Installing a screen door, the Aussie guide for a typical front entry
Aluminium and steel mesh security doors are standard at the front of most Aussie homes. Here's how to install one yourself in a couple of hours.
Tools and materials
Tools
- Cordless drill
- Drill bits (metal and masonry, depending on frame)
- Spirit level
- Tape measure
- Phillips screwdriver
- Adjustable spanner
- Pencil
Materials
- Screen door (correct size, hinged or sliding)
- Self-tapping screws (supplied with most doors)
- Masonry plugs (if fixing to brick)
- Silicone sealant (for frame perimeter)
A security screen door is standard at the front of an Aussie house. It keeps insects out, lets the breeze through, and adds a real deterrent to opportunistic break-ins. Installing one is squarely a DIY job for any confident weekend handyperson.
The three security tiers
| Tier | Spec | Price installed | Suits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insect screen | Aluminium frame, fly-mesh | $200 to $500 | Rental properties, mild climates, secondary entries |
| Security mesh aluminium | Stronger frame, perforated aluminium mesh | $600 to $1,200 | Most Aussie suburban houses, balance of cost and security |
| Stainless steel security | Crimsafe, Prowler Proof, Invisi-Gard | $1,200 to $2,500 | High-security, AS 5039 certified, insurance-favoured |
For most homeowners, the security mesh aluminium tier is the sensible choice. Steel security is worth the premium in higher-risk areas or where insurance gives a meaningful discount.
When to get it installed professionally
- AS 5039 certified steel doors (Crimsafe, Prowler Proof) typically come with installation included, the manufacturer warranty is voided if DIY-installed
- Unusual openings (arched, oversized) usually need custom-made frames
- Steel doors weighing 30 kg+ are awkward to lift solo
For standard 2040 x 820mm and 2040 x 920mm openings with aluminium-tier doors, DIY is straightforward.
Step by step
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Aussie standard front door openings are 2040 x 820mm or 2040 x 920mm. Measure the height and width at top, middle, and bottom. The smallest dimensions are your real opening. Most security doors come in standard sizes that fit these openings with 5 to 10mm clearance for the frame.
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Screen doors come in three security tiers. Insect screen: light aluminium frame with fly-mesh. $150 to $400. Security screen with aluminium mesh: heavier frame, mesh strong enough to deter casual entry. $400 to $900. Steel security door: Crimsafe, Prowler Proof, or Invisi-Gard with stainless-steel mesh. $900 to $2,500 supplied and installed.
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Most security doors come with a separate frame that fits inside the opening, plus the door itself hinged into the frame. Dry-fit the frame first. Check it's plumb (vertical) and level. Insert packers (small wedges) if the opening isn't square.
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Timber frame opening: drive self-tapping screws through the frame's pre-drilled holes into the timber. Brick or rendered opening: drill into the brick with a masonry bit (matching your plug size), insert plugs, drive screws. Typically 4 fixings per side, 2 along the top. Don't over-tighten or you'll bow the frame.
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Most security doors come pre-hung in their frame. If yours doesn't, hang it now: align hinges with the hinge mortises, drop in the hinge pins. Check the door swings freely and closes against the latch jamb without binding. Adjust hinge position if needed.
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Run a thin bead of silicone around the outside edge of the frame where it meets the opening. This stops water and bugs. Fit the door handle and lock if separate from factory install. Test the lock operation. Cut a key, hand the spare to a trusted person.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to install a security screen door in Australia?
$150 to $400 supplied for a basic insect-mesh aluminium screen. $400 to $900 for a security-mesh aluminium door. $900 to $2,500 for a steel security door like Crimsafe or Prowler Proof, supplied and professionally fitted. DIY install saves $150 to $400 on professional fitting.
Are Crimsafe and Prowler Proof worth the premium?
If you're security-conscious, yes. The stainless-steel mesh in these brands is rated under Australian Standard AS 5039 and resists knife and screwdriver attack. They're also better insect-mesh than basic aluminium because the mesh is finer. Insurance companies sometimes give a small premium discount for AS 5039 certified doors.
Can I install a screen door on a brick veneer wall?
Yes. The brick is structural, the screen door frame fixes into the brick with masonry plugs and screws. Use a hammer drill with a 6mm masonry bit, push in #8 plugs, drive screws. Don't over-torque or you'll crack the brick face.
How long does a screen door last?
Aluminium screens last 15 to 25 years if maintained. Steel security doors (powder-coated steel frame, stainless mesh) last 25+ years. The weak point is usually the hinges or the closer mechanism; these are replaceable parts.