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A screen door keeps flies, mosquitoes, and other bugs outside while allowing airflow to cool down the home and clearing out stagnant air. However, screen doors can be easily thrown around in the wind, creating unwanted noise and potentially catching fingers in the process.
Screen door closers inhibit these issues by controlling the swing of the door, slowing it to a smooth close. They resist heavy gusts of wind and prevent violent impact against you or the frame. Some types, like a hydraulic door closer or pneumatic door closer, can even control the swing to the point of near silence.
Read on for helpful shopping tips and product recommendations to find the best screen door closer for your entryway.
- BEST OVERALL: GREENSTAR Touch ‘n Hold Smooth Door Closer
- BEST BUDGET: Wright Products Heavy Duty Pneumatic Closer
- BEST FOR STORM DOORS: Ideal Security Heavy Storm Door Closer
- BEST COMMERCIAL-GRADE: FORTSTRONG Commercial Door Closer Adjustable Grade 1
- HONORABLE MENTION: National Hardware Touch ‘n Hold Door Closer
- ALSO CONSIDER: Marie Automatic Door Closer
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Screen Door Closer
When shopping for a screen door closer, it’s important to find a product that’s suitable for the door weight, size, and type. There are standard, top-jamb, parallel-arm, and surface-mount varieties to consider, as well as other essential factors discussed below.
Closer Type
Screen door closers come in four main types based on where they connect to the door and the frame, as well as the position of the spring box:
- Standard screen door closers have a spring box that attaches to the pull side of the door. One arm extends perpendicularly from the spring box to connect to a second, longer arm that fastens to the doorframe. This style of closer is robust and commonly used in commercial applications. Keep in mind that some standard screen door closers can be used in standard, top-jamb, and parallel-arm positions.
- Top-jamb screen door closers are also typically used in commercial and industrial settings due to their powerful arms and spring box. With this style of door closer, the spring box attaches to the top of the doorframe on the push side of the door. One arm then extends out from the spring box to attach to a second one connected to the door. These closers also stick out perpendicularly from the door, so if that doesn’t appeal to you, then a parallel-arm or surface-mount closer may be better.
- Parallel-arm screen door closers aren’t as strong as standard or top-jamb closers, but they are still frequently seen in commercial settings and schools. The spring box is installed on the push side of the door, with an arm that sticks out to the side and runs parallel with the door. A second arm extends back to connect to the bottom of the doorframe. When the door is open, the first arm remains parallel to the door while the second arm pivots to help control the closing motion of the door.
- Surface-mount screen door closers are the most commonly used in residential settings. These closers consist of a mounting bracket that attaches to the inside of the doorframe and a single arm that connects to the push side of the door. The arm passes through a hydraulic tube designed to absorb the energy from the closing door so that it shuts slowly and securely.
Door Orientation & Fit
Before deciding on a screen door closer, it’s important to consider the door type, including orientation, size, and weight. Depending on the specific doorway and the building layout, doors can open to the left or right. A screen door closer needs to match the door’s orientation so that the pull of the door closer isn’t fighting the natural swing of the door.
The door closer should also fit comfortably on the door and doorframe while holding the weight of the door. Otherwise, the swing of the door will simply break the springs in the spring box. For commercial and industrial applications, look for standard or top-jamb door closers capable of supporting the door’s weight.
Frame Distance
Frame distance refers to the space between the doorframe and the screen door. This is an important measurement because the screen door closer needs to be attached to both the door and the doorframe. If the distance is too great, then the screen door closer won’t fit securely. The screws may pull through the frame if they don’t have enough wood or metal to hold the force of the door closer, typically because the screws do not adequately line up.
Surface-mount screen door closers have just one arm that can extend out to bridge the gap between the door and the frame, so this measurement isn’t as important for this type. On the other hand, standard, top-jamb, and parallel-arm closers need to consider the spring box and box arms to find the proper placement.
Frequency of Use
The main point of door closers is to control the door’s closing swing, so aim to invest in a product that can keep up with the frequency that household members use the door. To help differentiate between products, manufacturers label screen door closers with one of three levels: light, standard, and heavy-duty.
- Light-use screen door closers are suitable for side doors that people don’t frequently use. They usually wear out quickly but cost less than standard and heavy-duty closers.
- Standard-use screen door closers are common for residential homes. They’re suitable at the front door and back door and usually last for 10 to 15 years if properly maintained.
- Heavy-duty use screen door closers are best for busy households or commercial locations where multiple people use the door throughout the day. These door closers are made to last but may sacrifice a smooth closing motion for lasting durability.
Closing Force
A spring box or the hydraulic tube typically determines the screen door’s closing force. With a larger spring box or hydraulic tube, the resistance of the screen door closer increases, allowing for use with heavier doors. However, this can also greatly increase the closing force with lightweight doors.
Keep an eye out for adjustable products that allow you to change the closing speed and force of the door closer. This adjustment is generally easy to do with a screwdriver, preventing the door from swinging closed too quickly and potentially hitting the back of the leg or catching your fingers.
Our Top Picks
With the above shopping considerations in mind, this guide features some of the best screen door closers for residential and commercial uses.
Best Overall
GREENSTAR Touch 'n Hold Smooth Door Closer
This screen door closer is made of corrosion-resistant aluminum that won’t be damaged by rain, snow, and sleet. It also resists high- and low-temperature changes, so there should be no impact on the function of the closer regardless of whether it’s winter, spring, summer, or fall. It comes with the necessary fasteners to secure the closer to the back of the door and to the doorframe.
The standard-use screen door closer is a good option for a home’s front or back door, and it even comes with a door holding feature controlled with a simple touch button. This allows the door to be held in the open position so that users can carry objects through the doorway or make multiple trips back and forth without repeatedly opening the door. The surface-mount screen door closer can be installed at the top, center, or bottom of the door and has a virtually silent, smooth closing function on which users can rely.
Product Specs
- Closer Type: Surface-mount
- Frequency of Use: Standard-use
- Best for: Residential front and back doors
Pros
- Weather-resistant construction
- Near-silent closing function
- One-touch hold-open button
Cons
- Plastic bracket is susceptible to breaking under stress
Get the GREENSTAR screen door closer on Amazon and at The Home Depot.
Best Budget
Wright Products Heavy Duty Pneumatic Closer
The Wright Products pneumatic screen door closer has a fully lubricated spring that stretches to allow the door to open a full 90 degrees before it pulls the door closed at a controlled pace, using air within the pneumatic tube to cushion the force of the door, preventing it from slamming. This heavy-duty-use screen door closer is a good option for busy entrances to the home, such as the front door, which is frequently left to slam closed behind people rushing into and out of the house.
The surface-mount screen door closer attaches to the push side of the doorframe and the door at the top, middle, or bottom. It can also have the closing speed adjusted so that it doesn’t close too quickly and catch the user’s ankle or fingers.
Product Specs
- Closer Type: Surface-mount
- Frequency of Use: Heavy-duty
- Best for: Residential doors with heavy traffic
Pros
- Affordable option
- Adjustable closing speed
- Also suitable for storm doors
Cons
- May not support heavy doors
Get the Wright Products screen door closer at Amazon, Lowe’s, and The Home Depot.
Best For Storm Doors
Ideal Security Heavy Storm Door Closer
The Ideal Security screen door closer is a surface-mount closer that uses a durable, 1.5-inch- thick pneumatic tube and an internal spring mechanism to control the door’s closing speed and force. It comes with the brackets and fasteners necessary to install it to a heavy aluminum, steel, or wood storm door, where it can be mounted at the top, middle, or bottom, depending on the door’s construction.
The heavy-duty-use storm door closer is a good choice for busy entrances to the home. It has a high level of durability that can resist repeated opening and closing throughout the day. The door closer can be adjusted with a screw at the end of the pneumatic tube to increase or decrease the closing speed and force.
Product Specs
- Closer Type: Surface-mount
- Frequency of Use: Heavy-duty
- Best for: Aluminum, steel, and wood storm doors
Pros
- Budget-friendly option
- High level of durability
- Adjustable closing speed
- Excellent online instructions
Cons
- Poor directions included
Get the Ideal Security screen door closer at The Home Depot.
Best Commercial-Grade
FORTSTRONG Commercial Door Closer Adjustable Grade 1
Some garages, sheds, and workshops are equipped with heavy-duty commercial doors which cannot be properly supported by lightweight, surface-mount door closers. The FORTSTRONG commercial door closer is an excellent option for security doors, fire doors, and standard commercial doors that weigh between 80 to 260 pounds, with a closing force that can be adjusted to avoid slamming the door closed. Note that this standard door closer cannot be used with lightweight doors because the closing mechanism is too powerful.
While this is a standard door closer, it can be installed as a top-jamb closer or even in the parallel-arm orientation, depending on the user’s preference and the available space. Simply follow the manufacturer’s direction for use to drill holes in the door and wall, if necessary, then mount the commercial door closer with the included screws and brackets.
Product Specs
- Closer Type: Standard
- Frequency of Use: Heavy-duty
- Best for: Security, fire, and standard commercial doors
Pros
- Capable of closing doors up to 260 pounds
- Adjustable closing speed
- Install in standard, parallel, or top-jamb orientation
Cons
- Not suitable for lightweight doors
Get the FORTSTRONG screen door closer on Amazon.
Honorable Mention
National Hardware Touch 'n Hold Door Closer
The National Hardware screen door closer has a white painted finish that blends in with white screened doors and stands out on a silver or black finish. It can be installed at the top, center, or bottom of a screen door to control the closing motion, and it’s designed with an adjustable closing speed so the user can determine how fast or slow the door should close once it is released.
The surface-mount screen door closer is a light-or standard-use option that is a good choice for back doors and side doors that see semi-regular use. It has a one-touch hold-open button that prevents the door from closing. When the door is opened up farther, the hold releases and the door can be closed normally again.
Product Specs
- Closer Type: Surface-mount
- Frequency of Use: Light, standard
- Best for: Residential doors
Pros
- Adjustable closing speed
- One-touch hold-open button
- Easy to install
Cons
- Not suitable for front doors
Get the National Hardware screen door closer on Amazon and at Toolbox Supply.
Also Consider
Marie Automatic Door Closer
Though standard door closers are not typically used in residential settings, this Marie door closer is an excellent option for individuals with thick, heavy front doors. The door closer supports doors that weigh between 55 to 100 pounds, so it’s also a suitable choice for a security door or a fire door. It comes with the necessary fasteners for installation, though users have to follow the manufacturer’s directions before drilling holes into the wall or door for the screws.
The standard door closer is intended for frequent, heavy-duty use, with a durable build that should hold up to over 500,000 door openings and closings. It also has an adjustable closing speed, though this closer is not a good option for lightweight doors because the power of the closer will cause the door to slam.
Product Specs
- Closer Type: Standard
- Frequency of Use: Heavy-duty
- Best for: Front doors, security doors, and fire doors
Pros
- Strong, long lasting build
- Adjustable closing speed
- Lasts for over 500,000 door openings and closings
Cons
- Not suitable for lightweight doors
Get the MARIE screen door closer on Amazon.
Our Verdict
If you’re looking for a standard-use option to install at home, the GREENSTAR screen door closer is a great choice for both front and back doors. This is thanks to its weather-resistant build, near-silent operation, and helpful one-touch button feature that holds the door open.
If your screen door experiences heavy traffic, the affordable Wright Products closer is a more suitable option with the benefit of adjustable closing speed.
How We Chose the Best Screen Door Closers
The recommended screen door closers were selected after extensive product research, offering a variety of user-friendly features like virtually noiseless operation and adjustable closing speed. The list encompasses door closers suitable for residential and commercial use with options for each product type.
Our list of top-performers focuses primarily on products compatible with the front, side, and back doors of a home, most of which are easy to install. Most products designed for residential use are surface-mount closers, though some standard closers could be used for heavy front doors, security doors, and other varieties mentioned above.
FAQs
Consider these frequently asked questions about screen door closers if you aren’t certain about what product would be suitable for your screen door or if you are concerned about how to install and maintain screen door closers.
Q: Are there different lengths of screen door closer?
Screen door closers come in different lengths, so it’s important to measure the width and height of the doorframe and doorway. Then, compare the measurement to the size of the door closer to find the proper fit.
Q: Do I need to oil the door often to keep the closers working smoothly?
Oiling the screen door closer is a good idea to keep it working properly. Once every 6 months, it should be lubricated with a few drops of oil.
Q: In how many positions can I install a door closer?
Screen door closers can be installed at the top of the door, the bottom of the door, and the center of the door. You can also have more than one door closer installed for better support in stormy weather.
Q: How do you replace a screen door closer?
Unscrew the brackets and remove the old closer from the wall and door, then fasten the new one to doorframe and door with the included screws. It’s a simple upgrade that can usually be done with a screwdriver.
If the screw holes from the old door closer do not align with the screws for the new one, you will have to follow the manufacturer’s directions to drill holes in the door. Once installed, push the door open to check its movement and range with the closer.