Screened Rooms Columbus Oh – Columbus Decks, Porches and Patios by Archadeck of Columbus

Unique Screened Porch Conversion Thrills These Powell, OH, Homeowners

If you had any doubts that Archadeck of Columbus custom-designs the outdoor living projects we build, here is the one-of-a-kind project to illustrate that fact. We converted a covered porch in Powell, OH, to a screened porch including custom-built sliding barn doors with screens. Where have you ever seen that? These screen doors are truly original. The project also called for a new built-in enclosure for the homeowner’s grill, with a granite countertop, under a shed roof. Truly unique, and truly the perfect design for this stately yet charming home.

The clients were using a covered porch they had built themselves. The angle of the sun flooded their porch with burning rays at a certain time of day. The homeowners had taken to using dark curtains to wall off the porch when they needed to block the sun. Unfortunately, the curtains also blocked airflow but did not keep pesky insects out of the porch. For these reasons, the clients were looking for a more protected space for shade, to better escape insects and to shield them from inclement weather.

Enter Archadeck of Columbus, your Columbus-area screened porch builder. We were able to fulfill all of the homeowners’ requests and deliver a unique outdoor living space built adjacent to their existing paver patio.

The homeowners wanted a paneled look for the screened enclosure. We built a paneled knee wall around the portion of the porch that had previously been open and added a screening product called Screeneze for the porch’s new screens.

Screeneze is an amazing type of porch screen that is not made of aluminum (the material traditionally used for screening). Aluminum creases too easily and is flimsy, sometimes giving the screen a wavy look and making it vulnerable to damage by birds, branches or falling objects. Screeneze has elasticity and is so strong that if you throw a baseball into the screen, it will revert back to its original shape within minutes. Because Screeneze is so strong, it allows for more distance between posts, giving the family a cleaner, less interrupted view from their porch. This is our go-to screening product when the client is looking for a wider span of screen openings than is standard. Screeneze offers several different screen materials, and for this project, we chose SuperScreen (now called TEXTILINE® nano 50) made of coated polyester. This material features increased resistance to punctures and tears as well as better protection from pet damage, UV damage and mildew.

For the porch doors, we continued the paneled design to match the knee wall , using cypress to custom-build a pair of sliding barn doors with screens. These screened porch doors, wider than standard porch doors, are one of a kind. (Well, literally two of a kind, since there are two doors.) The paneled barn doors give this porch a French country chic look, perfect to match the adjacent rustic patio setting.

In addition to converting the open porch to a screened porch, this project called for a built-in cabinet to house the homeowners’ grill. We built the cabinet portion surrounding the grill with dimensional block pavers to match the seating wall on the adjacent patio. The counter around the grill is a beautiful granite countertop with plenty of room for the grillmaster to lay out utensils, seasonings and platters of food.

Finally, we added a small shed roof over the newly-built grill area as protection from rain. The new ceiling over the grill is cedar tongue-and-groove. Typically you wouldn’t put a grill under a wood structure; however, the homeowner uses a pellet wood grill. The manufacturer’s recommendation for clearance over this type of grill is much lower you would have for a grill with an open flame.

To complete the project, we ran electrical wiring and installed outlets for the grill controller box and a TV, and we installed an outlet for cable TV. The Powell, OH, homeowners are thrilled with their new screened porch and love the screened sliding barn doors.

Your Archadeck of Columbus design consultant is ready create a unique, custom-designed outdoor living project for your home. Whether you’re starting from scratch or want to modify your current outdoor living space, contact us today at (740) 879 – 3730 or email us at westcolumbus@archadeck.net.

This Columbus Screened Porch Proves Neccessity is Indeed, the Mother of Invention!

This Columbus screened porch is one of our favorites to date! With its warm cedar siding exterior, and equally as warm rustic wooden touches on the porch’s interior — this porch screams coziness!

The popularity of screened porches spans decades and continues to increase as homeowners realize just how much benefit they can add to a home, outdoor living space and lifestyle. Screened porches have evolved past the days of flimsy screen and plain-Jane framing with very little character. As their popularity increases, their design and the elements that go into building a screened porch have become higher-quality and higher-aesthetic!Whether you are buying a car, hosting a dinner party or building an outdoor living space, the details matter, and they can make a big difference in the final outcome. From colors and texture to shape and space, choosing the right finishing touches can transform your outcome from fine, into exceeding all your expectations. Take, for example, the way Archadeck of Columbus added a custom wooden barrier in front of each opening for the screen in order for the homeowner’s dogs to look out without compromising the screen. And, the wider than average finish on the window seal area, we did this so the homeowners could use it as a convenient drink rail. They say that necessity is the Mother of invention, and these custom touches are proof!

For me, the finishes inside the porch are what makes me want to have a drink or read a book in the room. Screened porches are a unique type of space because they really are both indoors and outdoors. You are inside a structure, but outdoor-friendly materials have to be used because rain, pollen and some other outdoor elements can get inside. In this screened porch, the homeowners opted to use a cedar knee-wall as a continuation of the cedar used on the exterior of the addition. This cedar was left natural whereas the exterior was painted. I think you will agree, the warm tones also make the porch welcoming.

The homeowners are thrilled with their new outdoor living space. To me, it’s a great example of how design can make all the difference. The combination of the screened porch with the rustic touches and the special attention to details so that every member of the family can enjoy the space makes all the difference.

Contact Archadeck of Columbus today to discuss our stunning porch and screened porch designs. Our consultation is completely free. You can reach us at (740) 879 – 3730 or email us at westcolumbus@archadeck.net.

Say goodbye to the screened porches of yesteryear!

It wasn’t so long ago that screened porches were built with utilitarian purposes in mind. Their job was to keep the bugs, and the rain, off of you. Historically, in rural areas and before air conditioning became commonplace, many people used a screened porch as a bunk room (sometimes referred to as a sleeping porch) on particularly sweltering summer nights.

Digging a little deeper into the archives, you will learn that the use of window screens started as soon as people began framing windows. References to window screens can be traced back to 1823. The earliest screens were made of wood, ceramic and stone. Their purpose was to provide protection from animal and human intruders but still allow some light and ventilation into a building. Cloth screens came along and provided protection from dust and insects and allowed some light to enter. During the 1840s, Gilbert and Bennett Manufacturing Co. of Redding, Connecticut, invented affordable wire mesh window screens.

I myself can remember fishing trips I enjoyed in my youth and the way the fishing camp I frequented utilized a screened room as their bait station. The structure consisted of a wooden floor with simple framed posts with screened openings. The sole purpose of the porch was to keep bait safe from flies. Definitely not a place you would want to spend the night!

Columbus outdoor fireplace on porch — Another Columbus outdoor fireplace and screened porch combination.

Fast forward to the modern screened porches homeowners crave today. Yes, they keep out bugs, allergens, debris and rain. However, they have become an extension of our homes and an oasis for outdoor living. Modern screened porches are now designed to include many comforting and convenient amenities like fireplaces and televisions, much like you would find in any other room of your home. The screened porch is essentially a more relaxed, casual room addition to the rest of your home.

Anyone who has experienced one has to admit that a screened porch is a wonderful addition to any house. A screened porch offers the breezes, scents, sounds and sights of being outdoors – but without the bugs and the blazing sun. Rough and tumble has its own charm, but these days most homeowners enjoy relaxing under the ceiling fan while listening to their surround sound audio system.

Sun protection is not something that should be taken lightly…

DrySnap rain deck by Archadeck of Columbus.

We’d all love to spend our summer days in the garden, reading a book by the pool or just taking in the fresh air with a cold ice tea on our patios. But often times we forget to think about the risks of spending too much time outdoors in the sun without proper protection. Numerous medical complications like Melanoma and Cataracts can occur when sun protection is disregarded.

Disregarding the sun’s damaging rays are nothing to take lightly. These serious complications have life threatening concerns that need immediate attention. Melanoma occurs when the pigment-producing cells that give color to skin become cancerous due to overexposure to sun or sunburn. Broad-spectrum sunscreen is used as a temporary protector against the sun but is frequently only applied once throughout the day which becomes inefficient over time if you plan to spend a full day outdoors.

The month of July is observed as National UV Safety Awareness month. Archadeck of Columbus wants to ensure you are worry free when it comes to spending time outdoors. Instead of spending your time indoors in fear of the damage UV rays may cause, invest in long-term protection for your backyard. Archadeck can help protect you and your family by adding a covered patio, screen porch or a 3 or 4-season room addition. Whether you enjoy gardening or sitting in the breeze to read a book these are perfect options to get you the ultimate protection while still enjoying the freedom of being outdoors.

Covered patios and screen porches offer a shaded more private area for you and your family to escape to during lunch when the heat is in full swing. Even with an existing hardscape patio, Archadeck can custom design a covered structure over the top to help provide proper UV protection. With a screen porch you get triple protection. Screen porches provide the benefit of sun protection but also becomes a defense against allegans such as pollen and mosquitoes and other nuisance insects.

Adding a 3-season or 4-season room is like taking a piece of the outdoors and bringing it inside. A 3-season room can be designed and built with an Eze-Breeze® window system. Eze-Breeze® allows your outdoor structure to quickly switch from glass windows to screen panels letting in the cool Columbus breeze. 4-season rooms are designed with HVAC systems to keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. These additions protect you from direct sunlight while still being able to enjoy the panoramic views of your backyard garden and landscape with floor to ceiling windows.

It is fairly easy to forget to follow the standard recommendations for sun protection such as continuously adding a strong broad-spectrum sunscreen or wearing sunglasses throughout the day. That is why Archadeck of Columbus wants to help you and your family with long-term sun protection by adding a covered patio, screen porch or a 3-season or 4-season room onto your backyard.

Contact Archadeck of Columbus today at (740) 879-3730 or via email at westcolumbus@arcahdeck.net to get out of the sun by designing your custom outdoor structure. We would look forward to connecting with you!

Do you want to enjoy your new deck in Spring or wait until Summer?

Archadeck of Columbus urges homeowners to schedule their outdoor structure endeavor now to ensure a spring ready completion.

Large_Columbus_deck_with_hot_tub_pergola_and_planter — Imagine this beauty ready and waiting for you to enjoy with the first blooms of spring.

Usually our phones start to ring off the hook around Groundhog day each year. Whether it’s only six more weeks to spring, or six more weeks of cold weather, that’s when many people start thinking about getting started on their new deck or porch or patio. No matter how you look at it the answer comes out to the same conclusion. Spring is just around the corner. With that sudden realization, whether it comes from a groundhog, or the first traces of dandelions sprouting under the snow, many homeowners are getting ready to get started on their spring projects.

Spa deck with privacy screen — A new deck or outdoor structure can be ready for you to enjoy this spring.

On average a typical deck project takes about a week to construct. But what takes time if you’re working with a reputable builder is getting your project scheduled. Reputable builders will have projects on the docket and may be 6 or 8 weeks out before they can start your project. Unfortunately, many homeowners wait until they are within the warmer months to begin planning their outdoor project, and this often means a longer wait time to start enjoying the benefits and living outdoors. Right now in early February when people sign, we are scheduling start dates in March for the structures to be ready in April. We serve our customers on a first come, first serves basis and if you wait too long, you won’t be able to enjoy your project this year in the prime months of the year.

Here in Columbus we build year-round and cold weather does not keep us from constructing your deck , screen porch or other structure. It’s so important to call early to avoid long wait times and to ensure you get to enjoy your structure this spring.

Being the early bird is vital in getting the outdoor structure you have dreamed about all winter ready in time for for those warm, sunny days. Contact Archadeck of Columbus to get started. Give us a call for a free consultation and come see us at the Central Ohio Home & Garden Show Sat Feb. 25 – Sun Mar. 4 located in the Celeste building booth #2306 & 2308. See you there!

(740) 879 – 3730
westcolumbus@archadeck.net

Using architectural reveals for your screened porch interior design

Interior of screened room in Powell, OH by Archadeck of Columbus — The interior of this screen porch displays design perfection in every detail

Have you ever been flipping through your favorite home and garden magazine and seen an image that makes you wish you could have something just like it? If you are a proactive homeowner that is always looking for ways to improve upon your home or landscape then the answer is most certainly yes. These Powell, OH homeowners recently turned their dream of having a screen porch into a reality.

It all began when we initially sat down and met to get an idea of what they were looking to build. They told us that what they wanted most was a unique structure and they even gave us some pictures they had clipped out to use as a starting point for their project which showed a very finished structure that had wrapped beams and lots of architectural reveals on the inside and outside. The pictures provided valuable insight into developing the concept of the screen porch’s design. (see picture of clipping below). With the homeowner’s requests in mind we were ready to begin the design process.

Unique and beautiful screen porch in Powell, OH by Archadeck of Columbus — This screen porch in Powell, OH by Archadeck of Columbus is picture perfect in every way.

The finished porch boasts an abundant 16′ x 16′ sq. feet of blissful outdoor living space which includes 9′ high walls which are higher than standard screen porch walls. High ceilings are becoming more and more popular and we like to build the walls of our outdoor structures to match the the walls inside the house on the adjoining room. Your outdoor room is truly an extension of your home.

In terms of trimming out this screen porch, we used “build-up” columns in the screen porches interior. In essence this means we actually build them up to make them appear larger and more finished. By having thicker columns in the middle, we were able to put sconce lights in the interior and these more robust columns add to the elegance of the entire room. When working with certain interior design aspects of an outdoor structure, bigger is usually better, it gives your finished room a richer feel.

Powell, OH screen porch Cedar tongue and groove ceiling detailing

We used Paulownia trim on the posts which comes ready to paint upon installation. On the floor the homeowners chose a pressure-treated pine floor laid on a diagonal pattern. Using pine adds a rustic, natural ambiance to a room like only real wood can, and choosing the diagonal patterning conveys a sense of creativity by steering away from the traditional pattern commonly seen in screen porches. These Powell, OH homeowners played on the rich lines and wood within the flooring and took it a step further by choosing an unfinished cedar tongue and groove ceiling. Also included were some little creature comforts and extras. These included a wall mount system for the homeowners TV, ceiling fans, and ample electrical outlets on those hearty posts.

Powell, Oh screen porch exterior by Archadeck of Columbus — This image shows the majesty of the porches exterior

Of course, the quality and sense of exclusivity was carried on to the exterior as well. We put architectural reveals on the outside with the use of additional trim that creates the appearance of a more layered look which shows shadow lines. We also installed siding on the exterior of the porch and painted it to make it look natural to the house. We used aluminum screen inserts and also placed white reveals around the screens to add character.

If you are looking for a builder that can deliver you a “picture-perfect” outdoor structure, contact Archadeck of Columbus to get started today call us at (740) 879 – 3730 or email us at westcolumbus@archadeck.net

To see more stunning Columbus area screen porches visit our screened porches photo gallery by visiting our website.

Columbus screen porch translating customer design ideas

Interior designs for Columbus sunrooms and room additions

Archadeck of Columbus explores the interior design options and considerations in screen porches, 3 and 4 season rooms and sunroom additions and how they can harmonize so effortlessly with your existing home.

Columbus OH rustic sunroom with exterior grade door

Wouldn’t you love to have that room addition you have always dreamed of? A place to relax, read a book, take a nap or even a room where you can watch the sun fade into the horizon. Nowadays room additions don’t have to be “plain Jane” sheet rock with four walls and no pizzazz. Room additions can come under the guise of many other titles, like sunrooms, 3 and 4 season rooms and even screened porches. Any room that is attached to your existing home that serves to improve your way of life can be a room addition. That being said we are going to explore the interior design options that can be incorporated into various room additions.

When we refer to the term interior design, this does not mean you have to be a licensed interior designer with an association like ASID ( American Society of Interior Designers) in order to turn your room addition into a work of art. The first vital observation to make is to what extent you will be able to trim out your structure and what medium would be appropriate for your structure. This depends solely on what type of structure you choose to build. For example, a screen porch interior can be trimmed out with a myriad of beautiful interior details, but since a screen porch is subject to temperature variance and inherit moisture your interior design choices may be a little more limited than that of a sunroom, which is insulated. By adding insulation, windows and the HVAC you are in essence dealing with an interior room addition that just so happens to take its inspiration from the outside world around you from the beauty of nature and gives us the ability to coexist with that beauty from within an insulated, temperature controlled structure. A sunroom , also referred to as a 4 season room, addition to your home will come with endless interior design possibilities because having insulation and a consistent temperature free from the exposure of possible moisture will give you the ability to explore more options in flooring, ceilings, trim, wall finishes and even furniture and accessories.

Archadeck screened porch — This screened porches interior design gets its inspiration from nature.

Within a screen porch we are seeing many interior choices that reflect the rustic look. Rustic design options include exposed beams, rich deep wood tones used in the floors, bead board or ply bead ceilings, and even the addition of stone fireplaces within the structure. A good analogy is to compare the interior design options that are popularly used in today’s screened porches is a design that mimics a wilderness lodge full of earthy tones and hues that create a natural appeal for such a structure. Making sure your interior design choices are weather-worthy is crucial to the life and required maintenance of your screen porch here in Ohio where the winters can be quite brutal.

Four_Season_Sunroom_with_Tile_Floor — This four season sunroom has a beautiful tile floor.

Once you move into the realm of the 3 season room addition more interior design choices will begin to unfold especially if you choose to build a structure that offers the option of convertibility by changing out the screens for windows when the weather changes such as an Eze Breeze convertible system. In doing this you will expand your choices for suitable design choices . More flooring, wall and finish options are within your grasp. The addition of windows to your 3 season room can open up a world of interior design possibilities.

Notice how this sunroom flows effortlessly to and from the existing homes interior through these stunning french doors.

A sunroom is the coup de grace of room additions. Sunrooms offer an extension of your interior living area that offers a bird’s-eye view of the outside. Sunrooms are insulated, heated, and cooled to keep the room and you at a constant comfortable temperature no matter whether there is snow on the ground or 100 degree temperatures outside. By choosing a sunroom addition you open all the choices in interior designs. With a 4 season room there is no danger of freezing temperatures causing flooring choices such as tile to crack. You also have the ability to trim your 4 season room with interior grade hardwoods without or without rugs used atop, wall-to wall carpeting, and even the popular laminate floors seen readily in today’s homes such as the popular Pergo laminate flooring. By adding the simple element of insulation to your room addition you have opened the door to endless wall finish options as well. Without insulation wall finish options such as crown moldings, faux finishing and even wallpaper aren’t possible because without insulation putting drywall in your room addition is not possible because of the presence of moisture.

This sunroom has track lighting and ceiling fans for added appeal and convenience

No matter what type of room addition you are thinking of, it is important to also consider the way the structure harmonizes with your existing home. Taking into consideration door swings, and traffic flow as you move from the addition into your existing homes interior is important to get the most enjoyment out of your room addition. Taking the functionality of your structure into view is also crucial, for example if you intend to use your structure as an extended room for dining and entertaining close proximity to your homes kitchen would be a necessity for utmost enjoyment. Imagine taking your morning coffee and danish on a sunroom alive with the first morning light, the whole experience can turn from mundane to moving just by your surroundings.

Archadeck of Columbus can plan, design and build the perfect room addition for your home. We make certain that our room additions are cohesive to your existing homes character and style down to even the smallest elements, matching carpet, ceilings , flooring and even paint to ensure your room addition will look original to your home. Contact us today to learn more (740) 879 – 3730
westcolumbus@archadeck.net

Visit our screened porches gallery for more images of sunrooms and 3 and 4 season rooms visit our outdoor rooms gallery for design inspirations

Archadeck of Columbus explores ways to enjoy your screen porch all year through

Archadeck of Columbus explores ways to utilize your screened porch well into the autumn or all year through by converting your screen porch into a 3 or 4 season room.

Archadeck of Columbus can convert your screened porch to a 3 or 4 season room

For many homeowners who have a screened porch they look at it as a structure that can only be used during the warmer months of the year and once the weather turns colder they can no longer spend time enjoying their screened structure. Many screened porches are treated much like a seasonal outdoor pool would be, opening in the spring only to close it down a few months later after the warmth of the sun has made its grand appearance and faded back behind the clouds of autumn. This doesn’t have to be the case. There are many ways to convert your screen porch into an outdoor living space that can be used beyond the end of summer and in some cases all year through. These conversions still take advantage of the whole reason you wanted a screen porch to begin with – the freedom and fresh air without the hassle of insects and the suns dangerous UV rays beaming down upon you and your family. These conversions won’t take away all the glory that is the screened porch, only enhance it and make it a livable addition to your home and backyard for extended season enjoyment.

A screen porch does have it’s limitations and in some cases only be used between five and six month out of the year. Screened porches can be converted into 3 and 4 season rooms that can be used for longer time periods throughout the year. If you are considering a new screened porch in your future and think you may want to convert the structure at some point, it is good idea to convey this to your builder so that certain prerequisites for conversion can be met ahead of time, such as the use of standard window sizes to make conversion easier and less hassle in the future.

Here is a look at some of the options available to screened porch owners who are thinking of a conversion:

The addition of windows turn this amazing screened porch by Archadeck of Columbus into a 3 season room

The 3 season room

Converting a screened porch to a 3 season room can be as easy as adding windows. By adding windows you can take advantage of 3 or more months of enjoyment on your screened structure. All windows come with screens that can be used when that Indian summer arrives. Many homeowners use acrylic inserts that block out the weather and when the temperatures dive into a less comfortable zone you can easily add a space heater to add warmth on those days when the windows won’t block a sufficient amount of the chilliness to keep you comfortable while using your screen porch. Vinyl window inserts such as the Eze breeze porch enclosure system, are on a track system and can be opened and closed depending on the weather. Other manufacturers offer a double-paned insulated window that can also be removed in the spring when the weather turns warm. The advantage of having windows and screens is you can amend how your structure functions season to season, and even day to day and customize how much of the outside you want to let inside. Artistic enclosures makes a wonderful swing and slide window wall that is perfect when considering a conversion to a 3 season room for your screened porch.

Sliding glass windows can turn your screen porch into a room for all seasons

The 4 season room

The difference in a 3 season room and a 4 season room is the addition of insulation. These structures can be used throughout most of the year. Insulation is added to the kneewalls, ceiling and underneath the floors. On existing screened porches this requires enclosed walls be re-opened to add the insulation. Making the decision to convert to a 4 season room is based on how often you feel you would use the structure during the cooler months of the year. A 4 season room will still need to have a heating source, whether this heating source is a heat pump or a new MEHVAC unit such as Mitsubishi’s ductless heating and cooling unit, which are engineered to efficiently heat or cool and individual space the functionality of the space throughout the year for you and your family is the deciding factor when thinking of converting to a 4 season room.

No matter how you choose to convert your screen porch, Archadeck of Columbus can help you with our years of experience in converting screen porches to better suit the colder months of our Ohio climate, that can sometimes be harsh. Archadeck of Columbus can meet with you to discuss which conversion would best suit your needs and your lifestyle. Contact us today at (740) 879 – 3730
westcolumbus@archadeck.net
To see more stunning 3 and 4 seasons rooms by Archadeck of Columbus visit our Columbus screen porch photo gallery.

Archadeck of Columbus scores a triple-play on this screen porch, patio and deck combination

Archadeck of Columbus is able to create three seperate outdoor structures that work as one. This double deck, patio and screen porch have the harmony and fluidity that many single structures lack, covering all the bases of style, design, quality workmanship and function with this winning triple-play.

Columbus_OH_large_double_deck_over_screen_porch — This large double-deck sits directly over the gorgeous screen porch and patio.

It is not often that you have a combination of structures that work together effortlessly to create not just a grouping of spaces but an entire outdoor living area. These Columbus, OH homeowners definitely scored a triple play with this stunning second story double-deck, rustic screen porch and beautiful paver patio. Every inch of these structures are built with quality and style and they also create the feeling of one large, multi-functional outdoor structure despite the fact that they are actually three separate structures. These structures work together with harmony and fluidity as they flow effortlessly into one another, making it perfect for intimate get togethers and entertaining on a grand scale as well. Here is a video to experience to experience this entire outdoor living space.

Columbus_OH_large_paver_patio_with_screen_porch_and_deck — This photo shows how each of the structures by Archadeck of Columbus work together as one.

Archadeck of Columbus used composite, low-maintenance TimberTech XLM decking in Sandridge to cover the second story double-deck and accented it with black aluminum railings. On the lower level, a rustic screen porch welcomes you with its breathtaking and aromatic cedar walls and trim. The floor of the screen porch is finished with large concrete slab pavers that resemble tile to carry on the rustic theme, we also used Unilock pavers around the porch itself. The screen porch spills out onto a beautifully designed patio . As always, Archadeck of Columbus paid close attention to every important detail of this outdoor oasis by making sure the roof between the deck and screened porch below is a dry roof to keep out moisture that could cause damage to the structures. For the final touch we added small flush mounted low voltage lighting for safety and ambiance.

If you are ready to turn your backyard into an extension of functional beauty and style, contact Archadeck of Columbus to learn how to create an outdoor oasis of your own. (740) 879 – 3730
westcolumbus@archadeck.net

Screen porch flooring options and considerations in Columbus

Archadeck of Columbus takes it down the wall and to the ground focusing on the abundant flooring choice and styles available for your screened porch.

Columbus_screen_porch_divider_rail_patio_and_firepit — This stunning screen porch uses a divider rail, which conveys from and function in the design.

Screened porches can be finished with as much panache and flair as any other living area. Just because the screened porch is considered an outdoor structure as opposed to an interior structure doesn’t mean you have to skimp on style. You have to take into consideration the livable space an outdoor room such as a screened porch can add to your home, as well as your lifestyle. Last week we published a piece on the choices in interior screen porch ceilings https://columbus-decks.com/2011/09/14/interior-designs-on-screen-porches-so-many-choices/ this week we are taking it down the wall and to the ground by turning the spotlight on screen porch interior floors, from finish options to styles and everything in-between.

Screened porch divider rail with floor of diagonal decking boards — This screen porch by Archadeck of Columbus shows the use of diagonal decking boards and a divider rail.

Interior flooring finish choices

Wood, Tile or Synthetic? Most of the time we put a decking material down like pressure-treated (PT) pine, cedar or synthetic flooring. Considerations that come into play when choosing your flooring material may include plans to use the area for perimeter seating or dining. Most often the flooring material that is chosen by the homeowner reflects what is used on the interior ceiling or on the posts. Wood is a favorite plus, since it is under the cover of a roof you don’t have to worry about damage caused by rain, or sun exposure, as you would if the wood was used in an “open” porch setting. Some customers like to use area rugs to define seating or dining areas. The use of rugs is purely a cosmetic element used for aesthetics to convey the intimacy, unity and warmth of the structure.
Synthetic or composite flooring may be overkill on your screen porch floors because the area is already protected from the elements. Synthetic and composites do offer a tongue and
This Columbus, OH screened porch shows the use of a decorative divider rail and post patterns

Tile floors– Homeowners always ask about using tile floors inside their screened porch. Tile can be beautiful and we are more than happy to put in a tile floor. Keep in mind that tile expands and contracts with the weather and temperature, and over time the grout will undoubtedly crack . Pavers are a good choice for people seeking that “old world” stone look without using tile. Pavers can be installed with less risk of cracking because we use a sand bedding as opposed to grout for installation.
Keeping it real– When it comes to patterns, and which way to run your flooring it is a good idea to replicate the same pattern on your new screen porch that is used in the adjacent structures. Whether you use the same color or one that contrasts your existing structure, remember you want to make your porch look as though it was built when the house was constructed.

Columbus_screen_porch_wrapped_column_matching_kneewall_and_roof — This screen porch by Archadeck of Columbus uses wrapped columns and a matching kneewall.

Kneewall vs. rail vs. divider rail

Building codes– In most jurisdictions, any structure or floor that is 30″ above grade or more requires a barrier, which can be a rail or divider rail at 36″ tall. The view from your screened porch is important and at 36″ the rail will block your view somewhat when in a sitting position. Rails can either be mounted on the inside or outside of your screen porch. If kids and pets are part of your scenario then it is usually best to mount the rails on the inside.
Kneewalls– Kneewall height is commonly set at 24″, in order to be completely accurate check with your screen porch builder or your particular jurisdiction for the proper code requirements regarding approved height. Both the inside and the outside of the kneewall can be trimmed to match your house. Another plus to using kneewalls is that it allows space
This Columbus, OH screened porch has wrapped posts as well as a beadboard or plybead kneewall and a tile floor.

for electrical outlets. Putting outlets in a rail is much more difficult and is not attractive. Kneewalls can also be finished in plybead and with a wainscoating design to add style to the kneewall itself. Some homeowners take advantage of the kneewall in regards to it’s shelf effect and display small decorative items as well.
Divider rails– Divider rails allow for maximum visibility and also allows for an area to “break” the screen adding more strength. This added strength is especially helpful for families with small children and pets to protect the screen from damage.

Knotty_pine_24_in_kneewall_Columbus_screen_porch_builde — This screened porch by Archadeck of Columbus shows the beautiful use of a 24" knotty pine kneewall.

Open posts vs. exposed posts

To wrap or not to wrap– Choosing to wrap your posts gives a beautiful finished effect. Posts can be wrapped in a wide variety of materials including PT which can be painted in a color of your choice vinyl, cedar, pine and other rustic woods to allow continuity of design within the structure itself. Leaving the post exposed can lend to a more rustic and natural effect as well. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and your posts can be finished in the medium that best suits your individual tastes.

Screen_porch_Columbus_knotty_pine_kneewall(2) — Another view of this gorgeous screened porch with knotty pine kneewall.

Choosing the most appropriate interior flooring finish for your screened porch doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By using an experienced porch builder your journey of watching your screened porch reach fruition can be a magical experience, alive with design elements and textures to tantalize your senses.

Contact Archadeck of Columbus to learn more about our screened porches and the many ways you can customize your structure to truly make it one of a kind. (740) 879 – 3730
westcolumbus@archadeck.net

To see more gorgeous images of screened porches, and the wide selection of mediums used to create an unforgettable space visit our screened porch gallery at http://columbus.archadeck.com/pickYourProject/ScreenedPorches.html