Screened In Porch On Deck

Project Of The Month: Screened Porch In Edgewater Maryland

With pleasant springs, mild fall temperatures, and lengthy summers, investing in an outdoor living room offers maximum enjoyment and relaxation for our Maryland customers. This month, were proud to feature a beautiful new screened-in porch in Edgewater, Maryland completed just in time for the start of spring and summer. Project Consultant Jake Wolod worked with our customers to design this perfect home extension that brings the outdoors, indoors!

Before: Home Without an Outdoor Space to Relax and Entertain

Jake first met with our clients to determine their vision for their screened porch, color and design options, and provide an overview of the materials and build process. Prior to our work, we helped to obtain a permit for the deck and screened porch. Generally, upon building a new deck or screened porch for your home, you will be required to have a county permit.

To obtain the permit, you need a copy of your property plat shows the property lines, and an indication of where the new deck will be constructed. You will also need a drawing of the desired screened porch to scale that clearly shows the dimensions, footer size and depth, beam size, joist size and spacing, materials to be used, railing system and staircase location if any. Below, youll see the CAD Drawing of the new screened porch for our clients in Anne Arundel County.

CAD Drawings of the New Screened Porch in Edgewater

Frame The Walls Accurately For Smooth Assembly

Since the wall framing for this screened in porch is the finished surface, it’s worth taking a little extra time to make the framing material look good. We chose the nicest cedar 2x6s we could find and ripped them into 3-1/2-in. and 1-1/2-in. boards. We did this to create sharp, clean edges .

Cut the studs and crosspieces to length and screw the walls together . We used a power miter saw for clean, square cuts, but a circular saw will work too. Use a crosspiece as a spacer when you’re attaching the studs to the top and bottom plates. Then cut a 10-in. spacer block to position the crosspieces for assembly.

Attach 2x2s Over The Framing

After you stretch and staple each section, cut off the excess screen with a sharp utility knife. Then cover the edges with 2×2 trim pieces. We screwed these on to allow for easy removal for future screen repairs, and the trim covers the staples along all of the edges. Frame and screen the outer gable end following Figure C.

Screen door details:

If you use a wood door like ours, start by trimming it just enough to fit in the opening. Then set it in place and mark the door for final fitting. Use a sharp plane or belt sander to trim the door. You may have to repeat this process a few times to get a good fit.

Nail 1/2 x 2-in. wood stops to the framing at the door opening. Then hang the door using galvanized or brass screen door hinges. Mount a latch and door closer to complete the job.

Additional Information:

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What Is It Like To Work With Structurally Speaking

We break down the process into three easy steps. First, well come to your home for a free consultation. We look at your existing porch/deck and backyard and talk about what you want in a new enclosed porch. When you are ready to move forward, well schedule a design presentation where well show you options, including detailed drawings of your custom project. Once you are completely happy with the design, we start construction. We oversee the construction and have an in-house crew to do the work, rather than subcontracting the project.

Are you ready to get started? Contact us today to book your free consultation.

Building Permits And Land Surveying

In most areas, a screened-in porch is considered an addition, and that will require a building permit. These permits can cost anywhere between $447 to $2,313 the national average is $1,380. Small communities may only charge $150, while some cities can charge as much as $7,500.

If your municipality doesnt include land surveying when you apply for a permit, another $200 to $1,000 .

Since the range is so broad, we recommend looking into the cost of applying for a building permit before starting anything.

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Choosing The Best Screen Mesh

To get the most from your new enclosure, youll need the right screening material. Fiberglass and aluminum are the most common types of screening. Both are available in a variety of mesh sizes the larger the number, the smaller the weave and in various colors . Fiberglass is the most worry-free of all screening material, as it will not rust, rot, or stain.

In some cases, additional considerations apply. For example, if youll share your enclosure with pets or young children, you may need a more durable screening. If you live near the ocean, fiberglass screening will resist the corrosive properties of salt air. And if your enclosure will be exposed to direct sunlight, you can reduce heat and glare by installing a shading fabric which may block eighty to ninety percent of the suns rays, yet still allow soft light to filter in.

Install The Joists And Joist Hangers

Nail through the joist hangers into the beams at the house to hold them in place. Then connect the opposite ends of the two beams at the front with a 2×10 cut to the same length as the ledger. Adjust the resulting frame until the diagonal measurements are equal.

Then brace the frame against stakes pounded into the ground to hold it square while you install the treated posts, joists and decking. Sight along the outside rim joist occasionally and adjust the length of the joists as needed to keep the front rim joist straight.

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Install Flashing In The Roof Valley

We won’t go into how to roof a house here. In general, cover the eaves and valley with strips of a waterproof membrane and install the sheet metal valley. Place roofing nails about 12 in. apart along the edge of the metal valley. Cut a short piece of valley metal to complete the top on each side, overlapping it about 6 in. onto the long piece.

Staple No. 15 building paper to the remainder of the porch roof, starting at the bottom and working up. Overlap each row 3 in. onto the one below. Install shingles to match the house. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for starting, overlaps and nail placement. Use 1-in.-long galvanized roofing nails to avoid nailing through the tongue-and-groove ceiling.

Your Complete Guide To Adding A Screened In Porch To A Deck

Have you been thinking about adding a screened in porch to a deck? This is an awesome option for families, couples who love to entertain, and anyone who wants to add a relaxing indoor/outdoor combination space. Many homeowners avoid new construction projects because theyre worried it will be a headache. However, the Structurally Speaking team makes it easy. Well walk you through the entire process to design and build the new porch of your dreams.

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What Is The Cheapest Way To Build A Screened In Porch

One of the complicating factors in building a screened in porch will be the roof structure you choose and how it will tie into your existing house.

Another way to save money is to minimize doors into and out of the porch. Many people like to have two exit points to more quickly access different areas of their yards, but this is for lazy people who dont like to save money. I joke, but in all seriousness, itll save you between 350 and 500 dollars to get rid of the extra door.

Sample Screened Porch Projects

To put the numbers and factors into focus, here are sample cost estimates for common porch sizes. Costs are based on our Average Contractor Cost range of $6 to $10 per square foot.

• 100 square feet : $600 $900
• 150 square feet : $900 $1,350
• 200 square feet : $1,200 $1,800
• 250 square feet : $1,500 $2,250
• 300 square feet : $1,800 $2,700

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Screened In Porch Materials & Cost

Your screen material options are listed below in order of their cost for materials alone, starting with the most expensive. Your contractor will let you know about the most suitable options for your area because of the climate, etc., but pay particular attention to selecting materials that will stand up well to the elements.

Are Screened In Decks Worth It

Every homeowner should know a invested, according to a study done by Archadeck:

On average, you can expect about an 84% return on investment for a screened room addition. If your screened porch investment is $20,000, you will see an average return of $16,800

You should customize your home the way that you like it. However, for those who want their ROI as high as possible, we actually condone keeping up with the Joneses. By noting what everyone else in your neighborhood is doing, and building comparably, youll ensure that your house is awarded the maximum resale value.

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How Much Does It Cost To Turn A Deck Into A Screened

This can be a difficult question to answer as there are many factors that go into a conversion.

First you have to know if your current structure is to code and if it can support a roof load. Its also important to think through the age of the deck and if you want to invest in a large addition on an old structure or build it all new so it lasts as long as possible.

Next you want to consider what kind of materials you are going to use and how finished the porch will be. Are you wrapping everything in PVC? Is everything getting painted? Sanding and staining?

Then you will want to know what type of extra amenities you want. Recessed can lights, fans, speakers, TVs, outlets, screening system, Eze Breeze windows, fireplaces, and so much more can make the space your own, just at a cost.

And of course, in todays world, there are also the current commodity costs you have to take into account. All in all, you can get away with a budget porch add on in the right conditions for $35 to $55 a square foot, but it may have a rough finish.

An average conversion to a moderate to highly finished porch can get you in the $100 to $150 a square foot range. And of course there are the ultra unique options that can easily get in the $200+ a square foot range if you really want to make your porch the envy of the neighborhood.

Stainless Steel Mesh Screen Cost

Stainless steel has always been used for its incredible strength, and it will not rust or tarnish, or be physically damaged from impact. This is an ideal porch screen material in coastal areas since salt has no effect on its appearance or structural integrity. Also, it’s price tag is attractive, coming in at $1/sqft on average. It will require very little maintenance once installed, but given that it is stainless, its shiny surface will reflect a little sunlight on each strand of the mesh, and as a result, it will bounce in more light and heat than other options like brass and copper, once they are discolored.

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Build The Deck Square And Level And Assemble The Perimeter Joists

Install the ledger board.

Start by marking the ledger board location on the house wall. We located the top of the ledger board 90 in. below the bottom of the soffit. On our house, this left a 6-in. step down from the patio door to the deck surface. Remove the siding and attach the ledger with 1/2 x 4-in. galvanized lag screws . Make sure it’s perfectly level. If the ledger attaches to concrete, predrill holes and insert lead shield lag screw anchors before installing the lags.

Outline deck frame and set beams.

After you mount the ledger, use stakes and string lines to outline the deck frame according to the dimensions in Figure B and mark the footing locations. A few days before you plan to dig the footings, call 411 to have underground utilities marked in the vicinity of the porch. Your local building department will specify how large and deep the footings should be for your climate and soil conditions. Pour a concrete pad in the bottom of each footing hole after they’ve been inspected. Let the concrete set overnight.

Assemble Frame.

Next, choose the six straightest 2x10s for the perimeter beams. Cut the 2x10s for the two side beams to length and nail the pairs together. Use 16d stainless steel or double-dipped galvanized nails for all of the joist framings and to attach the joist hangers to the ledger board. Rest one end of each side beam in the double joist hangers and prop them up until level with a stack of wood.

// Spruce Up The Screen

This rendering features a screened-in porch with three panels of screens that are nearly floor-to-ceiling. Our designers included decorative trim at the base of the screens. The trim elevates the design of the screened-in porch and also serves as a protective barrier. Because screens are not indestructible, the trim at the bottom reinforces them and prevents tearing, especially if animals or kids are involved.

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Screened In Porch Doors Cost

No matter if you go with wood or aluminum, the materials will be thin. Because of that, the strength of the aluminum option is something worth leaning toward, since wood will eventually sag as it expands and contracts each season. Over time, this will impact the screen in the door, as well as the doors ability to close smoothly.

How To Build A Screened In Porch

A screened-in porch is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, minus the bugs. It can also add some extra square footage to your home. To build your own, start with a sturdy frame that you can cover with insect screening. Then make a lightweight screen door to keep those bugs out. To build a screened-in porch, start by attaching the wooden frames of the screens to the outer edges of your porch. Make sure that the attachment is secure and not easy to remove.

Next, use a staple gun to attach screening around all 4 sides of your porch, pulling out any wrinkles or ripples before attaching the next section of screening. Dont frame the entire wall, just the side that you want people to enter. Take your measurement and buy a door-kit sized exactly to your opening. The kits come with everything you need: doorjamb, sill, locking hardware, and a preassembled door with a built-in retractable screen.

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Inspiration For Screened In Porch And Deck Designs

When gathering ideas for screened porch designs, its best to look at them through purpose-driven eyes in order to decide size, orientation, materials, furnishings, and amenities. A screened room for entertaining can include additions such as a fireplace to extend its use into chillier nights. It can also include seating for meals and much more like a wide-screen TV, stereo surround sound, larger seating area, and more.

The view is as critical as how you will be using the space. Consequently, if its more of a get together lounging space for adults that want to take in the great outdoors while watching children play, you may opt for more of a sunroom take like this when choosing among screened porch designs.

Whether you are working with a pre-existing porch that is unscreened or contemplating an entirely new addition, choosing materials and layouts that compliments and integrates with the rest of the homes exterior is the key to beautiful screened porch designs.

Cozy Up Your Outdoor Space This Fall

Schools are back in session, leaves are turning orange and red, the autumn chill is beginning but you are not ready to let go of those summer nights. Even though the days may be getting shorter, and nights longer, there are some brilliant ways to make the outdoors just a little warmer and more inviting. Check out some of Cedarbrooks super suggestions on how to cozy up your outdoor living space this fall.

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Tips For Joining The Screened In Porch And House Roofs

If you’re not sure how to neatly join the screened in porch and house roofs:

• We recommend hiring an architect to help work out the details.
• Another option is to build a full-size mockup of a roof truss out of inexpensive and lightweight 1x4s. Figure out where the top of the wall plate would be if you built the porch according to our plans . Then support the mocked-up truss at this height to see how the porch overhang meets the roof.
• If you don’t like the way the overhangs intersect, adjust the level of the deck slightly, alter the wall height or change the width of the overhang.
• Contact your local building inspections department to find out what’s required to obtain a building permit.
• Start this process at least a month before you plan to build. This will allow enough time to work through potential problems.