Screened-in Porches

Way back in the 1970’s, I remember going to friend’s house and sitting in their screened-in porch eating burgers, local corn on the cob and beefy tomatoes from their garden.

No one really had AC back then, and it was in here where we could feel the summer evening breeze, hear birds, and an occasional car from down the hill.

Those porches were simple, functional, and expanded the living space even in small summer homes.

But these have a direct tie to today’s desire for casual rooms where you can socialize in a comfortable, outdoor living space. In fact, a screened-in porch is one of the hottest designer additions you can add to your home for $50k.

Now, for your favorite new room…

Converting an existing deck into a covered, screened-in porch is an excellent place to start. Since there is an existing doorway and hopefully stairs to the yard, then the process will be easy.

Remember, if you like to grill, you may need to expand the deck to include a grilling area far enough away to allow smoke to escape. Wind does change direction, so consider the best downwind side.

If you have a patio then that can become a screened-in area too. One client utilized a small patio area on the side of his home turning it into a protected, inviting, private seating area.

It doesn’t have to be big to become your favorite social area.

Ceiling heights and porch options

Take a look at the location and design the ceiling to naturally blend into the existing design or architecture of your house.

You want air to circulate so consider a ceiling height of nine or ten feet. Design with a shed style slope, or a four-square peaked roof.

Ideally, do not create problems having a roof that slopes toward your house!

Since this is an outdoor room, consider painting the ceiling light blue or a pickled white. Each finish adds a unique feel.

Selecting flooring

Since this is a covered space, you will have more flooring options than you might expect.

I recommend skipping the least expensive option, pressure-treated lumber, and using either a man-made Trex decking or an interesting wood.

Trex is a composite that is extremely durable, looks great, and requires almost no maintenance. Sweep it, power wash it, and it will look like new.

Selecting wood like Ipe or Mahogany will look beautiful and will give a luxurious, custom feel to the porch. Both of these woods are gorgeous.

Wood will require some annual maintenance especially here in Vienna, VA because of the annual temperature extremes where winters are in the single digits and summers featuring 100 temps with high humidity.

Patios are okay too

If you plan to screen in a patio, then look at natural stone choices. Slate will have a timeless feel and will feel cool especially on hot days.

Like any room, you will eventually be placing an area rug so don’t get too consumed with every square inch.

Next steps…

I believe that a screened-in porch will add instant marketability to any home, returning more than you invest in the project. My clients have consistently asked for these over the years.

You will enjoy it, and your home’s market appeal will increase too.

If you want to get rolling, Google screened-in porches or start to ask friends if they know someone with one.

Contact me for ideas and suggestions too.