Third in the series “Your Backyard Is A Blank Canvas,” we’ll discuss screened-in porches. And not just any-ole-porch design but fabulous design variations — mainstream and modern, traditional and trendy, classic and contemporary. Regardless of your style preference, a screen porch addition can be designed and built — uniquely for you — and most importantly, it should complement your home, backyard and budget.
Screened Porches by Archadeck
And just like pergolas, decks or any other outdoor space, a screen porch can be pretty straight forward or it might be wildly elaborate… or, if you’re like most folks, your project will fall somewhere-in-the-middle.
Under Deck Screened Porch over Patio, St. Louis Mo, by Archadeck
Where to start? Well, it’s always best to begin with questions. So let’s look at frequently-asked-questions and the myriad of possibilities when it comes to screen porch ideas.
Where should a screen porch be built?
Your existing home and backyard often determine if and how a screen porch is designed and constructed. There are four distinct possibilities:
- a completely new structure, built from the ground-up
- a porch that’s attached directly to your house or detached and standing away from the house
- a screened porch built atop a patio or a deck floor
- or a porch constructed underneath a new or existing second-story deck
New Screen Porch Addition with Gable Roof by Archadeck
Other considerations regarding the location of your porch include:
- natural light (which is good)
- sun exposure (too much is not-so-good)
- your backyard view (do you need privacy in certain spots?)
- access to your home’s interior rooms (close to the kitchen is handy)
- unique features of your property layout — window placement, doorway access, roof type and lay-of-the-land (flat or sloping?)
Screen Porch for Steep, Sloping Lot in St. Louis Mo by Archadeck
What building materials are best for a screened porch addition?
There’s no shortage of building material options; however, it’s best to choose a product that complements your home by matching the exterior or attractively contrasting with it.
Screened Porch Designed To Match The Home’s Exterior by St. Louis Deck Builders, Archadeck
Cedar Screen Porch with 4-Track Windows Designed to Complement the Home’s Exterior by Archadeck
And the building materials you choose for each-and-every porch component will have a direct impact on cost and style. For instance, a concrete porch floor is the least expensive. Wood floors are popular but a bit more expensive than concrete. And a high-quality synthetic decking floor is pricier than either concrete, pine or cedar. (Exact dollar amounts will depend on the project size and specific products.)
Attached Screen Porch with Concrete Floor, by Archadeck
Screen Porch with Wood Decking Floor, by Archadeck
Screened In Porch with AZEK Synthetic Flooring, by Archadeck
And this same principle is true, not only for a screen-in porch floor but for your porch walls, windows, and doors too! For more details check-out the article links below.
What design is best for a screen porch addition?
The size and shape of your screen porch addition, really sets the style, tone and price of the structure.
Do you prefer a square or rectangular screened-in room? Or instead, would you consider a 6 or 8-sided gazebo-type structure.
And most importantly, how will the porch attach to your home and look from both the inside AND outside of your house?
Screened In Gazebo on Second Story Deck by Archadeck, St. Louis Mo
Square Screened In Porch with Deck in St. Louis Mo, by Archadeck
Large Two Story Screen Porch with Gable Roof by Archadeck
And last, but certainly not least, what will the ceiling design look like? Enclosed rafters, exposed rafters, vaulted or flat? Yep, there’s a whole lot to consider when designing and building a screen porch! But an experienced contractor will walk-you-through the process, step-by-step to get the job done, and done well.
Screen Porch with Exposed Rafter Ceiling and Shed Roof, St. Louis Mo, by Archadeck
Key Takeaways
Adding a screened-in porch — of any design — will provide instant additional living space and monetary value to your home. You’ll have a special spot to enjoy the outdoors and be protected from annoying bugs, uncomfortable weather with an element of privacy from the neighbors too.
From quaint and charming, to rustic and woodsy, to an all-out porch project with plenty of bells-and-whistles, screened in porches are a favorite home improvement.
Go ahead. Dream big because your backyard IS a blank canvas.
Your Backyard Is A Blank Canvas – Archadeck Outdoor Living – Graphic Design by Matthew Victor in St. Louis, Mo
Be sure to read these popular articles to learn more about adding a screened in porch to your home:
Screened Porches: Windows, Walls, Doors, Floors
Screened Porch Roofing Options
Screened Porch Ceiling Options
Want to learn more about Archadeck Outdoor Living?
Find inspiration for porches and other outdoor living spaces by visiting our website,west-county.archadeck.com. You’ll find picture galleries and an easy-to-complete inquiry form — How Can We Help?. For daily and/or weekly updates on the topic of outdoor living, join us on Pinterest, Google+, Houzz and other social media platforms.
Then, when you’re ready to talk to a St. Louis contractor for decks, screened porches and other outdoor spaces, please consider Archadeck of West County and St. Charles County. We’re locally owned and operated with offices conveniently located in St. Louis West County. Just pick up the phone and give us a ring, anytime – 636-227-0800.
Outside of the Greater St. Louis area? Go to archadeck.com or call 888-687-3325.
Other Sources
Front Porch Ideas and More, Better Homes and Gardens, Archadeck Outdoor Living, Archadecks in Central Connecticut, Nova Scotia, Chicago IL, Austin TX, Piedmont Triad NC, Kansas City KS
Graphic design for ‘Your Backyard Is A Blank Canvas’ by Matthew Victor, St. Louis Mo. Matt has earned a Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems from the University of Missouri – St. Louis and is currently completing a second degree in graphic design. You may contact Matt by email at mtvictor00@gmail.com.
