Author: Felicity Lynch

Tom Jenkins/Courtesy Coastal Signature Homes

Extend your outdoor living space in your own unique style with these DIY construction tips and décor suggestions.

One way to literally live large is to increase your outdoor space in a way that lets you enjoy it more—and a screened-in porch can be just the ticket. Unlike an open-to-the-elements deck or patio, or a sunroom, which typically has solid glass exterior walls, a screened porch has a ceiling and, as the name implies, encloses much of the area with mesh. Such a structure protects you from pesky insects and sudden showers while welcoming light and breezes. If you’re ready to bring this best-of-both-worlds addition to your home or to decorate an existing porch in a stylish new way, you’re in the right place for ideas and helpful how-tos to create screened porch perfection.

Plan a Porch Project

Screening in an open porch involves installing framing around it and then attaching mesh to the frame. Measure porch height by width plus 10 percent to determine material needs, then put up the enclosure using basic tools. Though a fairly simple DIY project, kits and framing systems available at home centers make it even easier.

Rely on the Right Wood

Andrew Hyslop/Courtesy Rock Paper HammerIf you aim to frame up a screened porch from scratch, purchase rugged redwood, cedar, or ACQ (alkaline copper quaternary) lumber to resist insect and weather-related damage. Be sure to use the appropriate screws, too: galvanized for redwood or cedar, and ACQ-compatible for treated lumber.

Screen Your Screen Type

There are several types of mesh on the market, suited to different environments and situations.

Fiberglass is soft, easy to work with (it’s typically found in kits), and rust- and corrosion-resistant.Extra-fine fiberglass offers enhanced visibility.Metal is sturdy but can rust or corrode in humid climates; aluminum will perform best.Vinyl-coated polyester screens can withstand scratching by furry friends, so it’s the best choice for a pet-proof porch. This thicker material may somewhat obscure the view.Synthetic solar screen fabric limits the amount of sunlight entering the porch, reducing heat and protecting furniture upholstery from fading.Motorized, retractable screens lift and lower with button-touch control.

Figure Out Flooring

As an outdoor space bound to get plenty of foot traffic, a screened porch calls for tough flooring. Soft yet durable pine is perhaps the most popular natural wood for a porch, but redwood and cedar will likely last longer. Ultra-low-maintenance composite decking boasts the good looks of wood. yet won’t crack, splinter, or require re-staining. Concrete, brick, stone, and certain types of tile are all hardwearing options, too, though somewhat susceptible to chips. And don’t discount rubber—typically used in playgrounds, it’s a good choice if kids will be romping on the porch.

Sport a Special Ceiling

If your situation allows for it, a vaulted or angled ceiling will add visual appeal. If you’ve got to go straight, consider installing a skylight for added illumination by day and stargazing at night. How you finish the ceiling counts, too. Beadboard will evoke tradition, while shiplap lends a more casual cabin vibe.

Select a Design Scheme

The architecture of your home and your personal taste will both influence your porch décor. Do you fancy the Southern charm of an old-fashioned veranda (rocking chairs, comfy cushions, perhaps a few vintage items like an old milk can)? How about the laid-back vibe of a Hawaiian lanai (tropical woods like ipe, tigerwood, and cambara, rattan furniture, lush plants, beach-y accents)? Or perhaps you prefer desert colors, Native American patterns, and touches of turquoise for an Arizona room.

rrange Accordingly

Let the primary purpose of your porch determine furniture arrangement. For socializing and conversation, seats should face each other, perhaps around a coffee table, just like in a living room. For more of a nature observatory, seating might be best set up along the wall of the house and facing out to the view. No matter how you arrange seating, include enough clearance from the door so that traffic can flow in and out.

Delight in Outdoor Dining

Costa Picadas/Courtesy Douglas Wright ArchitectsA screened porch is the ideal setting for al fresco meals—especially if it extends off the kitchen. If not, consider locating a vented grill on the porch, choosing a model with counter space on either side for food prep. In addition to a table and chairs, include a hutch to hold the dishes, glasses, and silverware you’ll use regularly in the space.

Default to Wicker

For durability, affordability, easy care, and casual appeal, it’s hard to go wrong with wicker furniture. Natural wicker won’t wear as well as its synthetic counterpart, notably pieces made of high density polyethylene (HDPE). Before purchasing, carefully check the weaving for loose ends that could unravel. While wicker tends to come in basic white or shades of tan, you can easily brighten it up with spray paint for a unique look; just be sure to pick paint designed to adhere to plastic if you’ve got synthetic pieces.

Boost the Breeze

A ceiling fan will let you control air circulation. Choose one that’s large enough (it will be most effective at cooling the area directly beneath it), made of weather-resistant material, and UL-listed for damp locations. Ensure at least eight feet of clearance beneath it for safety.

Go Natural

A screened porch allows you to immerse yourself in the natural environment. So if yours has a view of the woods, décor featuring earth tones, natural fibers, rustic wood, and plenty of plants will blur the lines between outdoors and in.

Provide Privacy

Tony Soluri/ Courtesy Stuart Cohen & Julie Hacker Architects LLCSheer, fluttery drapery panels lend softness and gentility while still allowing in some light. Let curtains hang loose for privacy or use tie-backs for an unobstructed view.

Turn It On

Lamps and ceiling fixtures UL-rated for outdoor use will let you enjoy your screened-in space once the sun goes down. But why let a lack of wiring put a damper on your nighttime porch party when you can hang plug-free solar-powered string lights.

Pump Up a Small Porch

Outfit a small, narrow screened porch with a space-saving bench or banquette against the house wall. Place a pair of chairs, perhaps at a round café table, on one end. A slender space may also be ideal as a coffee or cocktail bar. Pale colors will make it seem larger; and avoid accessory overload, which will just read as clutter.

Dream Up a Z-Z-Z- Zone

A lounge chair, sofa, daybed, or hammock will take relaxation to the next level. To further make your screened porch catnap central, lay in extra pillows and a soft, cozy throw.

Set Up a Swing

Feeling lazy yet playful? Indulge both moods with a porch swing! Select a two-seater to share with a loved one or consider individual swing chairs for a fun boho vibe.

Fire Up a Focal Point

Tom Jenkins/Courtesy Coastal Signature HomesA fireplace serves as a striking focal point that can let you enjoy your screened porch once the weather turns chilly. Natural stone is ideal for an outdoor environment, and it can impart a modern, traditional, or rustic vibe to suit your taste.

Explore Pillow Possibilities

Stylish, comfy pillows and cushions will tempt you to linger longer, but certain fabrics and fillings are bound to get musty when used in a screened porch. So choose inserts made of water-resistant polyfill and outdoor-rated fabric covers. Other smart accessories to stave off mildew include polypropylene area rugs you can hose clean and a large fast-drying Turkish towel instead of a throw.

Let It Grow!

Plenty of potted plants—including fern, elephant ear, and even certain orchids—can thrive on your porch. Just keep them well watered (circulating air can be drying), and bring them in after sundown should temperatures in your area dip below 60 degrees Fahrenheit at night.

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From granite to quartz, different types of kitchen countertops can deliver on both looks and performance

After kitchen cabinets, kitchen countertops have the most style impact in the kitchen. There are many types of kitchen countertops to choose from—stone, quartz, solid surfacing, wood, to identify the most popular—so you’ll want to take a few factors into consideration before pulling out your wallet.

Where will it go? Will it be attractive if it’s visible from adjoining living areas as well as the cooking space?How will you use it and how often? Can it stand up to common spills and daily impact with cooking tools?What other features will it connect to? Will it look good and stand up to adjoining elements, like a sink or a stovetop?How often do you clean? Besides the after-meal swipe with a sponge, are you up for taking the time for regular maintenance?

Happily, whatever your answers are to the questions above, there is a countertop for you. Today’s eclectic kitchen styles also welcome a mix of materials, so don’t worry about everything matching. You can have one material for the island and another for the countertop, or treat yourself to a small slab of marble for a bar space, for instance. For best results, always hire a professional certified to fabricate and install the particular material you choose.

Below are popular types of countertops that Sweeten homeowners have installed along with the pros and cons of each material.

Sweeten matches home renovation projects with vetted general contractors, offering advice, support, and up to $50,000 in renovation financial protection—for free.

Marble counters

(Above)  Sweeten homeowners Lia and Chris’ kitchen remodel

Sought for its classic beauty and variety, marble still draws its fans among homeowners who want stone in the kitchen. However, it is more porous than granite, and this factor, combined with a high price tag—more than $100 per square foot, not including fabrication—limits its application to a few areas of the kitchen, like entertaining or baking areas. Remember that this particular material enjoyed pride-of-place in grand homes in the last two centuries, so if you are up for classic elegance that yields a timeworn patina, this could be the stone for you.

PROS

Withstands high heat Adds a high-quality, luxury look suitable for traditional or contemporary kitchensStays cool, so good for rolling out doughPairs beautifully with many other surfaces, especially wood and metal

CONS

The most expensive of stonesLimited in color choices—whites, grays, blacksStains, scratches, cracks, and chips more easily than other stonesRequires monthly sealing and may still discolor

Soapstone counters

Above) Sweeten homeowners Janet and Jerry’s kitchen remodel

Soapstone’s resistance to heat and water, along with a muted color palette marked by subtle veining, makes it an appealing alternative to granite and marble. It also comes with a slightly lower price tag, in the $70 to $100 per-square-foot range. Soapstone does require care, like all stones.

PROS

Resists heat and waterColor tends to be uniform throughout the slabSuitable for sinks, too, if you want a blended lookComes in at the lower price spectrum of natural stone

CONS

Scratches easily and will show stains, which can be sanded outMay crack or chip if you aren’t careful when working on itRequires regular sealing and will show stains if not wiped up immediatelyDevelops a patina over time, which you may or may not like

Engineered stone counters

(Above) Sweeten homeowners Bellamy and Zak’s kitchen remodel

Of all the types of kitchen countertops, engineered stone is probably the toughest surface on the market. this material is typically 90 percent quartz mixed with pigments and polyester resin, then manufactured under pressure into highly dense slabs. Manufacturers such as Caesarstone offer a vast array of looks, including many faux granites as well as the whitest whites, blackest blacks, and some brilliant colors like red and blue. Claims that it won’t stain or fade or succumb to high heat make engineered stone the most popular choice for kitchen countertops, edging out granite, despite the fact that the cost starts around $100 per square foot, the same or higher than natural stone.

PROS

Most impervious of all surfaces; resists heat, stains, scratches, bacteria, fadingHuge selection of patterns and colors, including faux stones and custom colorsCan be manufactured into nearly any shape you wantRequires no sealing or special maintenance

CONS

Faux stone doesn’t appear to look like real stoneMay crack on sudden impact with a heavy objectCosts as much as real stoneSolid-colored slabs will show seams

Granite counters

Above) Sweeten homeowner Ann’s kitchen remodel

Granite landed on the kitchen scene a little over two decades ago and remains popular. It’s a close second behind the number one choice, engineered stone, according to a survey from the National Kitchen and Bath Association. Why does granite endure? It combines unique beauty with durability and low maintenance. The natural grain means no two slabs will be identical. While very hard and impervious to heat, granite is porous, so it needs to be sealed at least annually—easy enough with hand application by sponge.

PROS

Resists high heatComes in a range of colors and grainsEach slab has a unique appearanceMaintains its value if well cared for, including sealing annually

CONS

Expensive, from $60 to $100 per foot, but popular colors come in lowerShows wear from knives and spills like vinegar, citrus juice, and oils, so use a cutting board on topRequires regular maintenance, which a DIY project with a sealant and a sponge can accomplishWill crack if improperly installed or a heavy object makes impact

Solid surfacing counters

(Above) Architects Can Vu Bui, Lane Rick, and Matthew Storrie’s kitchen remodel 

Twenty years ago, solid surfacing was the darling in the world of kitchen countertops. It still deserves consideration, as many qualities have been improved over time by brands like Corian. It is heat- and stain-resistant and comes in a range of looks, including faux stone, and lots of fashion colors. Because it has a little give, due to it being made of acrylic or polyester or a blend of the two, objects dropped on solid surfacing are less likely to break. It also can be molded into many shapes, including intricate inlays, edge and backsplash treatments, as well as furniture. Plan to spend around $80 to $100 per square foot, depending on the pattern and color.

PROS

Heat- moisture-, and fade-resistantEnormous choice of colors and patterns, including customSeams fuse together so joints don’t showMolds into just about any shape including integrated backsplash or sinkDoes not require sealing; clean with mild detergent

CONS

Can’t take high heat; will lose shapeVulnerable to scratches, cuts, and prolonged exposure to stains like wine or catsup; requires a cutting boardFaux stone looks don’t exactly resemble stoneNot recyclable

Wood counters

(Above) Sweeten homeowners Lavanya and Regis’ kitchen remodel

Probably America’s earliest type of kitchen countertop, wood is still desired for its natural beauty and warmth. Wood can take moderate heat, but it will show burns, dings, and knife cuts. Fans consider the patina part of the appeal. Most damage can be sanded out; be sure to reapply food-safe mineral oil after any repair. Avoid installation in areas like the sink with prolonged exposure to moisture, which will cause it to swell. Clean with a damp sponge and a mild detergent. Hardwoods such as maple and oak are most commonly used as kitchen countertops, in a butcher-block pattern, which provides additional strength. Wood is a thriftier choice than many of the surfaces described above, starting at about $35 per square foot and climbing upward.

PROS

Easy to clean and repairGood for cutting and chopping; knives won’t dull with contactWon’t chip and objects dropped on it are less likely to breakProvides a rich look for a price lower than many other kitchen surfaces

CONS

Vulnerable to moisture, chemicals, and high heat, which cause permanent damageImmediately shows signs of useExpands or contracts with extreme swings in moist environmentRequires food-safe sealant and regular care to preserve surface

Laminate counters

(Above) Sweeten homeowners Dan and Mike’s kitchen remodel

While not so rugged as most other surface options today, laminate still has plenty of upsides, like loads of patterns and colors, and a thrifty price tag starting at $10 to $20 per square foot. Made of resin-covered paper backed by plywood or particleboard, laminate does come with its share of synthetics. To ensure your indoor air quality, look for laminates certified by Greenguard, like Wilsonart, which indicates they are made from low-emitting materials that use formaldehyde-free paper and low- or non-toxic glues. This fashion-friendly surface can mimic the look of stone, wood, or fabric, or any graphic the manufacturer can think of. It will last for a few decades with proper care, which includes no direct cutting on the surface or exposure to acid or chemicals.

PROS

Requires minimal care and no sealingAvailable in a vast selection of patterns and colorsEasy to cut and install in tight spacesWell-priced, particularly for a product with so many style options

CONS

Scratches and burns easily; sometimes impossible to repairSeams show, particularly on solid colorsAllows only drop-in sinks, due to their constructionAnything other than the simplest edge treatment will drive up the price

Stainless steel counters

(Above) Sweeten homeowners Beth and Bob’s kitchen remodel

Of all the types of kitchen countertops, stainless steel counters are commonly used in commercial kitchens. This is because stainless steel can take a beating: from knives, high heat, most spills, and it’s completely anti-bacterial. You must avoid caustic chemicals, but since it’s water- and stain-proof, that’s not an issue unless you use it for something other than food prep. It comes in a number of finishes, including polished and brushed, which help hide scratches. Cost begins at the high-middle, about $70 per square foot. Dings and dents will show up and are impossible to remove without displacing the countertop. But if you want a pro-style countertop, those battle scars can be shown with pride.

PROS

Super-resilient material is water-, stain-, fade-proof and resists bacteriaNo need for sealing; cleans with simple detergent and waterIntegrates seamlessly with features like drainboards, sinks, and backsplashesManufactured to exact specifications, so potentially seamless

CONS

Not suitable for cutting; must use a board to protect from knivesShows the smallest scratches and dents, which are very hard to removeNoisy when kitchen tools come in contactFabrication will drive up the price unless you buy a ready-made sink and drainboard unit

Depending on how you use your kitchen, there is a myriad of options for those who always order take-out to the avid home chef.  Style and function combine for the level of care you choose to take on.

Ready to find an experienced general contractor to help with your kitchen remodel?

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A well-designed kitchen pantry is crucial in keeping your kitchen organized and neat.

Kitchen countertops make up the bulk of your prep space—but it’s not just what’s on top that matters. Explore a variety of islands and peninsulas in Sweeten homes to make the most of your dual workspace and storage.

Sweeten handpicks the best general contractors to match each project’s location, budget, and scope, helping until project completion. Follow the blog for renovation ideas and inspiration and when you’re ready to renovate, start your renovation on Sweeten

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