An outdoor living space without the outdoor nuisances
1. Size Matters
Size is pretty important when designing your new space. Depending on your vision for the space, you need to have enough room to move around, entertain guests and fit all the features you want. Most people don't wish their porch was smaller, but they do regret if they went too small with their design.
2. Critter Proof
When it comes to flooring, you have a number of options. If you choose to go with traditional decking, you would need to screen under the flooring in order to keep the bugs out. To avoid this extra step, go with something such as tile or KDAT flooring, you won't have to worry about any critters getting through the cracks. Also consider materials that won't warp with the weather changes. Think about the feel you want your porch to have and then decide what works best for you.
3. Dining Area
Sometimes food just tastes better when eaten outdoors, especially ice cream on a hot summer day. You want to include enough seating for your family of course, but consider adding a couple extra spaces for entertaining guests. Just imagine all the cookouts and dinner parties you could enjoy with friends and family out on the porch.
4. Storage Space
If you a going to be dining and hosting dinner parties on your deck, consider adding a piece of furniture to store some dinnerware. It will make it easier to dine outside whenever you are in the mood. You won't have to haul everything outside, just to haul it back in when you are done. Depending on how often you use them, you may need to take things out each spring and give them a quick wash for the season, but it really comes in handy having a cabinet close for storage.
5. Power Outlets
Depending on what you intend to use the porch for, you will probably need at least a little electricity. Lighting is very important for any space. Maybe you want overhead lighting to light up the whole space or some lamps for a more romantic and relaxing feel. You will need outlets for the lamps and if you want to add music or maybe a TV to watch the big game while having a cookout with friends, you will need even more outlets. It's better to have extra than to regret not putting more in later. They also come in handy for cleaning.
6. Music
The only thing better than decompressing under the swirling fans on a screened-in porch is doing to the sound of your favorite songs. Pre-wire your porch for some great outdoor speakers; be sure to use the ones designed for the outdoors because the regular ones won't hold up through the season changes.
7. Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans are pretty much a must have. Not only will they provide a cool breeze on a hot summer day, but they add ambiance and romance to the room. One fan will do, but two is even better depending on the size of your porch. Be sure to buy exterior grade fans otherwise after awhile, the heat and humidity will cause the blades to drop. Also if you use interior grade fans, the housing and inner parts of the fan may rust and cease to work. Exterior grade fans don't cost much more than the interior ones and are the smarter way to go. They will last much longer and come in various colors and styles to match the theme of your room.
8. Ceiling Height
If you have the room and your house will allow it, go up in your design. The extra space above you will make a smaller porch feel much bigger and even cooler. Height will add to the airy, summer-breeze feeling you desire out on a porch.
9. Porch Swing
A swing is one of the most common aspects of many screened-in porches. Even if you don't like the idea of sitting in something that moves, most of your guests will probably be drawn to it. You can create a sitting area to include other stationary pieces of furniture, so you and your guests can choose your preference. This would be the perfect area to sit and read a book or enjoy tea with the girls. A swing adds that extra little special something to the space.
Now its time for you to sit down and start planning. How do you want your space to look and feel? These features are great starting points, but maybe you have some other ideas for your space. Maybe you want a flat screen TV, a game area or hot tub. Dream big when you are making your list; you can always make changes later to fit your budget. Be sure to do lots of research because you don't want to spend money to realize later you left out something you really wanted. So if you are thinking about adding a screened-in porch at the Lake of the Ozarks, go for it! Call All-Star Home Renovations today for your free estimate. It may just end up being your favorite room in the house!
For the full article from Between Naps on the Porch, visit http://betweennapsontheporch.net/9-great-features-for-your-screened-in-porch/.
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