Initially created in the late 1800s, screened-in porches are very popular for home renovation and construction projects, and it’s no wonder why. These porches provide many of the benefits of being outside but protect you from the elements, bugs, and other outdoor hazards.
In this guide, we’ll be going over four reasons you should add a screened-in porch to your home and three considerations to take when you do.
4 Reasons to Add a Screened-In Porch
While there are many reasons why you might consider adding a screened-in porch to your home, here are the four most compelling ones:
● Enjoy Mother Nature: Do you enjoy lounging outdoors? Love the sound and smell of rain, but don’t want to get wet? Would you rather eat outside but don’t want to endure the bugs or elements? Screened-in porches allow you to enjoy Mother Nature while remaining sheltered.
● Say Goodbye to Bugs: Mosquitos, boxelder bugs, gnats, bees – screened-in porches let you say goodbye to bugs while enjoying the fresh air. Plus, these porches can keep unwanted wildlife off your porch, too.
● Your Pets Will Love It, Too!: Do you have a fur baby that loves to look out the window? You’re not the only one who wants to relax and enjoy nature’s smell, sound, and sights.
● Adds Value to Your Home: Since screened-in porches are popular among homeowners, adding one can help increase the value of your home and make your home a more attractive buy should you ever choose to sell.
3 Considerations When Adding a Screened-In Porch
There’s a right and wrong way to add a screened-in porch to your home. Here are three things you should consider.
1. When and How Often Will You Be Using It?
When and how often do you intend to use your screened-in porch? Do you want to use it year-round or during the warmer months?
If you only plan on using your new porch during warmer weather, you’ll need to beat the heat. You can do this in various ways, including installing a ceiling fan or air conditioning, using blinds or curtains, or using roofing materials designed to keep the room cooler.
If you’re planning on using your screened-in porch year-round, consider adding space heaters or fireplaces to your porch to provide additional warmth.
2. Features to Beat the Elements
Screened-in porches require extra care during construction because the materials and features you use are essential in combating the elements, keeping the porch clean, and keeping the porch well-maintained.
When it comes to flooring, you’ve got options, and each has its benefits and drawbacks.
Concrete Floors: These floors are usually cheaper, and you can hide imperfections with rugs, but concrete floors are also more prone to cracks and stains.
Tile Floors: Tile gives you the option of adding color and patterns to your floor. They’re also easier to clean. However, they can become slippery and dangerous when wet.
Brick Floors: Brick is a popular choice for screened-in porches because they’re more resistant to stains than concrete and slips than tile. However, this material can be a bit pricier.
Wood Floors: There’s a reason so many decks and porches are built using wood. They’re one of the best materials for elemental resistance, and they can provide a more rustic feel. However, wood floors are also one of the more expensive flooring options.
You should also consider what type of screen suits your intentions for the screened-in porch, your home, and your price range. For example, screen types can impact weather resistance, airflow, and lighting.
3. Choosing Furniture
When choosing furniture the materials used to build your screened-in porch shouldn’t be your only consideration. While choosing the colors, patterns, and designs of furniture may be necessary, the furniture’s materials are far more so. for your screened-in porch, outdoor patio furniture is typically best. That’s because these items are usually sturdier and weather-resistant. Additionally, wicker is a fine choice for screened-in porches because it resists high winds, dry heat, and humidity. This furniture’s primary drawback is it doesn’t do well under constant exposure to moisture, like rain, but since your porch will be screened-in, it won’t be.
Avoid light weight aluminum furniture, as these materials are likely to be shifted or sent flying if there’s a strong gust of wind. Wood can be a good choice, but only if your screened-in porch is kept cool, as wood can crack and splinter if exposed to dry, hot temperatures.
Get a One-of-a-Kind Design
At Land Art Design, we pride ourselves on our ability to create one-of-a-kind designs that fit your home and vision. So if you’re considering adding a screened-in porch to your home or revitalizing an existing one, take a look at our previous work and schedule your free consultation online.