Types of Screened Porches

Traditional Wood Frame and Stapled Screen

• The traditional screened porch consists of a wood frame constructed under a patio cover or house overhang covered with screen cloth. In this method, the screen cloth is usually stapled onto the wood frame, and the staples are then covered with decorative wood trim. The disadvantage to this method is that if the screen is torn or damaged, repair requires removing the decorative trim, removing old staples, pulling off the old screen material, replacing it, restapling and it and restoring or replacing the decorative trim.

Screen Bar Rail System

• One simple screened porch type is made on a rail frame with screens similar to window screens attached. Screen bar rail and corners can be purchased and screen frames assembled to fit the openings. An advantage to this system is that the frames can be screened prior to installation. For irregular corners, such as near a sloping roof, frames can be made with angles different from a square 90 degrees. All that is needed at the time of installation is to screw the screens into place. Additionally, if the screen is damaged or torn, only one screen section needs to be removed and rescreened.

All-Season Sunroom Screened Porch

• A sunroom can provide extra space in all seasons. Many sun room options convert to a screened porch in mild climate months and then, with windows installed in place of or over the screen, the room becomes an enclosed sunroom during cold or rainy seasons.

Freestanding

• Unlike a screen porch built under a cover or roof extension, a screen gazebo or tent-style cover includes its own fabric roof, usually on a metal frame. The freestanding unit has drawbacks. It must be secured to the patio or ground, or a strong gust of wind can topple it. Also, if left outdoors, weather, especially the weight of snow, can break it. If the screen material is plastic, the sun's ultraviolet rays can turn the screen brittle and leave it prone to cracking. For longest use, a screen gazebo or tent-style patio cover is better left in storage during winter.

Materials Variety

• A diverse selection of screen materials is available for screened porches. A very commonly used material is fiberglass screen cloth. Fiberglass is economical and does not rust, but it also lacks durability. Aluminum screen cloth is another common option favored for its durability and cost. In charcoal or black, it helps eliminate glare and can be nearly invisible from inside the screened porch looking out. Fiberglass solar screen is another option. It not only keeps insects outside, but it also helps keep the room cool, protects furniture from fading and prevents glare. For use near the ocean, bronze and copper screen material is resistant to damage from salt spray. Bronze tends to retain its color while copper will blacken in time. Stainless steel screening material is rust free and requires virtually no maintenance but does cast a glare in sunlight.