Screened Porches
Screened Porches
The Kentucky answer to July evenings.
A screened porch is the single most-used outdoor structure we build in Central Kentucky, and the reason is simple: it extends the usable season at both ends and it solves the mosquito problem that keeps people off an open deck from June through September.
Converting a deck versus building new
Screening an existing deck is often possible, but not always. A porch roof adds load the original deck was never designed for, so the footings, posts, and beam have to be evaluated before anything goes up.
Sometimes the honest answer is that the existing frame will carry it. Sometimes it is that we would be building a roof on a structure that is already marginal.
The roof decision drives everything
- Gable roof — more headroom and light, better for a wide porch
- Shed roof — simpler and cheaper, tucks under existing eaves
- Tying into the existing roofline — best appearance, most careful flashing work
- Ceiling finish — tongue and groove, beadboard, or exposed rafters
- Ceiling fan and lighting rough-in, which is far easier to do now than later
Screen systems worth the money
Standard fiberglass screen is fine and cheap. Where it matters is the framing system: removable spline panels are serviceable, and a torn panel can be redone in an afternoon rather than restretching a whole wall.
If you have dogs or kids, heavier pet-grade screen on the lower panels is worth the small upcharge — that is where damage happens.
Floor material matters more than on an open deck
A roofed porch stays damp longer after rain because it does not get direct sun to dry it. That favors composite or a well-drained treated floor with proper gapping over anything that holds moisture.
It is also the difference between a floor you refinish every few years and one you rinse off.
Common questions
Boyle County, KY publishes local government services and contact information for the area.
Can my existing deck be screened in?
Often, but the frame has to be checked first — a roof adds load the deck may not have been built for. We look at footings, posts, beam, and ledger before we commit to it.
Do I need a permit for a screened porch?
Almost always, because it involves roof structure. Permitting is handled locally in Boyle County. See permits and codes.
How long does a screened porch take to build?
A straightforward porch is typically a couple of weeks of active work once materials are on site, longer if it ties into a complex roofline or requires footing work.
Can it be finished as a three-season room later?
Yes, if we plan for it now. Framing for future glass or vinyl panels is far cheaper at build time than as a retrofit.
Related: covered porches and pergolas · custom decks · what it costs. Back to Danville Deck Builders.
Related: what does it cost to enclose a deck?
Danville Deck Builders · Serving Danville, Harrodsburg, Stanford, Perryville & Boyle County, KY · Call or text (859) 310-1209
Last updated August 23, 2026