Screened Patio Doors

Screened Patios: Bugs Not Invited

After a long day at work, all you want to do is stretch on a comfortable chaise on your patio, with a tall, cold drink in your hand. Until the bugs come. In most parts of the world, warm days bring not only the blooms in your garden and the song of birds, but a range of insects, hungry for your blood.

The screened patio quickly becomes a necessity, if your patio is to be your summer oasis and the favorite space in your home to have a meal with your friends, or just to have a lazy nap in the afternoon. Also known as patio enclosures, they are a very functional addition to a home, especially if you live in a climate where you can use the patio year around. Screened enclosures shield the space that can easily turn into a sunny dining room, reading room, or a party central.

Budget Permitting For Your Patio Covers

If your home has no patio to speak of, don't despair. If the budget allows, get a few quotes from several reliable contractors and design your dream screened patio in your yard, attached to your home, or make a gazebo in some suitable, picturesque corner of your garden. The investment in a porch screening kit will easily be returned by the increase in the value of your home. Budget restrictions force most of us to rely on our own devices to get that coveted hard top enclosure. You can start with pouring the cement slab base, then adding the roof, and finally the frame for the screen. It does not matter if it takes a few years to get there, the result will be worth it: a screen patio that you can enjoy for years to come.

The Mosquito Curtain - A Super Low Cost Solution

Maybe you have a patio already but you don't want to set up an elaborate screen system. Then consider getting hanging mosquito nets or mosquito curtains. They are an alternative to permanent patio screen enclosures and priced lower at around $500-$600. Of course they have a slightly 'flimsier' feel but on the other hand may look more elegant if the surrounding decor is made right.

Popular Retailer Choices

These following companies vary widely in price but that's because they offer very different things. For example the most expensive is completely enclosed and protected, supported by rafters and beams. The most economic solution is lightweight and more of a structured netting than a full-fledged addition to the home.

• Mason Hard Top Enclosures - $1500
• Polaria Screened Door Enclosures - $7500
• Patio Mate Deck Enclosures - $869
• Jardin Deck Enclosures - $2280
• Urban Gazebo - $1880

Freestanding Screen Rooms

One great choice for people who don't want to go through the trouble of constructing a deck (because the house doesn't have one) will be happy to know that you can set up a freestanding screen room. The ground will have to be leveled and most likely bricked or poured with concrete, but the end result is a simple-to-set-up room that is enclosed. They look more like gazebos except they don't have a base. The materials are usually some sort of high density plastic like PVC or lightweight aluminum that makes set-up easier.

• Carousel Round Spa Enclosure - $8700 (yikes!)
• PVC Gazebo Kits - $6000

DIY Screened Patio Kits

One fairly affordable solution are screened wall kits - which are found where screened patio doors are found. Some of the kits come with soft or hard roof, others just provide aluminum frame for the wall enclosure. If you are handy with tools, you can have a beautiful screened patio installed in just one weekend. Get some friends to help, it will probably cost you no more than a case of beer and some snacks.

Bugs, Sun, Wind And Golf Balls

Depending on where your screen room and deck enclosure is located, your goal is to ensure protection from heat, too much sunlight or just bugs. If your yard has no shady trees, your patio screen has to protect you from the UV rays, in addition to bugs. There is a range of different materials used to screen your patio, depending what you need.

Common Materials Are Fiberglass, Aluminum And Copper

The most commonly used materials are fiberglass mesh, aluminum wire mesh and copper screen. Fiberglass mesh is the cheapest and the easiest to install, but the least durable of the three. Aluminum wire mesh is more expensive, but longer lasting and more difficult to install. Copper mesh is durable and more beautiful as it weathers, but too expensive for most people. The latest type of material used for screened patios is called Super Screen, made of extruded vinyl-coated polyester. Super Screen is advertised as so strong that it can resist flying golf balls. This is a serious consideration if you live close to a golf course. More importantly, this new material is strong enough to resist the efforts of our pets to get in or out of your screened patio.

Safe, Comfortable And Beautiful

Once you ensure that no bugs can get to you, focus on making your screened patio cozy and romantic. Start with a set of comfortable patio chairs with colorful cushions and a dining table for those delicious Sunday meals. A chaise or two, a potted palm and some fun outdoor lights will complete the look of an outdoor room you will not only enjoy yourself, but will proudly show to your friends when they stop by for a visit. Hang some soft white curtains for a romantic atmosphere if you ever get a chance to have your lovely screened patio just for yourself and the love of your life.