TuffScreen vs Regular vs No-See-Um: Which Pool Screen Should You Get?
What each screen is good at, what it costs on a real Orlando pool cage, and where it makes sense to mix them. From the person who quotes every rescreen we do.
Updated · Prices current for Greater Orlando
- Standard 18×14 included
- TuffScreen +$0.30 / sq ft
- No-See-Um +$0.50 / sq ft
- 5-year warranty
Short answer
- Regular (standard 18×14): the right choice for most pool cages. Clearest view, best airflow, included in the base rescreen price.
- TuffScreen: a heavier, tougher mesh for kids, dogs and busy patios. About the same view as regular. +$0.30 per sq ft.
- No-See-Um 20×20: a finer weave that keeps out tiny biting insects. Common near lakes and ponds. Slightly darker, a bit less airflow. +$0.50 per sq ft.
- You can mix them. Many homeowners put a tougher screen on the lower panels and regular screen everywhere else.
Side by side
| Regular 18×14 | TuffScreen | No-See-Um 20×20 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Most pool cages and lanais | Kids, pets, busy areas | Tiny biting insects |
| View | Clearest | About the same as regular | Slightly darker |
| Airflow | Best | About the same as regular | A bit less |
| Strength | Standard | Heavier, more tear-resistant | Standard |
| Price on a rescreen | Included | +$0.30 / sq ft | +$0.50 / sq ft |
All three are Phifer screen and come with our 5-year warranty. For a dog that scratches or pushes through the screen, look at PetScreen instead, which is much thicker than TuffScreen.
Regular screen: the right choice for most cages
Standard 18×14 charcoal fiberglass is what most of our customers choose, and it’s included in every rescreen. It gives the clearest view out to the yard and lets the most air through, which matters on a hot Florida afternoon.
If nobody leans on the screen and small bugs aren’t a problem where you live, there’s no reason to pay more.
TuffScreen: for kids, dogs and busy patios
TuffScreen is a heavier, tougher mesh. It holds up better when kids, pets or patio furniture push against it, and the view is about the same as regular screen. On a rescreen it adds $0.30 per sq ft.
- Kids play near the walls or throw balls at the screen
- Dogs lean on the lower panels (dogs that scratch need PetScreen)
- Furniture, grills or pool toys sit against the walls
No-See-Um: for tiny biting insects
No-See-Um 20×20 has a finer weave than regular 18×14 screen, so it keeps out the tiny biting insects that get through standard mesh. It’s common on homes near lakes, ponds and preserves. The trade-off is a slightly darker view and a little less airflow. It adds $0.50 per sq ft.
Can you mix screen types on one cage?
Yes. Upgrades can go on the whole cage or just the panels that need them. Common combinations:
- TuffScreen or PetScreen on the lower panels, regular screen everywhere else
- No-See-Um on the walls next to the seating area, regular screen on the rest
- Florida Glass (solid vinyl) on the lower walls for privacy and rain splash, regular screen above. Florida Glass is for walls only, not the roof.
See all the options, including privacy and solar screen, on our screen types page.
What each option costs on a real cage
Rescreening is priced by the total screened area, walls plus roof. An average Orlando pool cage has about 2,500 to 3,000 sq ft of screen. Here is a 1-story cage with 2,800 sq ft:
| Screen | Rate (1-story) | 2,800 sq ft cage |
|---|---|---|
| Regular 18×14 | $1.50 / sq ft | about $4,200 |
| TuffScreen | $1.80 / sq ft | about $5,040 |
| No-See-Um 20×20 | $2.00 / sq ft | about $5,600 |
2-story cages start at $2.00 per sq ft, with the same upgrade prices on top. Projects over $3,500 need a deposit before scheduling, and financing is available through Wisetack for eligible projects. Want a ballpark for your own cage? Use the rescreening calculator.
Screen questions
Is TuffScreen worth it?
If kids, dogs or furniture push against the screen, yes. It’s a heavier mesh that holds up better, the view is about the same as regular screen, and it adds $0.30 per sq ft on a rescreen. If nothing touches the screen, regular is fine.
Is No-See-Um screen worth it?
If tiny biting insects get into your cage, usually near lakes, ponds and preserves, yes. It costs $0.50 more per sq ft and lets a little less air through.
What’s the difference between TuffScreen and PetScreen?
TuffScreen is a heavier mesh for busy areas. PetScreen is much thicker and made to resist claws and pushing. PetScreen is $2.80 per sq ft installed.
Which screen has the best view?
Regular 18×14 charcoal screen gives the clearest view and the best airflow. TuffScreen looks about the same. No-See-Um is slightly darker.
Can I put No-See-Um on just part of the cage?
Yes. Upgrades can go on the whole cage or just the panels that need them, for example the walls next to your seating area.
Do upgraded screens have the same warranty?
Yes. All of our screen work comes with a 5-year warranty. Hurricane and storm damage are not covered.
Related pages
- All screen types
- Pool cage rescreening
- Repair or full rescreen?
- PetScreen & pet doors
- Pool screen repair guide
Not sure which screen fits?
Send a photo of your cage and tell us what bothers you. I’ll recommend a screen and send an exact price, usually in about 30 minutes.
Last updated October 30, 2026. Prices apply to standard residential projects in Greater Orlando and may change; your written quote is final.