Picture this: it’s a cool September morning in Steuben County. You’re sipping coffee in a chair that catches just the right amount of morning sun. The wind picks up, rustling the trees, but you're protected. You’re surrounded by screens that let the breeze through while keeping bugs out. The dog’s curled up at your feet. You’re home.
That’s what a great screened in porch can do for you.
At Archadeck of Fort Wayne, we’ve helped families all over northeast Indiana bring that vision to life. If you're thinking about building a screened in porch in Steuben County, IN, here are five things to keep in mind before you get started.
1. Start with how you want to live in the space.
Do you picture rocking chairs and coffee mugs? Or maybe a wraparound sectional for movie nights with the kids? Your furniture plan shapes your layout. The last thing you want is to realize mid-project that your grill blocks the walking path or that the firepit seating is going to be too cramped.
That’s why we always ask: How do you want to use this space, day to day? As your go-to Steuben County screened porch company, we help you think it through early—so every square foot works for you.
2. Placement matters when it comes to sun, wind, and privacy.
The way your porch faces can change everything. If you have a west-facing backyard, it could turn into an oven by 3PM if you’re not careful. But if you shift the porch to catch the breeze and add an overhang to block the harshest sun—problem solved.
When you work with a seasoned Steuben County screened porch contractor, we help you consider wind direction, sun exposure, and sightlines from the start. That way, you can build a space you’ll actually want to spend time in.
3. Consider the purpose and build accordingly.
Many of our clients love fall football. So if that sounds like you, maybe you’ll want an entertainment wall, a ceiling fan, and space for friends to drop by on game days. Or maybe you’re looking for a quiet lounge space off the kitchen—just a small retreat where you can unwind after dinner.
Different goals, different porches.
Thinking through your use cases, whether lounging, dining, cooking, even working, helps us design a structure that fits your version of outdoor living. Fireplaces, outdoor kitchens, integrated lighting, even ceiling fans for sticky summer days—you can have all of these added and more.
4. Choose screens that match your lifestyle.
Not all screens are created equal. Traditional screens could be a fine choice depending how you plan to use the space. But the technology is changing and more homeowners are asking about SCREENEZE. It’s a tension-based system that’s cleaner looking, longer lasting, and keeps wind and rain out more effectively.
Many homeowners love the flexibility that comes along with SCREENEZE. With it, families can seal up the porch during storms but still roll everything open when the weather is nice. That little touch of customization can go a long way when the weather isn’t cooperating.
5. Make sure it’s built right.
We’ve seen what happens when porches aren’t constructed properly: sagging roofs, warped framing, and screens that rip with the first strong wind. This isn’t a DIY weekend job—it’s a large structure that needs to stand up to the harshest conditions of northeast Indiana’s four seasons.
That’s why we take care of every detail—from permitting to inspection—and back our work with a robust warranty. As a longtime Steuben County screened porch contractor, we follow a process that puts communication and craftsmanship first.
And if you’re comparing builders, here’s a guide to choosing a contractor that might help.
Start Your Porch Project with the Leading Steuben County, IN Deck Builder
So if you’re ready to design the space of your outdoor living dreams, reach out to Archadeck of Fort Wayne. It would be our distinct pleasure to meet with you for a no-obligation complimentary design consultation.
Call Craig Whitman and his team at (855) 931-4746, or click this link right here to connect with us.
