Pet Screening versus
Stainless Steel Porch Screening

by Carol Knight Watson
(Baker County, Georgia)

QUESTION: I have to replace the screening on my porch. My dogs and cats have it pretty much in shreds, although it has been up for close to 20 years.

In trying to compare the pet screening and the stainless steel, from your information, the stainless steel would be quite a bit cheaper ($1/sq.ft. vs. $1.80 for the pet screening). And it seems to me, the stainless steel would also be stronger than the pet screening (vinyl coated polyester), but what do I know?

So, which would be best as far as durability, visibility, attractiveness, etc.? Also, I've seen a lot of sites for the pet screening but what about the stainless steel? If you could advise me on this, it sure would help me a lot. My husband died a few years ago, and I am having a time trying to figure everything out about house repairs.

ANSWER: Carol, we first want to offer our deepest condolences on the loss of your husband; we can only imagine how hard it must be to resolve all of the home maintenance issues.

I've been told that the pet screening works really well but have no first hand experience with it. My brother who has three dogs has had very good experience with pet screening. Pet screening might be a little darker in color. Stainless steel screening is obviously stronger but it will be louder than the pet screening.

Home Depot has pet screening for about $1.30 per square foot. Stainless steel is a little over $1.00/sq foot.

Here's what I would do. I'd try either one first on the one most obvious place where your pets tend to scratch to see how it holds up. This way you can decide what works best for you and your pets.

You might also want to ask the folks at your local vets office to see what they or their other clients have said about pet screening.

Sorry I couldn't be of more assistance. Perhaps our readers can offer their advice as well.

Dave