House plans with screened porches are a popular choice for homeowners who want to enjoy the outdoors without being bothered by insects or other pests. A screened porch is a covered outdoor space that is enclosed with screens, allowing for fresh air and natural light while keeping out unwanted visitors. These porches are often used as living areas, dining areas, or simply as a place to relax and enjoy the view.
There are many different house plans with screened porches available, so you can find one that fits your needs and style. Some plans include screened porches that are attached to the house, while others have porches that are detached. The size of the porch can also vary, so you can choose one that is small and cozy or large and spacious.
Screened porches can be a great way to add extra living space to your home. They are a perfect place to entertain guests, relax with a book, or simply enjoy the outdoors. If you are considering adding a screened porch to your home, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
Here are 8 important points about house plans with screened porches:
- Attached or detached: Decide if you want a screened porch that is attached to your house or detached.
- Size: Choose a porch size that fits your needs and the available space.
- Shape: Screened porches can be square, rectangular, or even L-shaped.
- Roof: Select a roof style that complements your home and the overall design of the porch.
- Materials: Screened porches can be built with a variety of materials, including wood, vinyl, and aluminum.
- Screens: Choose screens that are durable and provide adequate protection from insects.
- Furnishings: Select comfortable and weather-resistant furnishings for your screened porch.
- Decor: Add personal touches to your screened porch with decor that reflects your style.
By considering these factors, you can create a screened porch that is both functional and stylish, and that will provide you with years of enjoyment.
Attached or detached: Decide if you want a screened porch that is attached to your house or detached.
One of the first decisions you’ll need to make when planning your screened porch is whether you want it to be attached to your house or detached. There are pros and cons to both options, so it’s important to weigh your needs and preferences before making a decision.
- Attached screened porches
Attached screened porches are connected to your house, usually through a door or window. This type of porch is more convenient than a detached porch, as you can easily access it from inside your home. Attached porches also tend to be more protected from the elements, as they are sheltered by the roof of your house. However, attached porches can be more expensive to build than detached porches, and they may not offer as much privacy. - Detached screened porches
Detached screened porches are not connected to your house. They are typically built in the backyard or another outdoor space. Detached porches offer more privacy than attached porches, and they can be a great place to relax and escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. However, detached porches are more exposed to the elements, and they may be more difficult to access during inclement weather.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to build an attached or detached screened porch depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you want a convenient and protected porch, an attached porch may be a good option. If you want a more private and secluded porch, a detached porch may be a better choice.
Size: Choose a porch size that fits your needs and the available space.
The size of your screened porch will depend on a number of factors, including your needs, the available space, and your budget. If you plan to use your porch for entertaining, you will need a larger porch than if you just want a place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. You should also consider the size of your furniture and how much space you will need to move around comfortably.
- Small screened porches
Small screened porches are typically between 100 and 200 square feet. They are a good option for small homes or for people who do not need a lot of space. Small porches can be used for dining, relaxing, or simply enjoying the outdoors.
- Medium screened porches
Medium screened porches are typically between 200 and 400 square feet. They are a good option for families or for people who want a little more space to entertain. Medium porches can be used for a variety of activities, including dining, relaxing, and playing games.
- Large screened porches
Large screened porches are typically over 400 square feet. They are a good option for people who want a lot of space to entertain or for people who want to use their porch as an outdoor living room. Large porches can be used for a variety of activities, including dining, relaxing, playing games, and watching movies.
- Custom screened porches
Custom screened porches are designed to meet the specific needs of the homeowner. They can be any size or shape, and they can include a variety of features, such as a fireplace, a kitchen, or a bathroom. Custom porches are more expensive than standard porches, but they can be a great way to create a unique and personalized outdoor space.
When choosing the size of your screened porch, it is important to consider your needs, the available space, and your budget. You should also think about how you plan to use your porch and what kind of furniture you want to put on it. By carefully considering all of these factors, you can choose the perfect size porch for your home.
Shape: Screened porches can be square, rectangular, or even L-shaped.
Square screened porches
Square screened porches are a popular choice for homeowners who want a simple and classic design. They are easy to build and can be customized to fit any home. Square porches are also a good option for small homes or for people who do not need a lot of space. However, square porches can be less private than other shapes, as they offer less protection from the elements.
Rectangular screened porches
Rectangular screened porches are another popular choice for homeowners. They are slightly more spacious than square porches, and they offer more privacy. Rectangular porches are also a good option for homes with a long and narrow backyard. However, rectangular porches can be more difficult to build than square porches, and they may require more materials.
L-shaped screened porches
L-shaped screened porches are a great option for homeowners who want a porch that is both spacious and private. L-shaped porches offer more protection from the elements than square or rectangular porches, and they can also be used to create a more defined outdoor living space. However, L-shaped porches are more difficult to build than square or rectangular porches, and they may require more materials.
Custom screened porches
Custom screened porches are designed to meet the specific needs of the homeowner. They can be any size or shape, and they can include a variety of features, such as a fireplace, a kitchen, or a bathroom. Custom porches are more expensive than standard porches, but they can be a great way to create a unique and personalized outdoor space.
When choosing the shape of your screened porch, it is important to consider your needs, the available space, and your budget. You should also think about how you plan to use your porch and what kind of furniture you want to put on it. By carefully considering all of these factors, you can choose the perfect shape porch for your home.
Roof: Select a roof style that complements your home and the overall design of the porch.
The roof of your screened porch should complement the style of your home and the overall design of the porch. There are a variety of roof styles to choose from, including gable roofs, hip roofs, and shed roofs. Each type of roof has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to choose the style that is right for you.
- Gable roofs
Gable roofs are the most common type of roof for screened porches. They are simple to build and can be customized to fit any home. Gable roofs also offer good ventilation, which is important for keeping your porch cool and comfortable during the summer months.
- Hip roofs
Hip roofs are a good option for homes with a more modern or contemporary style. They are more complex to build than gable roofs, but they offer better protection from the elements. Hip roofs also provide more headroom than gable roofs, which can be important if you plan to use your porch for tall furniture or activities.
- Shed roofs
Shed roofs are the simplest and most affordable type of roof for screened porches. They are typically used on small porches or porches that are attached to the house. Shed roofs offer less protection from the elements than gable roofs or hip roofs, but they are also less expensive to build.
- Custom roofs
Custom roofs are designed to meet the specific needs of the homeowner. They can be any style or shape, and they can include a variety of features, such as skylights or cupolas. Custom roofs are more expensive than standard roofs, but they can be a great way to create a unique and personalized outdoor space.
When choosing a roof style for your screened porch, it is important to consider the style of your home, the overall design of the porch, and your budget. You should also think about the climate in your area and the amount of protection you need from the elements. By carefully considering all of these factors, you can choose the perfect roof style for your screened porch.
Materials: Screened porches can be built with a variety of materials, including wood, vinyl, and aluminum.
The materials you choose for your screened porch will depend on a number of factors, including your budget, your personal preferences, and the climate in your area. Here is a brief overview of the most common materials used to build screened porches:
- Wood
Wood is a classic choice for screened porches. It is a durable and attractive material that can be stained or painted to match your home. However, wood requires more maintenance than other materials, and it can be susceptible to rot and insects. If you choose to build a wood screened porch, be sure to use pressure-treated lumber and to seal the wood regularly.
- Vinyl
Vinyl is a low-maintenance material that is resistant to rot and insects. It is also available in a variety of colors and styles, so you can find a vinyl porch that matches your home and your personal preferences. However, vinyl can be more expensive than wood, and it can be difficult to repair if it is damaged.
- Aluminum
Aluminum is a lightweight and durable material that is resistant to rot and insects. It is also a good conductor of heat, so it can help to keep your porch cool in the summer and warm in the winter. However, aluminum can be more expensive than wood or vinyl, and it can be difficult to work with if you are not experienced in metalworking.
- Custom materials
Custom materials can be used to create a truly unique screened porch. You can use a variety of materials, such as stone, brick, or glass, to create a porch that reflects your personal style. However, custom materials can be more expensive than standard materials, and they may require more maintenance.
When choosing materials for your screened porch, it is important to consider your budget, your personal preferences, and the climate in your area. You should also think about the amount of maintenance you are willing to do. By carefully considering all of these factors, you can choose the perfect materials for your screened porch.
Screens: Choose screens that are durable and provide adequate protection from insects.
- Material: Screens are typically made from fiberglass, aluminum, or stainless steel. Fiberglass screens are the most affordable option, but they are also the least durable. Aluminum screens are more durable than fiberglass screens, but they can be more expensive. Stainless steel screens are the most durable and expensive option.
- Mesh size: The mesh size of a screen is measured in inches per square inch. The smaller the mesh size, the smaller the holes in the screen. A smaller mesh size will provide better protection from insects, but it will also restrict airflow. A mesh size of 18 x 16 is a good compromise between protection and airflow.
- Weave type: The weave type of a screen refers to the way the wires are woven together. There are two main types of weave: plain weave and lock weave. Plain weave screens are less expensive than lock weave screens, but they are also less durable. Lock weave screens are more durable than plain weave screens, but they can be more difficult to see through.
- Color: Screens are available in a variety of colors, including black, gray, and white. The color of the screen will affect the amount of light that enters your porch. A darker screen will block more light than a lighter screen.
When choosing screens for your screened porch, it is important to consider the following factors: the climate in your area, the amount of sunlight your porch receives, and the types of insects that are common in your area. By carefully considering all of these factors, you can choose the perfect screens for your screened porch.
Furnishings: Select comfortable and weather-resistant furnishings for your screened porch.
The furnishings you choose for your screened porch should be both comfortable and weather-resistant. After all, you want to be able to relax and enjoy your porch without having to worry about your furniture getting ruined by the elements.
- Seating:
The most important pieces of furniture for your screened porch are your seating. You’ll want to choose chairs or sofas that are comfortable and supportive, and that are made from weather-resistant materials. Wicker, aluminum, and plastic are all good choices for outdoor furniture.
- Tables:
You’ll also need a table for your screened porch. Choose a table that is the right size for your space and that is made from a weather-resistant material. Glass, metal, and plastic are all good choices for outdoor tables.
- Accessories:
Once you have your basic furniture in place, you can add some accessories to make your screened porch more comfortable and inviting. Cushions, pillows, and throws can add a touch of color and comfort to your porch. You can also add a rug to define the space and make it more cozy.
- Lighting:
Don’t forget to add lighting to your screened porch so that you can enjoy it even after the sun goes down. String lights, lanterns, and candles are all good options for outdoor lighting. You can also install a ceiling fan to keep your porch cool and comfortable on hot days.
By following these tips, you can choose the perfect furnishings for your screened porch. You’ll be able to relax and enjoy your porch for years to come.
Decor: Add personal touches to your screened porch with decor that reflects your style.
Once you have your screened porch furnished, you can add some personal touches to make it truly your own. Here are a few ideas:
- Artwork
Add some artwork to your screened porch to reflect your personal style. Choose pieces that are weather-resistant and that will not be damaged by the sun or rain. You can hang paintings, photographs, or even sculptures on your porch.
- Textiles
Textiles can add a touch of color and comfort to your screened porch. Choose fabrics that are weather-resistant and that will not fade in the sun. You can use throw pillows, curtains, or even rugs to add some personality to your porch.
- Plants
Plants can add a touch of nature to your screened porch. Choose plants that are tolerant of the conditions on your porch, such as shade or full sun. You can place plants in pots or hanging baskets, or you can even create a small garden on your porch.
- Lighting
Lighting can create a warm and inviting atmosphere on your screened porch. Choose lighting fixtures that are weather-resistant and that will not be damaged by the sun or rain. You can use string lights, lanterns, or even candles to light up your porch.
By following these tips, you can create a screened porch that is both stylish and comfortable. You’ll be able to relax and enjoy your porch for years to come.
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