The Pros & Cons of Screened-in and Traditional Porches: Which is Right For You?
Are you looking for a way to add resale value to your home, plus create a way to enjoy your property?
There’s a solid consensus that porches are an excellent addition to any house. But a live question remains.
Should you opt for a screened-in porch or stick with the traditional open porch?
At DG Builders, we build both styles. So, we’ve compiled some of the pros and cons of each style to help you decide which is best for you!
Let’s take a closer look!
Why Build a Porch?
There are many reasons why building a porch is a great idea! Each person could probably come up with reasons unique to their situation, but here’s a list of six common ones that are true in almost every case.
- It's a great space for relaxing! After a hectic day, there’s nothing quite like unwinding on a cozy covered porch. Enjoy a refreshing drink, and feel the soothing breeze. It's like bringing your living room outside, offering nature's beauty and easy access to your essentials – bathroom, kitchen, and books – just steps away.
- It provides a convenient space to host outdoors. Especially in the summer, covered porches make an ideal setting for hosting guests. Your friends can gather on the porch for enjoyable conversations, good food, and company, enjoying the light, beauty, and fresh air while still sheltered from the elements.
- It offers some protection from the weather while still enjoying the outdoors. The porch style you choose will determine how much protection you’ll have. Traditional covered porches protect from harsh sun and rainstorms, while screened-in porches go a step further by protecting from bugs and debris.
- It’ll offer additional protection for packages. Today, doorstep deliveries are a common way to get items you need. However, the risk of package damage or theft increases when you're away during delivery. A covered or screened-in porch addresses these issues, shielding packages from unexpected rain and prying eyes.
- It increases your overall living space. Utilize your porch as a dining or living area for entertaining friends, and during warm nights, consider sleeping on the covered porch, especially if it's screened in. It can also be an excellent place for children to play, giving parents a moment of peace indoors.
- It increases your home value. Despite the initial cost, you can anticipate recouping approximately 84% of the investment through increased home value and, in optimal conditions, even 100% or more. Outdoor living spaces, like patios and decks, are among the top priorities for potential home buyers. Furthermore, a covered porch adds a touch of charm and beauty to your entire home, enhancing its overall appeal.
Now that we’ve covered a few of the benefits of covered porches let’s look at the pros and cons of two common porch styles: traditional covered porches and screened-in porches.
Traditional Porches
Pros
- Unimpeded views
One of the lovely aspects of an open porch is a beautiful view of the natural beauty around you. This provides a more immersive outdoor experience unimpeded by screens or other visual barriers.
- Lower building costs
Traditional porches are more straightforward to build, costing notably less than a screened-in porch. This makes them an excellent option for building on a budget or saving money to invest elsewhere.
- Simple Maintenance
If you don’t want to worry about maintenance, open porches are the way to go. You don’t need to worry about cleaning, repairing, or replacing screens! Just sweep (or use a blower) to clean off any debris. You may also want to mop or power wash your porch once a year or as needed.
- Natural Airflow
Because they’re open, traditional porches often have better airflow. This lets you experience the warm spring breeze and keeps your porch cooler in the warm summer months.
- Versatility
The traditional porch’s open design can give you a bit more flexibility in how you choose to use it. For example, if the porch is on ground level, you can host larger groups and use your yard as connected overflow space
Cons
While an open, traditional porch design has many benefits, there are also some cons to consider before beginning your project.
- Less privacy
While the open design of a traditional porch offers lovely, unimpeded views, it also means others have an unimpeded view of you relaxing on your porch. This could be a significant drawback if you’re concerned about privacy or have close neighbors.
- Less usable in bad weather
Traditional porches offer some protection from the weather. However, if it’s raining and windy or the sun is shining brightly at the right angle, this protection likely won’t be enough, and you’ll be forced indoors.
- Bugs
Bugs can be a huge nuisance, depending on where you live and the time of year. Open porches won’t offer much protection from gnats or mosquitoes. You aren’t without options for repelling bugs on an open porch, but if you live in an area with lots of bugs, a screen-in porch is worth considering.
- More Cleaning
Open porches are more likely to collect debris like fallen leaves and require regular (albeit fairly simple) cleaning.
Screened-in Porches
Screened-in porches are an enclosed design featuring screened windows and frames. They are generally attached to your home’s foundation. Screens are made from various materials, including fiberglass, stainless steel, and aluminum.
Pros
There are many reasons to choose a screened-in porch! Let’s break them down.
- Greater privacy
Screened porches are much more private than open porches for obvious reasons. They can be more or less private, depending on the type of screen you choose.
- Protection from bugs
Nature is beautiful, but pesky bugs can make it difficult to enjoy. If you’re concerned about bugs, a screened-in porch is the way to go! The screens keep out the bugs while letting you enjoy the lovely outdoors.
- Protection from debris & pollen
The screens of an enclosed porch also protect against debris like leaves and twigs. It also provides some protection against pollen. This is especially handy in the spring and autumn!
- Increased protection from weather
An enclosed porch offers more protection from the weather, making it comfortable in a broader range of weather and seasons. Your furniture is also protected and won't wear out as quickly.
- Increased living space
Because it’s an enclosed space, a screen-in porch adds living space to your home. It’s great for hosting in an indoor/outdoor space and provides a safe place for kids and pets to play.
Cons
Now that we’ve covered the benefits, let's look at a few challenges accompanying screened porches.
- More expensive to build
Screened porches tend to be pricier, with costs varying based on porch size and screen material. The expenses include both materials and additional labor needed for screen installation.
- Obstructed view
Enclosed porches provide increased protection but also limit views of the surrounding landscape. Depending on your settings or preferences, this may be a drawback.
- Not great for year-round use
Although they can be used longer than open porches, screened porches can’t be used year-round unless you’re in a warm climate. If this is your goal, you’d likely be better off with a sunroom.
- More maintenance requirements
The screens of an enclosed porch require cleaning, repair, and sometimes replacement.
Taking Your Porch to the Next Level
As you’re considering which porch design works best for you, here are a few ways to take that porch to the next level.
If you love cooking, hosting friends, or simply spending as much time outdoors as possible, an outdoor kitchen is a fantastic option. Few spaces create opportunities for closeness and happiness, like a dedicated area to cook, eat, and gather together.
- Outdoor seating bar
Consider an outdoor seating bar if you prefer to cook indoors but still love eating outside.
- Fire pit
Want to keep it simple and cozy? Consider a fire pit for a unique dining, hosting, and relaxing experience.
Increase the ambiance and safety of your porch with high-quality outdoor lighting.
Getting Started on Your Porch Building Project
Now that we’ve gone over some pros and cons of open and closed porches, we hope you have a better idea of the best design for you!
At DG Builders, we bring over 20 years of experience and offer hassle-free turn-key projects. We’re committed to excellent communication and pass along all manufacturer warranties to you as the client.
Here’s how you get started with your porch-building project!
- Give us a call! We’ll discuss your dreams and goals for the space and offer you a free estimate for your project.
- Schedule an onsite design consultation. Next, we’ll visit your home to take measurements, hear your ideas, and start designing the project.
- Sign the proposal and watch the installation begin!
- Enjoy your new porch!
If you have questions or would like a free estimate for your project, reach out today! We look forward to hearing from you!