Open-air porches, screened porches, three-season rooms. All of these sound similar, but are they really?
At Archadeck of Central Iowa, our answer is: no.
We design and build all of these structures and more for our clients throughout Central Iowa. And as your trusted Des Moines porch builder, we can tell you there is a huge variety of design options available to you when you want to build a new outdoor living space.
This is why we collaborate with every client. Because when it comes to look and feel, there are a lot of decisions to make, both for the interior and exterior of your porch.
Thinking of Building a Custom Porch?
If you've been wanting to add a porch to your home, now is the perfect time of year to turn your thoughts into action.
Whether you're dreaming of a simple open-air porch, a screened space for bug-free entertaining, or even a three-season room that extends your outdoor season well into fall, there is an option for you and your Des Moines home.
We can customize your porch—interior and exterior—to match your style and the character of your home. So let’s talk about interior design options.
Des Moines Porch Builders Want Homeowners To Know: You Have Plenty of Interior Design Options
Would you prefer a space that's simple or elaborate, rustic or formal?
Some people are looking for a casual outdoor hangout spot. Others want their indoors to extend into the outdoors. All of this is doable, and each style requires a different approach. As highly experienced porch builders near you, we want to help you make design decisions based on your lifestyle and how you want to enjoy your outdoor room.
Flooring
Your flooring choice sets the tone for the entire space.
For open-air porches, we can build with composite decking for low maintenance, natural hardwood for classic appeal, or pressure-treated pine for budget-conscious projects. If you're considering a Des Moines screened in porch or even upgrading to a three-season room with seasonal windows, we can also incorporate pavers or stamped concrete for a more finished interior feel.
Knee Wall
Every element of your porch or 3-season room is an opportunity to capture your unique vision and attune it to your tastes. The space between the floor and the bottom edge of your windows, known as the knee wall, provides an opportunity to do just that. Would you like a clean and minimal solid knee wall or wood paneling, shiplap, or shingles that match your homes exterior? Or perhaps you’d like a stone element to provide texture and visual contrast. Just let us know and we will incorporate it into your Des Moines porch design.
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Wall
Working our way upward, 3 season and sunroom walls can come in a variety of finishes too including rustic wood, shiplap and beadboard. You even have the option to include an entertainment wall to mount a television or go one step further with an integrated fireplace that can serve as both a source of warmth in cooler weather and a stunning design element.
Windows
Here’s another big question: how much protection do you want from the elements?
For screened porches, we install high-quality screening systems that keep insects out while allowing breezes to flow through. If you're interested in a Des Moines 3 season room, we can incorporate Expanse retractable glass panel windows—a significant step up from standard vinyl options that allow you to enjoy your space even when temperatures drop.
For Des Moines sunrooms designed for year-round use, we install insulated glass windows that provide energy efficiency and comfort in every season.
Ceilings
Not to be overlooked are the ceilings of your space. Open rafters create a casual, rustic feel that's perfect for relaxed outdoor living. Beadboard provides classic porch charm that works beautifully with traditional home styles. Tongue-and-groove pine offers warmth and can be stained to match your home's interior finishes.
And no space is complete without ensuring it provides all ideal amenities, so don’t forget about components like recessed lighting, ceiling fans, and even skylight windows.
The beauty of working with experienced Des Moines porch contractors is our ability to help you choose design elements and materials that match both your aesthetic preferences and practical needs for the local climate.
You have a variety of options here. The key to choosing well is to understand how you want to use your space throughout the year.
Exterior Design Matters Too: Consider Your Roof & Ceiling Design Options
Your porch's roof line should complement your home's existing architecture while serving your functional needs. Popular options include gable roofs that create dramatic ceiling height and hip roofs that provide a more subtle, integrated appearance. But with any choice, our goal as Des Moines porch builders will be to ensure your new structure looks like it was always meant to be part of your home, is built right, and built to last.
Then there are exterior finish options. You could go with natural stone for timeless appeal. Or you could choose siding and trim that match your home's existing materials, wood pillars for classic porch charm, or decorative accents that reflect your personal style. As for balusters—an underrated design element—you could choose from simple wood pickets to more elaborate turned spindles or modern cable systems.
With exterior design, the trick is to choose those elements which will create cohesion between your new porch and your home's existing architecture.
Why Choose Professional Des Moines Porch Contractors?
Creating a porch that feels custom-tailored to your home and lifestyle requires design expertise and construction knowledge. Our custom designs are developed specifically for each client's needs, taking into account everything from your home's architectural style to budget, to how you plan to use your outdoor space.
Whether you're interested in a simple covered porch, a fully screened entertaining space, or a three-season room that bridges indoor and outdoor living, professional design makes all the difference in creating a space you'll love for years to come.
If you want to check out more options, download our Free Design Guide and you can start to see the possibilities your space holds.
Or, if you’d prefer to start right away, it would be our distinct pleasure to meet with you for a no-obligation complimentary design consultation. Call Harold Cross, and his team, at 515-203-8734; or contact us using our online form.
