“Top 10 musts” for a fabulous Screened Porch

Screened porches have always been a great option but they have even gained more popularity over the last few years. Here at Archadeck of Columbus we have gained valuable insight and knowledge on giving the homeowner the screened porch that they can use as an extension of their living area.

With so many new products, materials and design ideas for screened porches around us, planning a screened porch that suits your needs and wants can be a daunting task in itself. So we have compiled a list of the “top 10 musts” when considering a screened porch. These are in no distinct order, but each one is important to getting the best screened porch for you.

1) Consider doors – This includes door placement and the type of door to use. When choosing door placement you want to ensure it doesn’t impede your traffic flow from inside the house when exiting your screened porch. We recommend you always use an aluminum door because wood doors sag and the movement prevents you from getting a clean seal when you use a wood door.

2) Take all aspects of screening into consideration – We recommend you always stay away from hand-stretched screening. The aluminum creases very easily and when it becomes time for screen replacement it will be tedious because it requires trim removal to replace screen. We uses fiberglass screens because it is easier to work with and it does not crease. You may want to use charcoal or gray tinted screen to help reduce glare and block the sun.

3) Must see the “light”-When considering an addition of any kind to your home you have to consider loss of light in your home. Screened porches will reduce the amount of light the rooms adjacent to it receive because of the screens and the elements of the entire structure. You must also take into consideration how much light you want within your screened porch and what means you wish to use to obtain that light. Do you want recessed lighting? Ceiling fans with lights? These are options that need to be decided prior to any electrical work. You may consider one or more skylights if you want a tremendous amount of natural light within your screened porch.

4) Consider electrical needs– This relates to how many outlets you will need and other electrical needs such as ceiling fans and the type of lighting you decide to use. Many of our customers like to install wall-mounted flat screen televisions on their screened porches. TV’s such as this require cable and other sources ran to it which your electrician will need to know about ahead of time to make preparations for you.

5) Consider different materials– You must consider the materials you wish to use in your screened structure and how they look and work together. There is a huge selection to choose from. These are pressure treated wood, cedar, composite and vinyl to name a few. You also have to take into consideration your flooring choice, exterior materials and your interior trim. Interior trim finishes such as beadboard and wooden ceilings can add character and uniqueness to your structure. But, nicer finishes also add to the price.

6) Consider roof style– Your roof style most likely will be dictated by the roof of your existing house and the amount of light you wish to receive within your structure. In some cases a different type of roof is possible and actually works and looks better. Your licensed contractor will help you choose the roof best suited to complement your home.

7) Consider how your will furnish your  structure – It is a good idea to have furnishings picked out or already in mind in relation to style and size. We highly recommend using furnishings with respect to functionality and special needs. It is also a good idea to measure a room within your existing home to get a true “feel” of realistic room size in relation to furnishings.

8) Consider zoning  requirements –   It is crucial to know the zoning requirements in your area with respect to building any type of structure. An expert will take care of this for you and let you know what is required.

9) Consider the ceilings – Make certain you consider what type of ceiling you desire, such as flat or cathedral. Flat ceilings give your screened porch a interior room feel as the cathedral with its celestory look is open and more outdoorsy.

10) Must consult a professional on screened opening and necessary post placement – This item is last but certainly not least on our list. This step confirms structural soundness and avoids any safety or structural issues.

If you are ready to plan and design your screened porch or outdoor structure, give Archadeck of Columbus a call for a free estimate today. We can take the headache off your list, and make your addition effortless and worry free from start to finish. Contact us at (740) 879 – 3730
westcolumbus@archadeck.net

Author: archadeckofcolumbus

I began my association with Archadeck in 2001 when I was working for a subcontractor that Archadeck of Columbus was employing for patio installations. I had been working in the Landscape/Hardscape industry for quite a few years at the time and immediately noticed a difference in how Archadeck operated in comparison with other deck companies that we worked with. Over the years of working with Archadeck on numerous projects, large and small, I came to realize the importance of what they were selling; beautiful designs, top-notch craftsmanship and a world class customer experience. This is what drove me to start working for Archadeck in January of 2011 and eventually buying the company in 2016. My wife, Amber, and my son, Logan, could not be happier to be a part of such a wonderful organization. We look forward to the future as we build the outdoor living environments our customers dream of with the “world class” service they deserve! View all posts by archadeckofcolumbus