Which porch screen mesh size: 14/18 or 20/20 ?

18 years ago

This week I'm having a screened porch built. The builder is offering an upgraded Phifer brand 20/20 screen mesh, as opposed to the regular Phifer 4/18 mesh at no extra cost.

Now prior to choosing this builder, I was told by a couple other porch/sales reps that they only recommended the 14/18 screen mesh size, because you could feel the breeze better... and 20/20 mesh would make the air feel stagnant. My builder says they were probably just telling me that because they didn't offer the 20/20 as a standard mesh.

Has anyone tried both, or tried one and wished they'd chosen the other? If the 20/20 does cut down the breeze some, is it that much to make a difference? In any case, I've gotten conflicting opinions on the subject and I'm not sure what to do. I should mention that I live in central florida where there is no problem with no-see-ums. Would there be any other advantages of going with the 20/20... other than to keep out the no-see-um?

Thanks in advance for any feedback on the subject.

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revka
Original Author

18 years ago

Well since I started this discussion, I thought I'd report back to let everyone know we went with the finer 20/20 mesh. On the first day of construction, the builder brought two pieces out so we could compare the 18/14 with the 20/20. Turns out the view was not that different, when looking through the two, so we went with the finer mesh.

I'm sure the 18/14 would have been fine, but since the builder was offer the 20/20 at no extra cost, we figured we should take advantage. Also, we've been able to feel plenty of breeze..., so we are happy with our choice.
Thanks everyone for your feedback.

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Comments (12)

revka
Original Author
18 years ago
I just noticed my type above. I meant to say: "The builder is offering an upgraded Phifer brand 20/20 screen mesh, as opposed to the regular Phifer 14/18 mesh at no extra cost."
mike13
18 years ago
I doubt if there would be much noticeable breeze difference between the 14X18 and 20X20 mesh. There would be some but probably not an issue for most people.

In addition to the benefit of screening out No-See-Ums, the 20X20 mesh would also "sheen" off more rain. But the "14X18" may be more heavy duty due to a larger wire size. I don't know that for sure as I have not heard back from Phifer yet as to whether or not they use the same wire size but a tighter weave or if they use a smaller wire size & a tighter weave.

If anyone knows please post the answer.

For the same price & comparing apples to apples, I'd go w/ the 20X20. Of course, the builder may be charging more for the whole screen porch to cover the extra cost from the manufacturer (wholesale pricing for the 20X20 is more than the 14/18), or he may have the 20X20 mesh laying around & he wants to get rid of it, or he may just be motivated for your business & he's throwing the 20X20 out as a carrot to win the job.

If his price & quality is the same as the other competitors, I'd go w/ him given in my mind there is an additional benefit in going w/ the 20X20 mesh.
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revka
Original Author
18 years ago
Mike13- Thank you for your feedback. You've given me a lot to think about.

I went over to Lowes yesterday to look at the 20/20 mesh and compare it to the 14/18. One thing I noticed is that density seemed to make the view darker and more pixal like than the 14/18 mesh. I'm not sure I would be able to appreciate the view as much as if we chose the 14/18. We've put a lot of energy into our landscaping and enjoy looking at the view out back. Oh well, I suppose with every choice you make there's some kind of compromise. :-)
intheshed
18 years ago
I used 14/18 on new porch last year and it's fine in N.E. Better view is more important most places. Also, consider aluminum vs. fiberglass. I tried both w/ same mesh: the aluminum is "clearer" view-wise, probably because the fiber strands need to be thicker to be strong enough(?). The aluminum is tougher, too, but harder to install and somewhat more expensive. If i were paying someone to install, I'd go aluminum.
meins_meins2_com
17 years ago
I would need a piece 8'x6' 20x20 or 20x30 mesh in gray.
I fixed my screen and the roll left me only for the last opening a piece of 6'x3' !!!
Maybe somebody knows where I can get a piece !!!???
Susan Barrow
6 years ago
If you have pine trees near, 20/20 screen will make a huge difference keeping the needles off the pool deck. It will also offer more sun protection as well as help pool chlorine last longer. I have a curtain on one side of my pool enclosure and the smaller mesh helps keep it from banging around in the breeze. Sorry if redundant did not read all responses.
millworkman
6 years ago
"Sorry if redundant did not read all responses."

Redundant or not, it is a 12 year old post........................
Jacob Fox
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Some people just can’t seem to keep their rude comments to theirselves. Good job bro. You are what’s wrong with society. If you can’t say anything nice....... Obviously people (you) are still reading this post. 12 years later....
User
5 years ago
Mr. Fox, some of us who contribute read whatever is advanced to the front of the forum. When a post is added to by a contributor, that advances it to the top. I have seen serious conversations made by new posters who fail to read the dates of the post to which they reply---meaning their posts have no bearing and make the new poster look a bit silly---have seen posters feel that way.

You have no idea who millworkman is, yet you label him as the reason our entire society is problematic---seems that is a bit presumptively rude as well.

Oh, you read it as did I.
Navin P
5 years ago
I am having extension of lanai and screened in. I like to have contractor to use 20 x 20 screen use on roof and 17 x 17 screen on three sides. The reason for using 20 x 20 on roof is to cut down during mid day of Florida sun for few hours. @0 x 20 will cost me few dollars more. Does anyone know if 20 x 20 provides sun protection better than 17 x 17 screen? Any advise.
Jim Pihlblad
3 years ago
20/20 does provide better sun protection we have had both and never got sun burn with 20/20 but did with the larger holes hope that helps

Which porch screen mesh size: 14/18 or 20/20 ?

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Which porch screen mesh size: 14/18 or 20/20 ?

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