Ideas for Screening-in Decks

A screened-in deck lets you admire nature, but not let it in.

Screen mesh, made of loosely woven wires or metals, is used for windows and doors. Using screens for an enclosed deck or porch keeps out unwanted debris, can provide some coolness and keeps out insects and other creatures. When picking ideas for screening-in decks, start with a vision for your enclosed deck.

Enclosed Deck with Screening

Create a screened deck enclosure by placing screening around an extended deck. If the deck does not already have a roof cover, add roofing to the unit. Placing a ceiling fan will help circulate air in the warmer months and keep out excess humidity. To make the enclosed deck, first choose rails to install into the wooden deck. Or choose to add rails with concrete fasteners if you're working with a concrete deck. Aluminum is a good rail option and is compatible screen window and door options, including full-length screening.

Mesh-Count Options

Choose a type of screening based on the mesh count, or the thickness of the mesh grating. Screen mesh is typically organized by its "mesh count," the number of woven threads per square inch. Common counts are 110, 180 and 240. The lower the mesh count number, the larger the square openings are in the screen. If the number is 240 or higher, the squares are tiny and more "invisible." If you want a screened-in deck with more of rustic look, select a lower mesh count screening option. For a modern, less-visible screen, choose a higher count.

Mechanical Screens

Install a mechanical screening device to protect your deck. You can add beams and a lattice roof to the deck for protection and for the screen support. Adding a vertical motorized unit gives homeowners the option to raise the screen when the sun is shining, the insects are not as active, to lower the screens if the bugs are out, a wind storm is coming or the sun is too strong for comfort. You can keep a regular door to your deck or add a screen mesh which is, in some brands, kept closed by a magnet.

Adding Blinds

Try adding a lightweight, woven wood shading option, such as bamboo blinds, over a screen. Once your deck is screened in, you can install roll-up bamboo blinds, made of thin, tightly woven bamboo pieces. You can loosen the blinds by loosening a rope tying the tube together. Bamboo blinds can completely block sunlight from entering the deck, unlike the screen. If you want to roll up the bamboo blinds for full sun, you can have the screen underneath to protect from insects or breezes blowing in dust or debris.

References

• All About Screen Doors: Deck Enclosures
• MSN Encarta: Dictionary: "mesh"
• Country Living: Decorating Ideas for Outdoor Spaces
• AmDeck: American Deck & Patio: Screened

Resources

• Window Blinds Project: Outdoor Curtains