The Screen Tight Fast Track porch screening system is one of the most flexible DIY porch screening systems on the market — and one of the few that works with or without an existing porch structure. Before you order your kit and start cutting aluminum, there are a handful of things worth knowing.

This guide covers everything from how to estimate your kit size to what screen mesh is compatible, so your project goes smoothly from the first clip to the last roll of spline.

Shop the Fast Track porch screen kit at Metro Screenworks.

What Is the Screen Tight Fast Track System?

Fast Track is a modular aluminum porch screen framing system made up of 1-inch by 2-inch channels, often called sticks, that snap together to form 2-inch by 2-inch posts and rails. Unlike porch screening systems that require existing wood framing, Fast Track can be used to create structural elements on its own.

That makes it one of the most versatile options for both new builds and existing enclosures.

The system uses clips to attach channels to your porch frame, flat spline to hold the screen mesh in the grooves, and a rubber mallet to snap everything into place. It is available in powder-coated finishes including white, black, and dark bronze, so it can blend into nearly any porch aesthetic. Channels come in standard 8-foot lengths.

Is Fast Track Right for Your Porch?

Fast Track is a good fit if you want a porch screening system that gives you more flexibility than a standard screen track. It works especially well for larger openings, new porch enclosures, patio slabs, deck perimeters, and projects where you do not already have a full wood frame in place.

Fast Track may be right for your project if:

1. You want to build a screened porch without an existing structure.
2. You need an aluminum porch screen framing system that can create posts and rails.
3. You are working with larger or more complex porch openings.
4. You want to screen from either the interior or exterior of the porch.
5. You want a clean, durable system for a long-term porch enclosure.

If you already have wood framing and want the lowest-profile look possible, Mini Track may be the better fit.

Before You Order: How to Estimate Your Fast Track Porch Screen Kit

The most common mistake people make with this system is ordering the wrong number of sticks. Start by measuring the total linear footage of your porch openings. Every top, bottom, and side piece needs a channel.

For openings that do not have an existing frame, you will also need channels to form the posts and rails that create the structure.

Screen Tight provides a porch planning worksheet to help you calculate exactly how many sticks you need. Metro Screenworks sells Fast Track kits in configurations from 10 sticks up to 60 sticks, so you can buy what fits your project without overspending.

When in doubt, size up. Running short mid-project is more frustrating than having a few extra sticks left over.

What Comes in the Fast Track Screen Porch Kit

Each Fast Track kit includes the aluminum channels, Fast Track clips, hex head screws, flat spline, and a complete instruction guide.

Here is what each component does:

1. Aluminum channels/sticks: The main framing element. These snap over the clips to build your frame.
2. Fast Track clips: Attach to your porch frame first. The channels snap over these, which means there are no exposed screws on the face of the track.
3. Hex head screws: #10 x 1.5-inch screws for attaching the clips to wood framing.
4. Flat spline: Rolls the screen mesh into the channel grooves and holds it in place. Fast Track uses flat spline, which provides a strong hold for larger screen spans.
5. Instructions: A complete installation guide is included with every kit.

Screen mesh and tools are not included. You will need to add those separately.

Choosing the Right Screen Mesh for Fast Track

Screen mesh is sold separately from the Fast Track porch screen kit so you can choose the mesh that best fits your needs.

One important note: aluminum screen is not compatible with Fast Track or Mini Track. Always use fiberglass-based or other compatible mesh types.

Metro Screenworks recommends these screen types for Fast Track:

1. Tiny Mesh / No-See-Um Screen: Best for areas with small biting insects, gnats, sand flies, or no-see-ums.
2. Super Screen: Extremely durable, pet-resistant mesh. Good for households with pets or high-traffic porches.
3. BetterVue: High-visibility mesh with a nearly invisible look. Better views and more light without sacrificing bug protection.
4. Pool & Patio Screen: Standard-weight fiberglass screen for general-purpose porch enclosures. A good all-around choice.
5. 65% Solar Insect Screen: Combines insect protection with solar shading. Great for sun-exposed porches where you want to reduce heat and glare.

Tools You Need to Install Fast Track

Fast Track is a DIY porch screening system. You do not need specialized equipment, but having the right tools makes a big difference in how clean the final result looks.

Here is what you will need:

1. Chop saw or hand saw: To cut aluminum channels to length. Clean, straight cuts matter for a professional look.
2. Power drill: For driving the hex head screws when attaching clips to your porch frame.
3. Rubber mallet: To snap the aluminum channels over the clips without damaging the finish. Do not use a regular hammer.
4. Utility knife: For trimming excess screen mesh after splining.
5. Screen roller / rollerknife tool: Rolls the spline into the channel groove to lock the screen in place. A proper screen roller makes this step much easier.

You may also want a measuring tape, chalk line or laser level, and safety glasses when cutting aluminum.

Tips for a Cleaner Fast Track Installation

Fast Track is designed to be straightforward, but a few best practices can make the difference between a good install and a great one.

Install Vertical Channels Before Horizontal Ones

The instructions are clear on this: install your vertical channels first, then the horizontals. Getting this order right prevents misalignment and makes the corners come together cleanly.

Clip Placement Matters

Attach clips no more than 4 inches from corners and space them 14 to 16 inches apart along the frame. Use at least 6 clips for each 8-foot channel length.

Consistent clip spacing keeps the track aligned and prevents the channel from bowing.

Screen From the Interior or Exterior

One of the advantages of Fast Track is that the groove runs on both sides of the channel, so you can screen from inside or outside depending on your porch setup.

Start with the top piece, then work your way down the sides, and finish with the bottom. Pull the screen taut as you go, especially at the bottom.

Use Flat Spline, Not Round Spline

Fast Track requires flat spline. Round spline will not seat correctly in the groove and can cause the screen to come loose over time.

Use the .175-inch flat spline included in your kit for fiberglass mesh.

Dry-Fit Before You Screen

Cut all your channels and snap the full frame together before you start splining in the screen. This lets you catch any measurement errors and make adjustments without having to re-screen a section.

Screened Porch Without an Existing Structure: Can Fast Track Do It?

Yes. This is one of Fast Track’s biggest differentiators.

Because the 1-inch by 2-inch channels snap together to form 2-inch by 2-inch posts and rails, Fast Track can serve as the structural framing itself. You do not need to build a wood frame first.

This makes Fast Track a strong option for patio slabs, deck perimeters, and open outdoor areas where you want to create a porch enclosure kit from the ground up.

For very large openings, plan your layout with posts at reasonable intervals for the best result. Larger spans can be more difficult to keep tight, especially if there is too much distance between supports.

Fast Track vs. Mini Track: Which One Is Right for You?

Metro Screenworks carries both Fast Track and Mini Track from Screen Tight. Here is how they compare:

Feature	Fast Track	Mini Track
Best for	New builds, larger openings, and flexible layouts	Existing porch frames and low-profile installs
Existing structure required?	No	Yes
Material	Aluminum	Aluminum
Visual profile	Larger 1-inch by 2-inch channels	Low-profile 3/4-inch by 3/4-inch track
Can create posts and rails?	Yes	No
Best use case	Building or enclosing a porch from scratch	Screening an existing porch frame
Installation style	Clips, channels, flat spline	Screws, track, square spline

If you have an existing porch frame and want a minimal look, Mini Track is probably the better fit. If you are building from scratch or working with a larger, more complex layout, Fast Track gives you more flexibility.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fast Track

What screen mesh is compatible with Fast Track?

Fiberglass mesh and other compatible screen types work well with Fast Track. Aluminum screen is not compatible with Fast Track. Metro Screenworks recommends Tiny Mesh, Super Screen, BetterVue, Pool & Patio Screen, or 65% Solar Insect Screen.

Do I need existing framing to install Fast Track?

No. Fast Track can be installed on existing porch frames, or the channels can be mated together to create structural posts and rails. It is one of the few porch screening systems that works both ways.

How far apart should Fast Track clips be spaced?

Clips should be placed no more than 4 inches from corners and 14 to 16 inches apart along the frame. Use at least 6 clips per 8-foot channel.

Can Fast Track be used for rescreening?

Yes. To replace a damaged screen section, pull the spline out of the groove, remove the old screen, roll in new mesh, and spline it back in. The clips and channels stay in place.

What colors does Fast Track come in?

Fast Track is available in powder-coated finishes including white, dark bronze, and black.

Is Fast Track good for a DIY screened porch?

Yes. Fast Track is designed for DIY porch screening projects, especially when you want a system that can work with or without existing framing. You will need accurate measurements, compatible screen mesh, and basic tools like a chop saw, drill, rubber mallet, utility knife, and screen roller.

Ready to Get Started?

The Screen Tight Fast Track porch screening system is available now at Metro Screenworks in kits from 10 to 60 sticks. Whether you are building a new porch enclosure kit from scratch or rescreening an existing frame, Fast Track gives you the flexibility and durability to get it done right.

Shop Fast Track and compatible screen mesh, or call us at 1-800-413-2579. We are happy to help you figure out exactly what your project needs.