You’ve decided that it’s time to create an actual outdoor living room, have you? It’s a great decision. They are very popular here in Florida, with good reason. Our sub-tropical climate allows for spending time outdoors year around—and, of course, we take every advantage of it. However, installing an outdoor screen enclosure is actually bringing the outdoors in with a whole new spin. They are considered an extension of your home!
If you already have a lanai or patio area, you are off to a great start. However, if your flooring saw its best days a while ago now, it’s a good time to consider starting from scratch.
Let’s walk through the process from that point. Feel free to skim ahead if you’re sticking with the floor you have in place.
Level up
It’s no question that installing an outdoor screen enclosure is going to add a new level of comfort for you and your family to enjoy when spending time outdoors. In addition to an increased sense of privacy, you won’t be fighting off bugs and mosquitoes. Your outdoor space will remain debris free when storms blow through too. Moreover, if you have young children or small pets, you’re creating a safe space for them to safely spend time outdoors.
It’s also good to know that your enclosed outdoor living space adds to your property value to some degree as well. That helps soften the installation cost, doesn’t it?
If you plan to replace the flooring in your designated family space, you have to get rid of the one in place first. After it has been removed, you will be at square one. If necessary, dig up any grass or weeds. Next, tamp down the earth with a roller. Lastly, check the elevation using a string level.
Unless you’re pouring concrete, it’s a good idea to finish up by rolling out a layer of landscape fabric to prevent new weeds from sprouting through your flooring.
Lay your floor
To enhance your new outdoor room to the nth degree, you need to lay a solid floor. It’s an essential element and needs to be level and feel secure underfoot. Natural materials, such as stone pavers, brick, or, even, wood planks are popular choices. Some homeowners choose to install pavers separated with small pieces of gravel instead of traditional grout.
Concrete floors are popular as well. Finishing the concrete by coloring it and incorporating a design—using stamps that resemble a tile design perhaps—is fairly inexpensive. Homeowners will contest that the results are nothing short of spectacular!
Walls come next
When it comes time to install your screens, it might be best to work with a contractor or company that specializes in outdoor screen enclosures. That decision is completely up to you, of course. There are plenty of DIY videos out there and many are very well done. If you’re comfortable taking on the project after weighing all the options, so be it!
Otherwise, you might want to consider hiring a company that specializes in these types of enclosures. Some, such as ours, for instance, offer customers a customization feature. Using digital imagery and dyes treated with added UV protection, you can create the private getaway of your dreams! Love the beach? Surfs up! Does your idea of serenity include being surrounded by tropical flowers and plants? It can happen! Let your imagination run with the possibilities and create a space that your friends and family will never want to leave!
Fill the space
Once your outdoor screen enclosure is complete, it’s time to add furnishings and a bit of decor. Consider how you’ll use the space before rushing out and snatching up the great deals you’ll find on patio furniture and the like at this time of year. Even though we don’t run on the same “seasonal” schedule temperature-wise as the rest of the country, manufacturers stick with it as far as sales go.
While your choices may be a bit more limited, the savings can more than make up for it. Moreover, fewer options mean that it will be easier to make a perfect choice!
You’re likely to find other items to use for decor very reasonably priced as well. Items such as throws and small pillows scream comfort and relaxation. Outdoor rugs are another touch that can really make a space pop. It will be exciting to find the things you will use to make the space your own.
Be willing to share it though. It’s going to become everyone’s new favorite spot. Seriously. School schedule permitting, the kids may want to sleep there.