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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 a pneumatic door closer, can even control the swing to the point of near silence.
Our pick for the best overall is the Greenstar Touch ‘n Hold Standard-Duty Door Closer. The corrosion-resistant plastic withstands frequent use and exposure to the elements, and it can be adjusted to prevent slamming. It even has a hold-open button, which is handy if you’re going in and out with your hands full.
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 Standard-Duty Door Closer
↓ Jump to Review - RUNNER-UP: Wright Products Heavy Duty Pneumatic Door Closer
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Prime-Line Pneumatic Screen and Storm Door Closer
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR STORM DOORS: Ideal Security Pneumatic Heavy Storm Door Closer
↓ Jump to Review - BEST COMMERCIAL-GRADE: Fortstrong Commercial Door Closer
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR BACK/SIDE DOORS: National Hardware Touch ‘n Hold Door Closer
↓ Jump to Review - ALSO CONSIDER: Marie Automatic Door Closer
↓ Jump to Review
Photo: amazon
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.
Our Top Picks
This guide features some of the best screen door closers for residential and commercial uses. Each of our selected top picks features pros and cons to help potential buyers narrow down their ideal model.
Best Overall
Greenstar Touch 'n Hold Standard-Duty Door Closer
Product Specs
- Closer type: Surface mount
- Frequency of use: Standard use
- Best for: Residential front and back doors
What We Like
- Corrosion-resistant plastic withstands frequent use and exposure to the elements
- Closing force can be adjusted to avoid slamming; suitable for homes with children and pets
- 1-touch hold-open button prevents users from unwanted closures or slams
- All installation hardware and designer series brackets included with purchase
What We Don’t Like
- Some users have reported that the closer tends to get stuck or close slowly with extended use
This screen door closer is made of corrosion-resistant plastic that won’t be damaged by rain, snow, or sleet. 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 that can be 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 smooth closing function on which users can rely. It also comes with the necessary fasteners to secure the closer to the back of the door and the door frame.
Get the Greenstar screen door closer at Amazon or The Home Depot.
Runner-up
Wright Products Heavy Duty Pneumatic Door Closer
Product Specs
- Closer type: Surface mount
- Frequency of use: Heavy-duty
- Best for: Residential doors with heavy traffic
What We Like
- Adjustable closing speed for the pneumatic tube prevents any accidental injuries to fingers; perfect for homes with children and pets
- Compatible with residential and commercial doors; can also be used with storm doors
- Comes in multiple color options to suit a given user’s current door or fixtures
- Affordable price point compared to other screen door closers on this list
What We Don’t Like
- Some users have reported that the door can be noisy when closing
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 delicately pulls the door closed using air within the pneumatic tube to cushion the force of the door, preventing it from slamming. This heavy-duty-use screen door closer from Wright Products 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 Wright Products surface-mount screen door closer attaches to the push side of the doorframe and the door at the top, middle, or bottom. This Wright Products option can also have the closing speed adjusted so that the pneumatic tube doesn’t close too quickly and catch the user’s ankle or fingers.
Get the Wright Products screen door closer at Amazon, Lowe’s, or The Home Depot.
Best Bang For The Buck
Prime-Line Pneumatic Screen and Storm Door Closer
Product Specs
- Closer type: Surface mount
- Frequency of use: Light, standard
- Best for: Residential doors with light to medium traffic
What We Like
- Complete kit comes with an aluminum, medium-duty storm door closer, mounting brackets, and installation hardware
- Self-lubricating so it’s suitable for light- to medium-capacity wood and aluminum doors
- Closing speed can be adjusted; suitable for homes with children and pets
What We Don’t Like
- Requires a Phillips head screwdriver for installation; not included with purchase
- Only suitable for outswing doors; may not be appropriate for some users’ current doors
Anyone interested in a screen door closer without breaking the bank will want to take a look at the Prime-Line pneumatic screen and storm door closer. This complete kit comes with all the brackets and hardware required for mounting, and the fast screen door latch feature makes any standard or storm door installation process a breeze.
This aluminum medium-duty storm door closer is 9 inches long and accommodates wood or aluminum outswing doors of light or medium capacity. Users can also adjust the closing speed, which is perfect for homes with children and pets running in and out of the house. The black finish on this self-lubricating aluminum closer also provides a sleek look.
Get the Prime-Line screen door closer at Amazon.
Best For Storm Doors
Ideal Security Pneumatic Heavy Storm Door Closer
Product Specs
- Closer type: Surface mount
- Frequency of use: Heavy-duty
- Best for: Aluminum, steel, and wood storm doors in residential or commercial spaces
What We Like
- High level of durability; 1.5-inch-thick pneumatic tube is suitable for very heavy doors and storm doors of up to 60 pounds
- Versatile; can be adjusted for seasonality and installed in the top, middle, or bottom of the door
- Excellent online instructions for installation; all hardware and brackets included
- Compatible with steel, wood, or aluminum doors and comes in a variety of colorways
What We Don’t Like
- Some users have reported that the included instructions are hard to follow
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 of up to 60 pounds, where it can be mounted at the top, middle, or bottom, depending on the door’s construction.
The heavy-duty 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 heavy-duty-use door closer can be adjusted with a screw at the end of the pneumatic tube to increase or decrease the closing speed and force.
Get the Ideal Security screen door closer at Amazon or The Home Depot.
Best Commercial-grade
Fortstrong Commercial Door Closer
Product Specs
- Closer type: Standard
- Frequency of use: Heavy-duty
- Best for: Security, fire, and standard commercial doors
What We Like
- Capable of closing heavy commercial or storm doors of up to 330 pounds
- Versatile; can be installed in standard, parallel, or top-jamb orientation
- Built with 2 independent valves for adjusting the closing speed; convenient for high-traffic areas
- Comes with all mounting hardware and a fitting template for added convenience during the installation process
What We Don’t Like
- High weight capacity is not suitable for lightweight door varieties
- Some users have stated that the instruction manual is not very clear
Some garages, sheds, and workshops are equipped with heavy-duty commercial doors that lightweight, surface-mount door closers cannot properly support. The Fortstrong commercial door closer is an excellent option for security doors, fire doors, and standard commercial doors that weigh up to 330 pounds, with a closing force that can be adjusted to avoid slamming the door closed. Note that this heavy-duty-use 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.
Get the Fortstrong screen door closer at Amazon.
Best For Back/side Doors
National Hardware Touch 'n Hold Door Closer
Product Specs
- Closer type: Surface mount
- Frequency of use: Light, standard
- Best for: Residential doors
What We Like
- Adjustable closing speed is convenient for high-traffic areas; suitable for homes with children and pets
- Has touch-button hold-open feature; convenient for residential and commercial spaces
- Durable steel construction; can be installed in both indoor and outdoor areas
- Easy to install; comes with all the required brackets and fasteners
What We Don’t Like
- Limited weight capacity as compared to that of other options on the market
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 from National Hardware is a light- to standard-use option that’s a good choice for back doors and side doors of up to 30 pounds that see semi-regular use. It has a touch-button system that prevents the door from closing, much like door stoppers. When the door is opened up further, the hold releases and the door can be closed normally again.
Get the National Hardware screen door closer at Amazon.
Also Consider
Marie Automatic Door Closer
Product Specs
- Closer type: Standard
- Frequency of use: Heavy-duty
- Best for: Front doors, security doors, and fire doors
What We Like
- Strong, long-lasting build; endures over 500,000 door openings and closings
- Can open doors to up to 180 degrees and withstand temperatures of -40 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit
- Adjustable closing and latching speed and compatibility with both push and pull doors
- Comes in multiple color options to suit any current doors or fixtures
What We Don’t Like
- Powerful closing mechanism may not be suitable for lightweight doors
Though standard door closers are not typically used in residential settings, this Marie automatic 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. This heavy-duty door closer 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 can also be used outdoors or indoors and can withstand temperatures of -40 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit. It has an adjustable closing and latching speed, though this closer is not a good option for lightweight doors because the auto door closing feature will cause the door to slam.
Get the Marie screen door closer at Amazon.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a 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 metal 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.
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.
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.
To ensure that a door closer is the right size for your door, you must consider the door’s size and weight, location, and the amount of traffic it may encounter. Many screen door closers are made to accommodate wood or metal doors of up to 330 pounds. Always read the weight limit of a given door closer before installing it.
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. Users will also want to avoid any excessive moisture or abrasive cleaners to ensure that the door closer continues to function properly.
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.
The best storm doors are among the heaviest and need the toughest door closers on the market; they can require a single or double closer to hold their weight. Heavy-duty single pneumatic door closers like the Ideal Security door closer can control heavy wood, aluminum, or steel doors of up to 60 pounds.
When installing a screen door, it is important to keep a ¼-inch to ⅛-inch space on the bottom and a ⅛-inch space on each side between the door and the frame to allow for proper operation and fit.
To replace a 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.