Decorating a screened in porch requires a few DIY skills. However, if you are not sure where to or how to start, we have got you covered. This article will discuss screened-in porch ideas.
If it gives you the options then you can choose according to your taste or you can customize it.
Screened in porches are great assets for any home. They are a great place for you to relax without being scared of being disturbed by insects, and the air will be cool especially in summer.
There are number of ways to decorate a porch, such as different floor, ceiling, rugs, seats and pillow styles. Even if you can’t do the entire thing you could get an idea and tailor it a bit to give you a sense of what it might look like in your space.
Screened-In Porch Construction Tips
1. Plan A Project
It would be better if you had a plan to get your chosen screened porch. The project includes adding framing around the screened porch, and attaching mesh to that framing.
Image: Pinterest
To determine how much materials you will need, you will need to measure the porch at the height by the width and add ten percent. Second is having the enclosure put up using basic tools.
2. Use the Right Wood
You can use rugged redwood, alkaline copper quaternary (ACQ lumber), cedar if you are going to frame your porch from scratch. Since they even resist insects and also weather damage these are some great options.
Image: The porch company
Make sure you select the right screws ACQ compatible for treated lumber so you don’t damage your wood.
3. Select Your Screen Type
The market is full of mesh types. Different types of mesh are suitable for different environments.
Image: Today's Homeowner
Well, since your environment and the appearance of your screen on the porch may vary, you can choose one material for the job.
Some of the mesh types include the following;
i) Synthetic solar screen
If you want to avoid the elements from ruining very high end furniture, pick a synthetic solar screen. Because this material allows it only to minimize the quantity of sunlight that goes into your porch. Along with that, it also reduces the amount of heat getting in.
ii). Vinyl-Coated Polyester
This is for pet owners. If you want a nice looking screened in porch, you need vinyl coated polyester. Besides, it can endure those scratches incurred by your pets. Material is, however, thicker and may obscure your view.
iii) Fiberglass
One material that’s very easy to work with is fiberglass. It is resistant to rust and corrosion, and it is soft. Kits come with fiberglass.
Moreover, if you like seeing your immediate environmental space then you can use extra fine fiberglass. It improves visibility and this makes everything seems clearer.
iv). Metal
Metal is also a great option to use as it is sturdy. It is easily prone to rust and corrosion in warm and humid climate. Aluminum works in such a case, so if your area is hot and humid, then it will be more practical to use aluminum.
4. Decide on the Type of Flooring
This is an outdoor space that may receive lots of traffic. So, it needs to have a strong floor plan design. There are several types of floor that you may choose from.
Soft pine is one of the most popular natural wood for porches. Cedar and redwood tend to last longer though.
There are other options, such as the low maintenance composite decking, which will your screened porch the good looks of wood. Also, it does not crack or splinter and does not need re staining.
Also, if you should decide to go with hardwood, you would need the best furniture pads to cover your floor. You wouldn’t want to spoil that though.
Stones, bricks and some types of tile are also very durable and will serve you well. But they are quite vulnerable to chipping.
If children will be playing and running on your porch, you will require something more slip resistant such as the rubber used in playgrounds.
5. Decide on the Type of Ceiling
After this, choose the type of ceiling you’ll install. From a vaulted or angled ceiling to a straight ceiling.
Image: houzz
For a vaulted ceiling you will get a beautiful look, and for a straight ceiling, you may require installing a skylight for day time light and night stargazing. This will also make things a little more interesting.
Image: Fenceanddeckconnection
Screened-In Porch Ideas
After going through the guide above on how to build your screened porch from scratch, we have some examples you can try as well.
1. Attractive Lighting
The following are some of the many ideas you can use for outdoor deck lighting on your porch. Ligthing of the porch will create an atmosphere and bring comfort and warmth of the home.
Image: DIYS
You can find pendant lighting, sconce lighting or even outdoor floor lamps that can bring style and luxury. The porches will be well designed to enable you view them as beautiful and appealing hence making you love the area.
2. Add Creature Comforts
In addition you could add comfy pillows and cushions to give a pop of color and ensure you are super comfy as you chill! Plan your colors as per the personality and make the screen porch lively.
Image: BHG
Ensure you add throw blankets for evenings and other chilly moments.
3. Outdoor Furniture
Another major feature you would want to add to a screened porch is some outdoor furniture (an outdoor sofa, for example). A good and comfy sofa will make you love to spend your time on your porch.
Image: HGTV
You can arrange the furniture to be facing a central piece for instance the fireplace. You can arrange the furniture as if it’s a living room, or you can be quite innovative and make it more appealing.
You can also add an ottoman or any other footrest. This will see you have all that can be of importance in as far as improving your comfort is concerned.
Furthermore, don't be shy to put a coffee table to enhance your screen in porch to look more elegant. Some of the best outdoor rocking chairs will also work wonders to the space you have chosen.
4. Add Artwork
You can never go wrong with art pieces in the living room, bathroom, kitchen, or even your screen porch. Art always fits into place.
Image: Pottery Barn
Adding art creates a great transition between the outdoor living space and the indoor spaces. For example, you can add the art to match your floor rug, throw blankets, or throw pillows.
5. Add Curtains
One of the screened in porch ideas is to add curtains. So, depending on how your space is designed, curtains and blinds help to give it elegance..
Image: HGTV
The best curtains are the sheer ones that still allow light to come in even when closed. Nevertheless, it is allowed to use any curtains that can be interesting to you.
6. Add Plants
Bringing plant into any room can always make the space look more alive. You can get real plants or the artificial ones.
Image: Southern Living
Whichever the case, the plants will still give your place a beautiful touch. You can use both big and small plants to make it more interesting. You will also derive some health benefits from planting these plants as well.
7. Use an Outdoor Rug
Rugs are very important in homes as they beautify the floor, and also make the floor warm. But, you may be concerned that it may get stained.
Image: Pinterest
If you’re looking to include a rug within your outdoor space, the best solution is an indoor/outdoor rug. The rugs are easy to maintain as you can hose them down if they get dirty.
8. Set a Focal Point
The perfect focal point in any setting is a fireplace. By having a fireplace on your screened in porch, you can enjoy the warmth of the fireplace in those cold days and evenings.
Image: JimenezPhoto
Natural stone is a great choice for outside spaces.
All while it gives a modern or rustic or traditional feel to match your personal style and taste.
9. Set Up a Porch Swing
Who doesn't like a swing? If you're feeling playful, and lazy, a porch swing may make your afternoon more interesting. You’re free to have both moods or one of the two without overdoing it.
Image: The porch company
Get a two seater to share with a beloved or just swing chairs for vibing fun.
Frequently Asked Questions on Screened-in Porch Ideas
1. How much do you need to create a screened-in porch?
In case you are in the US and you’d like to build a screed in porch, then you will require around $3 to $5 for each square foot out of your materials; and, at any rate, $2 for each square foot for labor. This is only practical if you are working with an existing porch.
2. Is a screened-in porch worth the money?
For a homeowner, screened in porches are a great addition to your home. If you live in an area where rainy weather, bugs, and privacy are great concerns, screened-in porches are great.
Though it is expensive, a porch is worth every penny.
3. How can I winterize my screened-in porch?
Screened in porches are all fun throughout summer and other seasons. But that can be different in the winter seasons. If so, you can fix this come winter time by winterizing your porch. You can do this by;
a) Using Heavy Duty Vinyl Curtains
A porch design you can still use in the winter would be creating a porch by adding heavy duty clear vinyl curtains. It isn't for everyone, in terms of aesthetics, but it's inexpensive. The place is covered by the curtains but sufficient light is allowed to flow in. When it gets warmer, you can then open them for fresh air.
b) Vinyl Sheeting
An even better method in winterizing your porch is to use clear vinyl sheets that go over the screens. But you will need to measure each screen and cut with a razor knife.
Alternatively, you can attach them in the wall with the Velcro tape in order to avoid damaging your porch. Sheeting seals the structure, and keeps out cold air, pollen, wind, and other undesirables. If you do not use sturdy, thick sheets, the wind and anything else will rip them apart.
c) Install Acrylic or Vinyl Panels
Installing acrylic or vinyl screens is the most efficient DIY solution, but it also takes the longest. The most aesthetically pleasing choice is panels, which convert your porch into a three-season room.
The panels have become reusable for many years now and they almost completely make your patio and porch free from the winter weather.
