Sydney flyscreen resource · Reviewed 31 August 2026
Compare professionally fitted retractable, pleated and safety-style doors with DIY magnetic mesh, chain and string curtain alternatives.
Quick comparison
| Option | Best suited to | Installation | Important trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avalon Screens / Flyscreens Sydney Retractable, pleated and selected safety screen doors |
Sydney homes needing a made-to-measure fitted solution for sliding, French, bi-fold or other door openings | Local measure and installation service | Tailored quote and appointment rather than an instant online purchase |
| Magnetic Screens Company Magnetic mesh door screens, string and chain curtains |
DIY buyers wanting hands-free passage or a removable door covering | DIY; delivered in set-size and selected custom-size options | A soft magnetic curtain is not the same as a rigid, retractable or security door |
| Simple Screens Magnetic door screens, string curtains and chain screens |
Renters and households wanting a simple removable DIY screen | DIY with online ordering and made-to-measure options | Accurate measuring and a suitable mounting surface remain the buyer’s responsibility |
| Budget Screens Magnetic door screens and chain curtains |
Budget-led online comparison and straightforward DIY applications | DIY and delivered | Confirm sizing, closure design and the current included fittings before purchase |
| Screen Doors Company Self-closing magnetic mesh door curtain |
Households wanting an online, hands-free magnetic doorway screen | DIY, with no tradesperson advertised as required | It is an insect curtain, not a lockable security screen |
1. Retractable screen doors
A retractable door screen slides into a cassette when it is not in use, keeping the opening visually clear. It can be a strong choice for wide openings, French doors and bi-fold doors when the screen needs to be present only some of the time.
Consider this when: appearance is important; the opening is non-standard; or you want a made-to-measure screen that stores away.
Ask about: wind exposure, sill or track position, operation across wide openings, mesh replacement and component warranty.
2. Pleated flyscreen doors
Pleated mesh folds into a compact stack and can stop at different positions across an opening. Avalon Screens offers pleated options for door applications, including openings where smooth operation and a compact stack are priorities.
Consider this when: the door is used frequently, you want controlled positioning, or the opening needs a design suited to breezier conditions.
3. Magnetic self-closing door curtains
Magnetic mesh curtains part in the centre and close behind a person or pet. Magnetic Screens Company, Simple Screens, Budget Screens and Screen Doors Company all advertise Australian online choices in this category. These products are attractive when hands-free access, easy removal and DIY fitting are the main requirements.
Check first: exact door-frame measurements, clearance at the threshold, the fixing surface, how the centre closure behaves in wind and whether the product suits a single, double, sliding or French-door configuration.
Remember: a magnetic mesh curtain is intended for insect control. It does not replace a lockable door, pool barrier, fall-prevention device or compliant security screen.
4. Chain and string door curtains
Chain and string curtains allow frequent walk-through access and are sold by several of the online suppliers in this comparison. They have a different look and feel from mesh. Gaps between strands mean performance should be assessed against the insects present and the exposure of the doorway.
5. Safety and security-style screen doors
A rigid safety or security-style screen door is a separate category from a flyscreen curtain. If resistance to forced entry is part of your requirement, ask the supplier which tested product and installation specification applies. Do not assume that pet mesh, magnetic mesh or a standard aluminium flyscreen provides security performance.
How to choose
- Choose professional measure and installation for wide, unusual or design-sensitive openings and when you want one party responsible for fit.
- Choose a magnetic curtain when hands-free everyday access, simple DIY fitting and removability are the priorities.
- Choose retractable or pleated when the screen should store neatly away and a fitted finish matters.
- Choose a specified safety/security product when security is the actual need.
- Check wind and pet use honestly. Door traffic, claws and exposed locations can change which design is suitable.
Suppliers included in this guide
- Avalon Screens: retractable screen doors
- Avalon Screens: pleated screen doors
- Avalon Screens: safety screen doors
- Magnetic Screens Company Australia
- Simple Screens Australia
- Budget Screens Australia
- Screen Doors Company Australia
Need a fitted door screen in Sydney?
Tell Avalon Screens about the doorway, its width, door type and location. We can arrange a free custom measure and quote for a suitable installed option.
