Why Shipping Assembled Solar Screens Isn’t Cheap (And Why That’s Actually a Good Thing)

If you’ve ever taken on a DIY project, you know how costs can add up — especially when shipping big, bulky items. So if you’ve browsed our site and thought, “Wow, the shipping for these assembled solar screens seems a little high…” — you’re not alone.

But here’s the thing: we’re not trying to make a buck off shipping. In fact, we often absorb some of the cost ourselves just to make sure your order arrives safely.

Let’s pull back the curtain and show you exactly what goes into getting your assembled solar screens to your doorstep in one piece.

Shipping Solar Screens Is Like Shipping a Giant Picture Frame

Solar screens are lightweight, but they’re also large and fragile — not a good combo for standard shipping methods.

If we just tossed them in a box and sent them on their way, there’s a good chance they’d show up bent, cracked, or punctured. That’s why we go the extra mile — literally — to protect them during shipping.

Step 1: Carefully Stacking and Wrapping the Screens

Each screen is shrink-wrapped together in a neat bundle to keep them from sliding around. This helps prevent scuffs and protects the frames during transit.

Step 2: Custom Wood Framing

We build a custom wood frame using 1×2 or 1×4 lumber based on the size of your order. Think of it like a protective cradle that surrounds your screens with a sturdy buffer.

This wooden skeleton makes the package strong enough to withstand the rough treatment that often happens during shipping (you know, conveyor belts, forklifts, the occasional drop…).

Step 3: Heavy-Duty Cardboard Layering

We cover both sides of the wood frame with double-layer heavy-duty cardboard to give it a clean, professional exterior — and add another layer of protection. The whole package is then stapled, strapped, and sealed like Fort Knox (well, almost).

Step 4: Wrapping and Warning Labels

Finally, we tape the entire box to keep everything tight and weather-resistant. We also clearly label it with “Do Not Bend” and “Fragile” stickers so that everyone handling it knows to treat it with care.

What Shipping Really Costs Us

By the time your package hits the road, here’s what we’ve already invested:

• Custom-cut wood framing
• Heavy-duty cardboard (which isn’t cheap!)
• Tape and labeling supplies
• The time and labor it takes to assemble each box (15-20 minutes)
• Higher-than-average shipping rates for oversized items

FedEx and UPS both charger higher than average shipping rates due to the size of the boxes. The high shipping fees are almost always due to the SIZE of the package, not the weight. We get heavily discounted rates from FedEx, and still it often costs between $60 – $250 to ship 1 or more screens depending on their size.

Real Life Example

See this screenshot of an actual order we just shipped to a customer in North Carolina. As you can see, our cost (upper right below the FedEx logo) was $223.58. Many people are surprised it costs so much because Amazon has kind of ruined our perception of what it actually costs to ship a package to a customer nowadays.

We’re On Your Side

So when you see that shipping cost on your checkout screen, know this: it’s not padding. It’s protection. It’s peace of mind. And it’s the only way to make sure your screens arrive ready to install — not ready for the trash.

If you ever have questions about shipping or want help figuring out the best way to order, we’re here for you. We care about your experience from start to finish — and it shows in every box we send.