consider it | What to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roll-up retractable screen | Mesh rolls into a housing. | You want to store the mesh when screening is not needed. | Housing space, operating direction, guides, and closure. |
| Accordion or pleated screen | Pleated mesh folds into a stack as it opens. | You prefer a folding screen that moves aside without a swinging panel. | Stack space, tracks, operating reach, and permitted dimensions. |
| Hinged screen door | A framed mesh panel swings open. | The entrance has suitable swing space and mounting surfaces. | Hinges, latch position, door collision, and landing clearance. |
| Magnetic mesh curtain | Mesh sections separate for passage and use magnets to close. | You need a temporary arrangement with a compatible attachment surface. | Attachment method, perimeter fit, and reliable centre closure. |
These are different access solutions, not a ranking from worst to best. The most practical choice is the one that fits the doorway and can be used consistently.
What Is the Difference Between Retractable and Accordion Screens?
An accordion screen is a type of retractable screen. The distinction is how the mesh stores: a roll-up design winds mesh into a housing, while an accordion design folds pleated mesh into a stack.
For a back entrance, compare the individual systems rather than choosing from the name alone. Housing or stack size, lower-track arrangement, handle position, and closure can differ between models.
Neither design should be assumed to have automatic closing, step-free access, or a particular wind rating unless that feature is specified for the selected product.
For a single-door folding option, review the Folding Accordion Single Door Screen. Check its current configuration and ordering requirements against your opening before proceeding.
Choose Around How You Use the Back Entrance
Frequent Trips with Groceries or Laundry
If you regularly carry bulky items, consider how you will open the screen and move it clear of the passage. Check whether the handle is easy to reach from both sides and whether the stored screen reduces the usable width.
A retractable design avoids a swinging mesh panel, but it still needs an operating action. Do not assume it provides hands-free passage.
A Small Landing or Narrow Side Passage
A hinged screen needs room to swing without hitting the main door, a wall, or someone standing on the landing. A retractable screen may help where swing space is limited, provided there is enough mounting space for its housing or folded stack.
Occasional or Temporary Screening
A removable mesh curtain may be sufficient for occasional use. Confirm that the attachment method is allowed and suitable for the frame. Adhesive or removable fixings can still affect painted surfaces, so follow the product instructions.
If you are exploring different locations rather than comparing screen types, see our guide to retractable insect screen door ideas beyond the patio.
Can a Screen Fit Your Existing Back Door?
A suitable screen may fit an existing entrance, but compatibility depends on mounting space and door operation. Open and close the main door fully, then inspect the proposed screen position.
- Door swing: establish whether the door opens inward or outward and whether its movement crosses the screen position.
- Handles and locks: check for projecting hardware that could contact the screen.
- Door closer: include the closer arm in the clearance check where one is fitted.
- Mounting surfaces: check that the surfaces are suitable for the required fixings.
- Threshold: examine the sill shape, uneven surfaces, and proposed lower-track location.
- Usable passage: consider how the installed frame, housing, or stack affects access.
For outward-opening doors, pay particular attention to handles and the full swing path. Do not assume an inside or outside mounting arrangement will work without checking the selected system.
Standard insect screens are not security doors, fall-prevention barriers, or pet containment systems. Check relevant requirements if the entrance forms part of an emergency escape route or accessible path.
Insect Protection Depends on Mesh and Closure
A well-fitted screen with suitable mesh matters more than the screen style alone. Inspect both the mesh and the perimeter where it meets the frame or closing surface.
Ask about mesh aperture if very small insects are a concern. Standard insect mesh should not be assumed to exclude midges or every small pest.
When comparing options, check:
- The intended insect-screening use of the mesh.
- Whether the screen closes fully against its closing surface.
- How gaps around the frame and threshold are addressed.
- Whether replacement mesh or service parts are available.
All mesh can restrict airflow to some extent. Airflow and visibility depend on the mesh specification and conditions at the opening. Retracting the mesh clears it from the passage but also removes the insect barrier.
How to Measure Before Ordering a Back Door Screen
Measure according to the selected product's instructions, not a generic door-size chart. The visible opening, mounting dimensions, and final ordering dimensions may differ.
- Identify the mounting position. Establish whether the proposed screen sits within the opening or mounts to a surrounding face.
- Record width and height at several points. Keep all readings and note variations.
- Check squareness and surfaces. Record uneven jambs, sill steps, or other irregularities.
- Measure available clearance. Include housing or stack space, guide locations, handles, and the main door's movement.
- Confirm operating orientation. State the viewing direction when describing left- or right-hand operation.
- Verify the ordering size. Apply only the allowances required by the selected product's instructions.
Review our Measure and Fit guide. If the mounting position is unclear, send photographs of the full opening, both sides, the top, and the threshold alongside your measurements.
Photographs help explain the layout, but they do not replace accurate measurements or an on-site assessment where needed.
Compare Maintenance and the Complete Cost
Routine Care
Back entrances can collect dirt, leaves, and pet hair. Inspect the mesh and keep the screen's movement path clear according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Cleaning methods vary by system. Do not assume that instructions for a spring-loaded roll-up screen also apply to a pleated screen. Use only approved cleaning methods and lubricants, and avoid forcing a screen that becomes difficult to move.
Review the Care Instructions and confirm any model-specific guidance before carrying out maintenance.
Total Cost
Compare equivalent dimensions and specifications, not just starting prices. The total may include the screen assembly, selected mesh and finish, delivery, fitting, and any preparation of the opening.
Before ordering, establish who will handle installation and review the Installation Policy. Confirm delivery arrangements using the Shipping Policy and information for your order.
A Simple Back Door Screen Buying Checklist
- The screen type suits how often you use the entrance.
- The main door and hardware clear the screen throughout their movement.
- The housing, folded stack, or swinging panel has sufficient space.
- The threshold arrangement suits your access requirements.
- The mesh specification and perimeter closure meet your screening needs.
- Ordering dimensions, installation, delivery, and total cost are clear.
The best backdoor screen is not necessarily the one with the most features. It is the one that fits correctly, remains practical to operate, and suits your everyday routine.
Considering a folding system? Start with the single-door accordion screen option, then contact our team with your opening measurements and photographs if you need help clarifying the configuration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best screen for a back door?
The best choice depends on access and fitting space. Retractable and accordion screens move the mesh aside without a swinging panel. Hinged screen doors need suitable swing clearance. Magnetic mesh curtains may suit temporary use where their attachment and closure work reliably.
Is an accordion screen the same as a retractable screen?
An accordion screen is one type of retractable screen. Its pleated mesh folds into a stack, while a roll-up retractable screen stores mesh by rolling it into a housing. Compare the individual systems' dimensions and operating requirements.
Can I add a screen to an existing back door?
A suitable configuration may be possible if mounting surfaces, hardware clearance, and threshold conditions allow it. Check the main door in both open and closed positions and follow the selected screen's measurement instructions.
Can a screen fit an outward-opening back door?
A suitable mounting arrangement may be available, but door swing, projecting handles, and any closer must be checked. Do not assume a screen fits solely because the opening width and height are within its size limits.
Do retractable back door screens close automatically?
Not all do. Automatic closing, spring retraction, latching, and operating force are model-specific features. Check the product specification rather than assuming that every retractable or accordion screen closes by itself.
Will a back door screen keep midges out?
That depends on the mesh aperture and perimeter fit. Standard fly or mosquito screening should not be assumed to exclude every very small insect. Ask about the selected mesh's intended use before ordering.
Are back door insect screens suitable for pets?
Standard insect screens are not pet containment barriers. Pet-resistant mesh may offer better resistance to damage, but the frame, closure, and complete system also matter. Use a purpose-designed barrier when containment is required.
What should I send when asking about a custom screen?
Send width and height readings, photographs of the opening and threshold, the main door's opening direction, and details of projecting hardware. Explain the proposed mounting position and how you use the entrance.