Love the great outdoors and the fresh air a porch provides, but hate the bugs and the glaring sun that come with it? Enclosed patios give you the flexibility of an outdoor/indoor area that can be used all year round.
There are various ways you can create an enclosed patio and it largely depends on how you want to use the space, whether it needs full weather protection and whether you want a fully enclosed space or an area that can be used for both indoor and outdoor entertaining. Of course, it also depends on whether there is a roof above the area or if you need to create one to fully enclose it.
First steps
Before you decide on how you’re going to enclose the area, consider the following issues:
- Traditionally, patio enclosures probably started as a way to extend the floor space of a house. Do you want the area to be fully enclosed as an extension of your indoor area? This can be done using glass panels. But don’t worry if you still want some airflow, some of the panels can be windows.
- Why are you enclosing the area? Do you just need screens to keep the bugs out? And do you want these screens to be fixed or retractable?
- Do you need to worry about a roof structure or is there one already in place?
- Will you be using the area all year round? The reason this is important lies in the details of how you will be enclosing it. If you plan to use it even on the coldest of days, you may need a sturdier material than screens. Or, if you are set on the idea of screens, you may need to invest in some heating for the area.
Starting from scratch
If you’re starting from an empty foundation, you have free reign on how you want to create the area. The first step is to establish the perimeter, and lay the foundation before laying down your choice of flooring. Once you’ve done that, assemble the framework, frame the roof, make the doors, mount the screens or glass and then install the awning for the roof. Of course, there is a lot that goes into creating this area so it’s best to do your research if you’re going to do it yourself, or speak to the experts who can help you design and construct the area.
Types of enclosures
There are various types of enclosures so there’s no doubt you’ll find one that will meet your needs. Most will fit any type of patio size or design, it’s just about adapting the enclosure to what you want.
- Glass – glass is a permanent addition and will be used if you truly want to extend your living space and not really open the space to the elements. In order to create this, avoid lightweight materials, and instead use glass or paneling. If using glass, as mentioned above, windows can be included so air can still circulate through the space. You may want to put flyscreens on these windows though to keep the flies and insects out. And if you’re concerned about security, it may also be a good idea to put window bars on the frame. Using glass to enclose your area means it’s really an all-weather space that can be opened slightly to let the breeze in, but closed fully in winter which is a nice addition to your home.
- Permanent screens – another permanent alternative to glass is screens. Of course, these will still need to be framed up and there will still need to be an access door to the outside. Use screens if you don’t want to ever fully enclose the space but you’re just looking to protect the area from insects and glare.
- Retractable screens – these ones work perfectly if you want to use the patio as a truly open space. The screens protect your furniture and accessories from the elements but when you’re using the space, the screens can be retracted up so you can fully appreciate the outlook. The retractable screens also mean there’s easy access to the rest of the backyard.
Of course, with both permanent and retractable screen options, your area will be open to the weather so you’ll need to make plans to heat the space in the winter if you plan to use it. This could mean something as simple as a few throw blankets scattered around and pulled out when needed, or it could mean something more permanent like a wall-mounted heater.
All these options assume that the space is covered by a roof. If not, you’ll also have to add an awning or some kind of covering to ensure that first, it’s fully enclosed, but second, that the glass and screens have something to latch onto when being installed.
Combining the best of both worlds
Patio enclosures are the perfect way to extend your home without actually taking part in a full renovation. They’re also a lovely addition that can be used all throughout the year so you can enjoy the fresh air regardless of whether it’s bright and sunny or bucketing down with rain. Are you after some retractable screens to enclose your patio? Call Artilux today to find out how we can help you.
