Old Ways To Make a Screened-In Patio

Traditional Construction

• Screened enclosures for patios and porches are a light form of construction, providing protective covering from wet weather and screening from insects, while retaining the open-air character of the outdoor structure. Traditionally, you frame the enclosure with post and beam construction, exposing the roof framing to viewing from inside. Staple or tack screen material to the posts, and add wood battens -- usually 1-inch-by-2-inch material -- to conceal the fasteners and seams.

Advantages

• Wood is a warm, versatile material that you can craft to fit an architectural theme, integrating the structure with the rest of the property. Decorative detailing and paint complement the traditional character of the wood-screened enclosure. A screened enclosure is less costly than more elaborate structures, and manageable for the handyman. Another advantage is that you can hide conduit for wiring behind wood trim, unlike enclosures made of different materials.

Drawbacks

• Moisture is an issue for wood outdoor structures, and screened enclosures are especially vulnerable to moisture. You can take measures to prevent moisture penetration, but they add to the complexity of the construction. The screens are easily damaged, and sag over time, requiring replacement or repair. Dismantling the screens is a labor-intensive operation, requiring you to pull off the battens and remove or replace numerous staples or tacks.

Alternatives

• Prefabricated aluminum frames are widely used for screened enclosures, having fewer issues with moisture and repair. Aluminum is usually less visually appealing than wood. Screen panels may also be custom-made to fit the openings, and fastened to posts and beams with Velcro strips. Other proprietary systems fabricate systems using vinyl material available in different colors, to combine aesthetics with ease of installation and maintenance. When wood is preferred, using cedar -- a moisture-resistant wood -- for the frames prevents moisture problems.