A screened-in patio doesn’t just keep bugs and bad weather out; it also keeps kids and pets in. At Shack Built, we design and build spaces that make sense for your family and stand the test of time, making your investment count.
It’s good for kids and pets to spend time outside, but it’s also best to keep an eye on them while they do it in a safe space. Here’s how to create a screened-in patio in Overland Park that does it all—and looks great doing it.
Choosing the Right Kind of Screen
Not all screen materials are equal. While most contractors use aluminum or vinyl, there are many other options, each looking and holding up differently, but how the screens are installed is just as important as what they’re made of. When you think of a screened-in patio, you probably think about old vinyl that was thin and got flimsy quickly, eventually sagging and tearing.
Our remodeling contractors in Overland Park use higher-quality vinyl—if that’s the material you settle on. These products come in a roll like a paper towel, and installing them may seem as simple as rolling it out and stapling it into some wooden posts, but that method will leave you having to redo everything in about a year. Instead, we use an aluminum frame with direct application to the posts, securing them more effectively.
Keep in mind that you can select how large the openings in the screen are; smaller openings will create more shade, while larger openings will let in more light. It’s also important to consider how large of an area you want to screen in, and how many posts there are. Old vinyl couldn’t handle a 10 x 15 ft opening without sagging, but our tougher vinyl screens can—when installed skillfully.
Thinking Through the Layout
Don’t feel limited to screening in your entire patio if that’s not what you envision. Our experts can help you create a screened-in section to keep your kids and pets in, block out the elements, and create a cozy, intimate area in your outdoor space while leaving other sections open. We can also vertically split the screen—installing a material like tempered glass in the lower half so that kids and animals aren’t pushing against the screen.
For example, in this award-winning covered porch in Overland Park, you can see how this creates more of a sunroom feel. You can also select the color of this glass-like material for your screened-in patio in Overland Park, whether you’d prefer clear, bronze, or charcoal (just to name a few options).
Visibility
It’s important to think about the direction you want your patio to face. If you want to be able to keep an eye on little ones or pets from inside, you’ll need to position your patio near a window or door that makes sense for where you’ll be.
Storage
Depending on how you plan to use the space, you may want to incorporate built-in storage into your patio to tuck away toys, blankets, and other things your family will regularly use. From cabinets built into benches to built-in shelves, you can choose a subtle design or make this a part of your aesthetic.
Safety
From rounded corners to slow-closing doors, many small elements can make a big difference, helping to provide a safer environment. It’s also important to prioritize proper lighting in the space so you can see your kids or pets, which can also add to your aesthetic.
We’re Here to Help
We know that this is a lot to consider, but that’s why working with professionals on your screened-in patio in Overland Park is so important! At Shack Built, we’re taking the stress out of your project so it’s a positive experience—because that’s the way it should be.
Our team didn’t become the best overnight; it took years of hard work to master our approach to exterior home design in Leawood. We’ll help you think about all the little things that are easy to overlook but make a big difference, prioritizing your aesthetic and functionality by incorporating elements for comfort like an outdoor fireplace in Overland Park.
Contact our experts to discuss your vision today, or explore our project gallery for more design inspiration.
