As homeowners continue rethinking how they use their indoor and outdoor spaces, one category that has quietly become more important is custom screening. From screened porches and retractable patio systems to custom-fit window screens and specialty materials, today’s homeowners and building professionals are increasingly looking for solutions that feel tailored to the way a space is actually used.
That shift toward personalization is one reason companies like Metro Screenworks® have remained relevant for more than four decades.
Founded in 1979 by Randall Wilson, Metro Screenworks has spent over 45 years focused entirely on one niche: custom screens. While many home improvement companies treat screens as a secondary product category, Metro built its entire business around specialized screening systems designed for homeowners, contractors, remodelers, architects, and commercial buyers alike.
Today, the company is recognized for offering one of the industry’s broadest selections of custom-built screening products while continuing to maintain its family-owned roots.
A Business Built Before Customization Was Mainstream
Long before online customization became standard in home improvement, Metro Screenworks was already helping customers order made-to-size products built around exact dimensions and project needs.
The company originally began by supporting a friend’s window replacement business, but founder Randall Wilson quickly recognized a larger opportunity within the custom screen market. Many homeowners struggled to find properly fitting replacement screens, while contractors often needed specialty products that weren’t readily available through standard retail channels.
Instead of trying to become a broad home improvement supplier, Metro chose a different path: specialization.
That decision helped establish the company as a category-focused business centered entirely around screens, screening systems, and custom solutions.
“We’ve never believed screens should be one-size-fits-all,” the company explains. “Since 1979, our mission has been to help people create spaces that fit their homes — and their lives — perfectly.”
Meeting the Needs of Modern Outdoor Living
The rise of outdoor living has significantly changed how homeowners think about screens and enclosure systems.
Patios are becoming outdoor dining areas. Covered porches are being designed as year-round gathering spaces. Retractable systems are helping homeowners create more flexible transitions between indoor and outdoor environments.
As these trends continue growing, customization has become increasingly important.
Metro Screenworks addresses this demand through a wide product lineup that includes custom window screens, screen doors, retractable screens, porch screening systems, specialty mesh materials, and commercial screening products designed for a variety of applications.
The company also offers specialty materials that address different homeowner priorities, including solar screen fabrics, pet-resistant mesh options, privacy screening, and porch enclosure systems.
For contractors and builders, this level of flexibility can be especially valuable on renovation projects or custom builds where standard sizing may not work.
Combining Products with Practical Expertise
One of the company’s lesser-known strengths is its educational approach to customer support.
Custom screen projects can often involve unusual dimensions, older homes, discontinued window systems, or installation questions that require more than a simple product order. Metro Screenworks has built much of its reputation by helping customers navigate those details through practical guidance and product expertise.
This problem-solving mindset has helped the company appeal to both experienced trade professionals and DIY homeowners taking on improvement projects themselves.
Rather than focusing solely on selling products, Metro positions itself as a resource for helping customers better understand measurements, materials, installation options, and customization possibilities.
That hands-on approach reflects the company’s long-standing philosophy as a family-owned business.
“For over four decades, Metro Screenworks® has believed a better screen can transform the way people live — creating more comfortable homes, more functional outdoor spaces, and custom solutions built to last.”
Staying Focused in a Changing Industry
Over the years, the home improvement industry has changed dramatically. Consumer expectations have shifted toward faster customization, online ordering, and more personalized design options.
Despite those changes, Metro Screenworks has remained focused on the same core mission: providing made-to-order screening solutions backed by knowledgeable customer support and long-term product specialization.
That consistency has helped the company continue serving a wide range of customers, from homeowners updating a single patio door to contractors managing larger-scale residential and commercial projects.
As outdoor living, renovation, and home personalization trends continue shaping the market, Metro Screenworks remains positioned as a company that blends traditional craftsmanship with modern customization.
More than 45 years after its founding, the company’s focus remains largely unchanged: helping customers create more functional, comfortable, and visually cohesive spaces through custom-built screen solutions designed to fit real homes and real projects.
Written in partnership with Tom White
