We spend a lot of time outdoors in Florida so homeowners often create an outdoor living area to take advantage of the beautiful year-round weather. Pool and lanai screen enclosures are popular here, however, some homeowners wonder if it’s possible to install one on a deck.
The answer to that question is yes!
Before you begin though, make sure that you’re starting with a firm foundation. Adding a bulk of weight to an unstable foundation is putting your family at risk of injury if it suddenly gives way.
Thoroughly inspect the deck from the ground up to ensure it’s in prime condition. If not, make the necessary repairs first, or start fresh with a new deck entirely. Your enclosure will go a long way in maintaining it.
Another thing to consider is the size of your enclosure. Will it cover the entire deck or will an area remain open for outdoor seating? Do you want to enlarge the area to incorporate more space? That could be done by extending your deck’s surface area. Another option to consider is installing a 2-tier enclosure. It would certainly be more unique. All you need to do is install a ground floor using the material of your choice.
Before you get started
Figure your allotted budget before reaching out to installers—we suggest three—to come out to give you an estimate. Once the dimensions are determined, they can figure out the approximate cost. When you have all three in hand, we suggest tossing the lowest bid as it’s the one most likely to cut corners. This could affect the integrity of your enclosure and shorten the lifespan.
If you’re governed by a homeowner’s association (HOA), ensure that they allow for the build at all. You should also find out if there are any rules and regulations you must adhere to. They could pertain to the enclosure, but some HOAs have rules for the building crew, as well.
They might include where to park, for instance, or the hours they are allowed to work between. Should you not receive approval, don’t give up! State your case and present reasons that enclosures are beneficial. If you win them over, you will pave the way for other residents to follow suit.
And they may!
Screen enclosures provide an added level of privacy that enhances your time spent relaxing, gaming, or dancing, perhaps! It doesn’t matter how you and your family choose to spend your time there, you’ll enjoy it more when you add the feeling of seclusion to the mix.
Moreover, if you work with a company, like ours, for instance, that customizes the screens, you can create a backyard getaway that neighbors will envy—and, may choose to replicate! Don’t worry about a carbon copy though. They may want to “keep up with the Joneses,” but when they learn that virtually any digital image can be printed onto the screens, they will dream of creating a space that feels like they’re stepping into their favorite place in all the world every time they walk through the door.
Images are printed with dyes infused with added ultraviolet (UV) protection. They are guaranteed to remain vibrant for years.
Other benefits
In addition to added privacy, screen enclosures provide your family with a bug-free zone. Mosquitoes, flies, and even those annoying little noseeums aren’t getting through the finely woven screen. You can get rid of the bug repellant and tiki torches—seriously! The area is well protected from dirt and debris too. So, that means you won’t be cleaning up as often either.
The boundary it creates does more than keep out yard debris, though. Any wandering wildlife meets with a blockade keeping it further away from the house. That means you never have to worry about being unpleasantly surprised by a snake curling up under a cushion or, even worse, in a basket of toys.
Your screen enclosure even protects you from the sun’s damaging UV rays—to a degree. You aren’t completely shaded, of course, but the rays filter through the screen making them less intense. You won’t start to burn as quickly and your stuff resists sun fade longer! That’s huge! Furniture is expensive, yeah?
Lastly, your enclosure provides a safe place for small children and pets to get a little sun and fresh air without worrying about them wandering off. That means you can sit and relax for a few minutes without springing into pursuit… You know that game, right? We’re sure it’s universal. The rules? Every time the adult sits down, the child sprints away.
If they’re tall enough to reach the door handle, a quick turn of the lock does the trick every time.
Wherever you put it
Whether your screen enclosure goes up on the deck, lanai, or even away from the house entirely, your family is going to love the new space. Your friends will too. And if you choose to customize the screens, the environment changes completely.
Bugs won’t drive you indoors ever again, you may even dine outdoors more often! Yard debris stays in the yard where it belongs, and the kids have a safe place to play. Moreover, the added privacy is going to have you all wondering why you didn’t enclose the space before. The sights and sounds of the neighborhood will seemingly fade into the background leaving you and yours tucked away from the world.
Just the thought is sigh-inducing these days, isn’t it? Spending time together strengthens your family bond without you even realizing it’s happening. We get so busy making treasured memories that we tend not to notice. It’s happening though and in today’s world, having that firm foundation to stand on means a lot.