With our beautiful weather, homeowners want to enjoy every minute of living outdoors. Archadeck of Bradenton Sarasota knows that and is here to make those wishes come true.
For homeowners in the Gulf Coast climate, figuring out which outdoor spaces are best can be a challenge. That’s where Archadeck’s complimentary design consultation is a Godsend.
Our professional outdoor designers and builders will guide you through your best options depending on what you are looking for.
When Bradenton Sarasota homeowners reach out to us and ask, “Screened Porch vs. a Lanai, what’s the difference?,” we explain what each is and how they work.
What is a screened porch?
Intentionally attached to your house, a screened porch is an outdoor living room screened to keep insects and debris out. It protects from harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun with a screened porch roof cover. The three vertical sides not attached to the house are all screened, hence the name “Screened Porch.”
As for where locations:
• A screened porch directly off of your living room is very popular here, extending the footprint of the home for leisure and relaxation.
• The home’s interior kitchen often serves as an excellent access point for screened porches, especially when grilling.
• Serving as a connecting bridge between the home’s interior and the backyard, a rear door of the home also makes sense for homeowners here.
• To welcome guests in the Gulf Coast style and enjoy outdoor time, a front entry screened porch may be the ideal solution for many.
What is a lanai?
Here in the Gulf Coast, a lanai covers the rear of the home making it a true outdoor living room. Three screened walls with a screened roof, it is a weather resistant aluminum “cage” completely wrapped in screen.
Built on a slab, lanai floors are water friendly as most host a swimming pool at the farthest point from the interior door.
• More open to the backyard of the home, lanais are more open to views of the yard and rear landscape.
• As such, lanais often require well placed landscaping, trees and greenery to provide privacy while allowing fresh breezes to enter and circulate.
• When it comes time to sell your home, a lanai presents strong appeal for resale buyers.
Screened Porch and Lanai FAQs
• What materials are most often used to build screened porches in our Gulf Coast area?
With our salty ocean air being a continual weather residual to deal with, we typically start with a pressure-treated wood deck for the foundation. For longer life and low maintenance, composite decking or advanced PVC is a better choice. Concrete platforms are also popular and often more reasonably priced.
• What the difference between a wood deck and those built from a composite or PVC?
Wood needs to be sealed and stained, as needed, to continue providing weather and wear strength against nature’s elements. On the other hand, composite decking and advanced PVC from TimberTech does not. Composite decking is sealed on all sides so moisture will never impact it. It is made from recycled wood and polymer resins which give it a tremendous foundation for longevity and performance. Similarly, advanced PVC is made from all PVC materials, with no wood. Both TimberTech options easily fool the eye as they both look like wood.
• All things considered, what are the biggest benefits of screened porches?
If you would prefer not to be bothered by insects and bugs, a screened porch will keep them outdoors where they belong. Of course, overhead shade and protection from falling rain are right up there, too. Screened porches are terrific for enjoying the best moments outdoor living can offer without external influences or changing weather conditions.
• What about lanais here in Bradenton and Sarasota?
When it comes to outdoor living, lanais are typically located behind the home, often adjacent to swimming pools and spas. Some designs may even enclose other water features. For those who prefer a resort-style aesthetic, lanais are often preferred as they make the best use of casual open spaces. The term “backyard oasis” is typically very common for Gulf Coast homes with lanais.
• What are the key differences between the two?
- Size for one. A screened porch is typically smaller, more defined and more intimate of a structure.
- Lanais are often more open and larger, frequently spanning the rear horizon of the home. Separate zones for daily living are typical with areas for seating and conversation and those for dining and game playing. Easy access to the backyard landscape is also key.
- In construction, a screened porch is attached to the home. A lanai is typically an enclosed space around a pool.
- Families who entertain guests frequently and have an in-ground pool love the spaciousness and extra square footage a lanai offers.
- If privacy is a key issue, one would be better off with a screened porch as it is more enclosed and more intimate.
Can’t decide which one to have Archadeck build? Connect with us now.
The best way to figure out whether a screened porch or a lanai is the best outdoor living solution is to consult with us. You can click here to connect with our team right now. We also invite you to phone us at 941-299-6822 so we can arrange for your complimentary design consultation.
We look forward to helping you make the best outdoor living decision for you and your family.
