Here in the North Carolina piedmont, we have four seasons, but two of them are really short (fall and spring). If leaves are raining down, it’s fall regardless of the temperature.
Now it’s time to enjoy your decks and porches. We particularly recommend screening a rear porch because the screen keeps the bugs, rain and leaves to a minimum.
A number of our new homes start life with a screened porch, but many of our home renovations include adding a screened porch. We’ve had clients tell us that the screened porch is their favorite “room” of their home. A great screened porch will defintely enhance your livability.
How to get the most out of your screened porch:
1. High quality materials will last longer
2. You can dress it up or go completely casual
3. A fireplace lengthens the use into winter
4. Make room for dining as well as sitting
5. Don’t forget fans and lights
6. Put screening under the deck boards to keep the bugs out
7. A number of screen systems are available – one cost-effective product is ScreenTight (see https://www.screentight.com – also available at Lowe’s)
8. You’ll get more use of your screened porch if it’s just off the kitchen
9. Consider including a TV for your sports enthusiasts
The screened porch pictured below was part of a larger outdoor entertainment project that was awarded first place.