Retractable Screen Doors

[jyl]

We just got two new cats, who will be indoor-only, so I need to put a screen door on the French doors from kitchen to backyard.

These doors are wide, single large light, and swing inward. We normally use only one door and leave it open quite often for fresh air; the other door is opened maybe every few years, its only real function is to admit sunlight or allow really large furniture to be moved in.

The French doors open to a small patio and there is no room for outward swinging screen doors, so I am thinking about using retracting French door screen doors. I see Lowes has some for $500 ish.

Has anyone used these? Did you like/dislike them, were they durable and easy to install? Thanks for any advice.

The alternative, I guess, is sliding screen doors, but seems they'd block one French door or the other.

[Rodsrsr]

I installed a retractable on a pair of French doors. If memory serves correctly I only installed it on one side, but it worked well and was very durable. Great solution.

[jhynesrockmtn]

We have retractable screen doors on the same setup. To be fair, they were used from a buddy's place that was being redone. The retraction on them can be a pain. Once they are closed though, they seem to work fine. I'm assuming new units will be smoother.

[LWJ]

I believe Phantom Screens (old customer) makes a product like this. Expensive but effective.

[1990C4S]

I have a Phantom screen on my front door, and the $30 Amazon magnetic screen on my back door (for dogs and kids). Both a excellent.

The cheap screens last at least two summers for me.

[john70t]

Originally Posted by jyl

We just got two new cats, who will be indoor-only,

That is an oxymoron. Not possible.
They will want to go out and join you sitting on the back porch at least.

(plus..um a few less poops in the box)

[jyl]

Thanks for the screen door info!

Indoor-only will be new for us - all our cats before have been in/out freely. In the last 20 years we’ve lost two to cars, five passed away naturally, fortunately none to coyotes (even though we’re in an urban area, coyotes are still here).

These cats came from the shelter, one is 1 y/o and the other is 10 y/o. They were not strays, both have only been indoor cats. So I’m going to try to keep them indoors!

[GDNF2ET]

I install exterior doors for a living.. I saw this display at Home Depot and was impressed by its construction...

[Zeke]

I've used them and they work. One unit on a double door requires attaching the frame to the inactive door. Now you will never use it. You can buy a double set that meets in the middle and just leave the inactive one extended all the time. I had one customer that preferred that because the light level was equal when the screens were closed. He never intended to open the inactive door. They opened to a balcony.

I suppose in the winter he reattracted both for more light.

[look 171]

I ahve them at my own house for 15 years. Its in the kitchen and downstairs into the deck. Wife uses it all the time when she cooks, keeps out the flies. Works well. No real latch, just a magnate does the trick.

[stealthn]

Phantom here, great for the back door.

[Steve Carlton]

Originally Posted by GDNF2ET

I install exterior doors for a living.. I saw this display at Home Depot and was impressed by its construction...

From Trilogy of Terror if I'm not mistaken...

[gacook]

Originally Posted by jyl

We just got two new cats, who will be indoor-only, so I need to put a screen door on the French doors from kitchen to backyard.

These doors are wide, single large light, and swing inward. We normally use only one door and leave it open quite often for fresh air; the other door is opened maybe every few years, its only real function is to admit sunlight or allow really large furniture to be moved in.

The French doors open to a small patio and there is no room for outward swinging screen doors, so I am thinking about using retracting French door screen doors. I see Lowes has some for $500 ish.

Has anyone used these? Did you like/dislike them, were they durable and easy to install? Thanks for any advice.

The alternative, I guess, is sliding screen doors, but seems they'd block one French door or the other.

This is the setup I have. We really only ever open the one side of the screen, so it's not a problem for us. I vaguely remember there being an "easy" removal/replace of the one "permanent" screen side if you NEED the extra space (for large furniture moves like you mentioned) but I had these doors put in...7 (?) years ago and have never needed to do that, so really don't remember for sure.

I do have retractable screens on windows I had installed last year. They're pretty cool. Rated for several thousand openings before needing to be replaced...I'd assume it's the same deal for the application you're looking for.

[gacook]

Originally Posted by john70t

That is an oxymoron. Not possible.
They will want to go out and join you sitting on the back porch at least.

(plus..um a few less poops in the box)

My cats are indoor/outdoor. They use a dog door to come and go. We have a litter box for rainy days (literally) but the cats never use it otherwise...until recently. Our older cat (going on 15) who was our avid hunter/neighborhood prowler is now retired. Stays in bed all day and decided he uses the litterbox exclusively now. Soo...Had to buy one of those damn litter robots because I will NOT have that smell in my house.

[jyl]

Originally Posted by gacook

My cats are indoor/outdoor. They use a dog door to come and go. We have a litter box for rainy days (literally) but the cats never use it otherwise...until recently. Our older cat (going on 15) who was our avid hunter/neighborhood prowler is now retired. Stays in bed all day and decided he uses the litterbox exclusively now. Soo...Had to buy one of those damn litter robots because I will NOT have that smell in my house.

My cats have always been in/out and I prefer it that way, but these girls were not strays, they have only been indoor cats, so I am doubtful of their savvy with cars and coyotes. Since moving here, we've lost two cats to cars, five to natural/age, and none to coyotes. So the cars, at least, are a concern. We do have a fenced back yard but they are cats so they can escape anything.

[GDNF2ET]

Originally Posted by Steve Carlton

From Trilogy of Terror if I'm not mistaken...

Yes

[gacook]

Originally Posted by jyl

My cats have always been in/out and I prefer it that way, but these girls were not strays, they have only been indoor cats, so I am doubtful of their savvy with cars and coyotes. Since moving here, we've lost two cats to cars, five to natural/age, and none to coyotes. So the cars, at least, are a concern. We do have a fenced back yard but they are cats so they can escape anything.

Yeah, I totally get that.

Our one cat won't leave the backyard...when he "accidentally" goes into the front yard, he gets scared and hides under a vehicle or something till we save him.