A torn flyscreen is easy to ignore until you open the window and find insects getting straight inside.
Sometimes the problem is just a damaged section of mesh. Other times the frame has bent, the rollers on a sliding screen door have worn out, or there is no flyscreen at all.
The good news is that you do not always need to replace the complete screen.
In Melbourne, flyscreen installation costs can range from around $60–$150 for a new made-to-measure window screen, while a standard hinged or sliding flyscreen door can be around $150–$400. Re-meshing an existing frame can cost considerably less, often around $30–$80 per screen.
Larger, custom or retractable screens can cost considerably more.
How much does flyscreen installation cost in Melbourne?
Here is a practical 2026 price guide for common flyscreen work.
| Flyscreen job | Approx. Melbourne/Victoria cost |
|---|---|
| Re-mesh existing window screen | $30–$80 |
| New made-to-measure window flyscreen | $60–$150 |
| Standard window screen, supply & install | $80–$185+ |
| Hinged flyscreen door | $150–$400 |
| Sliding flyscreen door | $150–$400 |
| Pet-resistant mesh | $40–$120 per screen |
| Retractable flyscreen | $300–$700+ |
| Large/custom screen | $200–$500+ |
| Whole-house window screens | $500–$1,500+ |
These are broad market ranges, not fixed Get Handyman prices. The size of the opening, type of frame, mesh selected, access and number of screens can all affect the final cost.
Some national pricing data puts the overall cost of flyscreen installation around $130–$500, although simple window re-meshing can be much cheaper and larger custom systems can be considerably more expensive.
Re-meshing may be all your window needs
This is probably the first thing to check if you already have a flyscreen.
If the aluminium frame is straight, the corners are intact and the screen still fits the window properly, there may be no reason to replace the entire frame.
The mesh can be removed and replaced.
Typical Victorian pricing for re-meshing an existing screen is around $30–$80 per screen.
This can be useful when:
- A cat or dog has damaged the mesh
- The mesh has developed a tear
- The screen has become loose
- The old mesh has deteriorated
- The frame is still in good condition
A new screen becomes more sensible when the frame itself is bent, badly damaged or no longer fits the opening.
How much does a new window flyscreen cost?
A made-to-measure window flyscreen is commonly around $60–$150, depending on the size, frame and mesh.
Other current Australian pricing puts a typical made-to-measure window screen with standard fibreglass mesh around $110–$185 supplied and installed.
The difference between these figures is a reminder that you should check what is actually included in a quote.
One price may be for the screen itself.
Another may include measuring, manufacture, delivery and installation.
When comparing quotes, ask whether you are paying for:
- The frame
- Mesh
- Measuring
- Manufacturing
- Installation
- Removal of the old screen
- Any required hardware
Flyscreen door installation costs more
A door gets used much more than a window.
People walk through it dozens of times. It gets opened and closed, exposed to wind and sometimes pushed harder than intended.
That means the frame, hinges or rollers and closing hardware all matter.
A standard hinged or sliding flyscreen door can cost around $150–$400 in Victoria, depending on the size, mesh, frame and hardware.
Current Australian examples put a sliding screen door around $305 and a hinged door around $340 when using heavy-duty mesh and including hardware.
A custom door can cost more.
What if the sliding flyscreen door is hard to open?
You may not need a new door.
A sliding screen that becomes difficult to move can have a problem with:
- Rollers
- Track
- Alignment
- Frame
- Debris in the track
- Worn hardware
If the mesh and frame are still in good condition, repairing the moving parts may be more sensible than replacing the complete door.
This is particularly relevant with older sliding doors. The screen may look fine but no longer run smoothly along its track.
Before ordering a replacement, it is worth finding out what has actually failed.
Pet-resistant flyscreen mesh
Standard flyscreen mesh is not designed to withstand repeated scratching from dogs and cats.
If your pet regularly pushes against the screen or claws at it, a stronger mesh can be worth considering.
Pet-resistant mesh can add around $40–$120 per screen, depending on the product and size.
It is worth using it selectively rather than automatically putting heavy-duty mesh on every window.
For example, if your dog spends most of its time near the back door, that screen may need a stronger material while the bedroom windows can use standard mesh.
Aluminium or fibreglass mesh?
The mesh material affects both price and durability.
Fibreglass mesh is a common choice for ordinary insect protection. It is relatively affordable and provides good visibility and airflow.
Aluminium mesh is stronger and can be useful where greater durability is required.
There are also pet-resistant and finer insect meshes for specific situations.
The right choice depends on what you are trying to solve.
If you simply want to keep mosquitoes and flies outside, standard insect mesh may be enough.
If the screen is regularly damaged by pets, a stronger mesh may make more sense.
If very small insects are a concern, finer mesh is another option, although reducing the mesh opening can affect airflow.
Retractable flyscreens are a different price range
Retractable screens are designed to disappear when you do not need them.
They can be useful for larger openings, balconies, entertaining areas and doorways where you do not want a permanent screen panel occupying the opening.
The price is much higher than a basic fixed window screen.
A broad Victorian range for retractable or pull-down flyscreens is around $300–$700, while some custom retractable systems can cost substantially more.
For a large opening, the exact system matters. A quote should specify what is included rather than simply describing it as a “retractable flyscreen”.
Why the size of the opening matters
A small bedroom window and a large sliding door should not be expected to cost the same.
Larger screens require more frame material and mesh. They may also need stronger components to remain rigid and operate correctly.
Large doors can also have more demanding hardware because the screen is being moved repeatedly.
This is why a quote based on “price per screen” only gives you a rough starting point.
The actual dimensions are important.
Older Melbourne homes can make flyscreen fitting more complicated
Not every Melbourne window is a standard modern opening.
Older houses can have timber frames, unusual dimensions, existing tracks or windows that have been modified over the years.
A screen that is a few millimetres wrong can leave gaps around the edges or prevent the window from operating properly.
This is one reason made-to-measure flyscreens can be more appropriate than trying to force a standard-sized product into an older opening.
If the existing frame is still there, take a photograph before removing it. It can provide useful information about how the screen is currently fitted.
What makes flyscreen installation more expensive?
The screen itself is only one part of the job.
Several practical details can change the price.
Number of screens
Installing one screen involves travel, measuring and setup that can make a small job relatively expensive per screen.
If you need eight or ten screens, those costs can be spread across a larger job.
Current Australian pricing shows how the per-screen cost can fall when multiple window screens are completed together.
Window or door type
A removable window screen is generally simpler than a sliding door.
A retractable system is more involved again.
Mesh choice
Standard fibreglass mesh is generally less expensive than pet-resistant or specialist mesh.
Frame condition
If the existing frame is straight and usable, re-meshing may be enough.
A damaged frame may need replacement.
Hardware
Door screens can require hinges, handles, latches, rollers or closers.
Access
Unusual windows, upper levels or difficult access can add labour.
Do you need a new screen or just a repair?
Look at the frame before deciding.
If the mesh is torn but the frame is straight, re-meshing is worth considering.
If the screen door is dragging but the mesh and frame are intact, the rollers or track may be the problem.
If the frame is bent and no longer sits properly in the opening, replacing the screen may be more practical.
If several components have deteriorated, buying a new screen can make more sense than paying for multiple separate repairs.
Get Handyman provides flyscreen installation, replacement and repair services in Melbourne, including replacement mesh, screen doors, damaged frames and related hardware.
A flyscreen is not a security screen
This distinction is important.
A standard flyscreen is designed to keep insects out while allowing ventilation.
It is not intended to provide the same level of security as a security screen.
If your main concern is preventing unauthorised entry, you need to look at a security-screen solution rather than assuming a heavier flyscreen will do the same job.
The two products have different purposes.
Flyscreens and window safety
A flyscreen should also not be treated as a fall-prevention barrier.
This is particularly important around windows that are high above ground level.
A flyscreen’s job is to stop insects entering. It should not be relied upon to prevent someone from falling through an open window.
If you have a high-level window or a home with young children, check whether additional window safety measures are required.
Flyscreens for rental properties
Flyscreens are a common maintenance item for rental properties.
A tenant may report that:
- A bedroom flyscreen is torn
- The back door screen does not close
- A sliding screen is stuck
- Mesh has come loose
- A screen door latch is broken
- Several window screens are missing or damaged
For landlords and property managers, it can make sense to deal with several screens during the same maintenance visit.
Get Handyman specifically lists flyscreen repairs and maintenance among its services for landlords and property managers.
If there is an entry or exit inspection report with several maintenance items, provide the complete list when requesting a quote.
Whole-house flyscreen installation
If several windows need screens, ask for the complete property to be assessed rather than booking one screen at a time.
A typical three-bedroom house might have eight to twelve window openings plus a sliding or hinged door.
Current Australian pricing puts a standard-mesh installation across 8–12 windows plus one sliding door at roughly $1,300–$2,600, depending on the actual sizes and products selected.
Pet-resistant mesh throughout the same property can push the cost significantly higher.
You may not need the upgraded mesh everywhere, though.
If only two windows are exposed to pets, using the stronger mesh there and standard mesh elsewhere can reduce the overall cost.
What to send when asking for a flyscreen quote
You do not need to know exactly which flyscreen you need.
Photos are often enough to start the conversation.
Send:
- A photo of the entire window or door
- A close-up of the existing screen
- Approximate width and height
- Whether it is a window, hinged door or sliding door
- Photos of damaged areas
- The number of screens required
- Your Melbourne suburb
If you already bought the screens, send photographs of the product and its packaging as well.
For a damaged sliding door, include a photo of the rollers and track if possible.
The more information available before the appointment, the easier it is to understand whether you need a repair, re-mesh or complete replacement.
When professional flyscreen installation makes sense
A simple removable window screen can look like an easy DIY job.
The challenge is getting the measurements right and making sure the finished screen sits securely without leaving gaps.
Professional installation is particularly useful when:
- Several windows need screens
- You have older or unusual windows
- A screen door needs fitting
- The existing frame is damaged
- You need pet-resistant mesh
- Sliding screens are not operating correctly
- The opening is large
- You want several screens to match
The goal is not simply to cover the opening.
The screen needs to fit properly and continue to work as intended.
Get flyscreens installed or replaced in Melbourne
Get Handyman provides flyscreen installation in Melbourne, including new window screens, flyscreen doors, replacement mesh and suitable repairs. The service is available for homes, rental properties, offices and other suitable properties.
If you already have the screens, Get Handyman can also discuss installation of suitable customer-supplied products.
For a new screen, send photographs of the window or doorway, approximate dimensions and details of what you need.
If the existing screen is damaged, send photographs of the frame as well. This can help determine whether re-meshing or replacement is more appropriate.
Need flyscreens installed or repaired in Melbourne? Contact Get Handyman for a quote based on your windows, doors and screen requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does flyscreen installation cost in Melbourne?
A new made-to-measure window flyscreen can cost around $60–$150, while standard hinged or sliding flyscreen doors are commonly around $150–$400. Retractable systems can cost $300–$700 or more.
How much does it cost to replace flyscreen mesh?
Re-meshing an existing window screen can cost around $30–$80 per screen when the existing frame is still suitable.
Is it cheaper to replace the mesh or the whole flyscreen?
If the frame is straight and undamaged, replacing the mesh is usually the simpler option. A new screen becomes more appropriate when the frame is bent, damaged or no longer fits the opening properly.
How much does a flyscreen door cost in Melbourne?
A standard hinged or sliding flyscreen door can cost around $150–$400, depending on its size, mesh, frame and hardware. Custom doors can cost more.
How much does a sliding flyscreen door cost?
A sliding flyscreen door is commonly around $150–$400 in Victoria. The actual price depends on the size, frame, mesh, rollers and hardware.
Why is my sliding flyscreen door hard to open?
The rollers, track, alignment or frame may be causing the problem. Dirt in the track can also affect movement. If the screen is otherwise in good condition, the entire door may not need replacing.
Can you replace flyscreen mesh without replacing the frame?
Yes. If the existing frame is still straight and suitable, the old mesh can be removed and new mesh installed.
What is the best flyscreen mesh for pets?
Pet-resistant mesh is designed to handle more abuse than standard insect mesh. It can be useful for doors and windows that cats or dogs regularly scratch or push against.
Are flyscreens worth installing on every window?
Not necessarily. Prioritise windows that are regularly opened for ventilation, particularly bedrooms, living areas and kitchens. The number of screens you need depends on how you use the property.
Can flyscreens be made for older Melbourne homes?
Yes, suitable screens can be made or fitted for many older properties. The opening needs to be measured because older windows may not have standard dimensions or modern fixing arrangements.
Can you install flyscreens on sliding doors?
Yes. Sliding flyscreen doors can be installed where the doorway and existing track arrangement are suitable. If you already have a sliding screen that is difficult to operate, it may be possible to repair the rollers or alignment instead.
Can a flyscreen be installed on a large opening?
Yes, but larger openings need appropriate framing and screen design. Retractable or other purpose-designed systems may be more suitable than a standard removable screen.
Are flyscreens the same as security screens?
No. Flyscreens are primarily designed to keep insects out. Security screens are designed with additional security requirements and should be considered separately.
Do flyscreens stop mosquitoes?
Standard insect mesh is designed to prevent common insects such as flies and mosquitoes from passing through the screen. The effectiveness also depends on the screen fitting properly without gaps around the edges.
Can Get Handyman repair damaged flyscreens?
Yes. Get Handyman provides suitable flyscreen repairs, including damaged mesh, replacement screens and related screen-door issues.
Can Get Handyman install flyscreens I have already purchased?
Yes, suitable customer-supplied screens can be discussed. Providing the product details, dimensions and photographs of the opening can help determine what is involved before installation.
Do you install flyscreens for rental properties?
Yes. Get Handyman provides flyscreen maintenance and related property maintenance services for landlords and property managers.
How do I get a flyscreen installation quote in Melbourne?
Send photographs of the window or door, approximate dimensions, the number of screens required and your Melbourne suburb. Get Handyman can then discuss whether you need a new screen, replacement mesh or a repair.