As the leading landscape artist in Atlanta, our team has designed and built many screened-in porches using a variety of screened-in porch materials. Whether these porches were large or small, used as simply a place to relax, or designed to be a second kitchen, homeowners across the metro-Atlanta area can enjoy the outdoors even more thanks to the team at Outdoor Makeover. We love designing a space that works for your needs and your home’s architectural design.

Of course, no two screened-in porches are exactly alike. The styles, sizes, and even materials change from place to place.  However, with many years and a great deal of experience as the premier landscape designer in Atlanta, we have learned a great deal about the various products used for screened-in porches and can help you determine what will be best for the screened-in porch you have always wanted.

Best Screened-In Porch Materials 

Fiberglass and Aluminum

These are the two most common screened-in porch materials used in metro Atlanta screened-in porch builds. This is because the weave of the screen is small enough to keep bugs out while allowing the breeze in. Each of them offers specific advantages, depending on your scenario.

 Fiberglass 

Known for not staining or rusting, fiberglass is more flexible than aluminum. Because it comes in a wide range of colors it is possible to customize the look of your porch. It is typically less expensive and will offer minimal glare due to sunlight. The main negative is it can stretch and tear easier than other choices. If you have kids or pets who might push against the screen, fiberglass may not be your best option!

Aluminum

Available in only 3 colors (black, grey, and charcoal), the aluminum screen offers great visibility but can cause a bit of a glare. However, it is especially rigid and durable making it a great choice if you anticipate strong winds or people or pets pushing on it. Aluminum screening looks great, but usually costs 30% more to install. However, while it costs 30% more, it will also last about 30-40% longer than fiberglass.

Other Screened-In Porch Materials

Solar Screen Fabric

This is a synthetic material designed to reduce or block how much sunlight filters through to your porch. Because it blocks the sun’s rays it is great for protecting any porch furnishings that fade with intense sunlight. It is also helpful in minimizing the heat level and can give your screened-in porch a more shaded effect.

Pet-resistant Screening

Made from durable vinyl-coated polyester, pet-resistant screening can hold up against scratches and tears caused by animals. However, this durability does mean that it is thicker and offers less visibility. Many homeowners opt to use pet-resistant screening in lower screen panels where their pets can reach and on the door(s).  This is one of the most expensive screened-in porch materials but it will last longer as well.

Metal Screening

These are the most expensive screened-in porch materials. You can opt for bronze, stainless steel, copper, or Monel (a nickel-copper alloy). These screened-in porch materials will offer an elegant appearance to your porch while providing privacy and protection from the elements. If trying to determine what is best for your screened-in porch, keep in mind that stainless steel can cause a glare if in direct sunlight and that while bronze is stronger, copper will lose its color over time and will take on a blueish shade.

In addition to the screened-in porch materials listed here, there are other products available such as a pollen-resistant screen specifically designed to trap pollen particles. Keep in mind this product will minimize the amount of airflow to your porch, but if allergies are an issue then Pollen TEC screens can help you enjoy the outdoors a bit more.

Regardless of the type of screened-in porch material you choose for your space, be sure to talk to a knowledgeable architectural designer before getting started. The team at Outdoor Makeover & Living Spaces knows all about designing the best screened-in porches, from Milton to Marietta and East Cobb to Alpharetta. We would love to talk with you about designing a screened-in porch that is everything you have ever wanted. Give us a call today.

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More than ever before, homeowners are doing DIY landscaping projects. With the help of Pinterest, YouTube videos, or home and garden television channels, homeowners think they can easily tackle these projects. However, that doesn’t mean everyone suddenly knows what it takes to create a landscaped yard that boosts curb appeal.

Avoiding DIY Landscaping Mistakes

If you are eager to change the look of your landscape design, there are many routes you may choose to take. By keeping these tips in mind, you can prevent your yard from ending up in the Pinterest landscaping fails hall-of-shame.

Failing to Plan

If you fail to plan, then you plan to fail. When designing a landscape, it is vital that you have a plan for what you want the end result to be. Use some graphing paper and draw a basic outline of what you envision. Then, stick with that design plan as much as possible.

Pruning and Hedging

Shrubs need to be pruned periodically. If not, they can be an eyesore, and can even make your home more attractive to thieves. Be sure to keep hedges trimmed and neat. If you are not sure when to prune shrubbery, talk to one of our Outdoor Makeover & Living Spaces specialists.

Excessive Ornamentation

Yard statuary can be a beautiful way to add depth and interest to a part of your yard. However, when looking at a landscape design with a large collection of decorations, it can actually look worse than having nothing at all. When you implement lawn art, be sure it showcases your landscape and doesn’t look cheap or cluttered. The last thing you want from your yard is a reputation for being tacky!

Scalping the Grass

Sure, a neatly mowed yard looks great, but be sure that you are not cutting the grass too short. Each variety of grass is different and requires specific lawn maintenance. In most cases, keeping the grass around 2 inches tall is a good height. Cutting your grass shorter than 2 inches means you need to cut it more often and it can be unhealthy for the grass.

Eyesores

Septic tanks, utility boxes, trash cans, and other items in the landscape can be eyesores. Don’t ignore them hope others will too! Consider adding in a hedge, fence, or other decorative elements. This will hide these eyesores while still keeping them accessible.

Using the Wrong Plants

Do your homework and only add plants that will succeed in your yard. Not every plant is going to work with your soil conditions. Also, consider the amount of sunlight your yard gets or the space where you wish to plant it. Selecting plants that work for your lawn will help it look better and have greater curb appeal. In addition, when buying plants, never buy single plants. Consider buying several that you can group together. Additionally, you will want to space them throughout your landscape, creating appealing patterns.

Make your landscape design the talk of the neighborhood – because it’s gorgeous, not garish! Avoiding common DIY mistakes and oversights can save you time and money. Outdoor Makeover & Living Spaces will help you create a beautiful landscape while boosting the curb appeal of your home. Contact us today!

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When you start dreaming about a new landscape design, chances are you gave a great deal of consideration to the features you wanted to see. Those aspects might include the seating area, whether or not to have a fire feature, and of course, some type of ‘flooring’ to pull it all together. But when it comes to that ‘flooring” it can be tough to decide whether to opt for pavers or stone. Each of these options – pavers or stone- are both beautiful and known for their longevity. So, you might be asking if one material is better than the other?

Pavers or Stone? That is the Question

Pavers:

• Pros: Typically made from concrete and of a rectangular or square shape, pavers come in a wide range of colors. This means you can create a custom look utilizing a variety of shades. They can be easily customized to suit your specific design needs and can be installed in virtually any pattern. In terms of maintenance and longevity, they can withstand extreme heat as well significant cold. They do require being cleaned off with a pressure sprayer from periodically. In addition, should they be damaged, they can be replaced simply by removing the damaged section and placing in new ones.
• Cons: Pavers – especially concrete ones- can often be more pricey than other types as it requires more grading and backfilling. They can also crack, though this is rare, due to settling or shifting of the soil.

Stones:

• Pros: Perhaps the favorite feature of stone landscaping is that it is natural, thus adding a unique and timeless look to any structure in which it is used. They are strong and will retain the natural variations of color and texture. Better yet, they do not require any serious maintenance work, other than occasionally sweeping. In the event one is damaged, they can be replaced, though it can a bit more to find a replacement stone.
• Cons: Keep in mind that because it is natural, your stone flooring will change in color. In addition, some stones are more inclined to retain heat, so would not be recommended for use around a pool. For the budget conscious, stones can also be a larger investment – but with an equally high ROI- than pavers. Both options are a great way to add more dimension to your outdoor makeover or new landscape design. It really just comes down to what you wish to invest in and the overall look you want to achieve for your yard. If you are uncertain as to whether to choose pavers or stone, talk to one of the Outdoor Makeover & Construction team members. We will be happy to help you make a decision that meets all your needs.

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If you look at your lawn and feel like it is getting smaller each year, and not because there is more plant life or other decorative elements, then there is a good chance that erosion and poor drainage is playing a part. When a lawn is on a slope, or perhaps nothing has been done to retain the soil in the yard, then time and weather can cause your lawn to wash away – sometimes without you even realizing it! Erosion is not just the result of heavy rain. It can also be due to wind, or by having loose “unsecured” soil. Over time, these elements can cause a lawn to “shrink” thus affecting the overall landscape and property value. But you don’t have to watch your lawn wash away. There are a variety of actions that can be taken to ensure that your yard doesn’t loose ground. Even better, the Outdoor Makeover & Construction team can incorporate the measures in a way that adds new life and style to your existing lawn.

Ways to Minimize Erosion and Draining

Depending on the severity of the draining and erosion, there are various approaches that can be taken. Some are relatively simple and can e implemented quickly, while others will require a bit more work However, doing something to prevent erosion is better than doing nothing at all. Any or all of the following might be implemented – depending on the severity of the problem.

1. Adding compost or mulch around the base of existing tree or shrubs.
2. Planting ground covers and shrubs that thrive in tough conditions.
3. Doing a soil fertility or pH test to determine if the erosion can be prevented by making the soil healthier.
4. Adding compost into the soil to improve its health.
5. Sodding or seeding the soil, then adding a layer of topsoil and a new layer of straw.
6. Redirecting, and perhaps, capturing the run off using soil amendments, rain barrels, rain gardens, terraces of dry wells.
7. Building a retaining wall. This can be built from either, stone, concrete or even wood and be a wide range of heights. Our team will build a retaining wall that compliments the rest of your landscape so that it is not only functional but eye catching, too. Depending on the severity of the erosion, other types of walls that might be installed include cantilever walls, piling walls, anchored walls or gravity walls.
8. If your property is near a stream, lake or other body of water, sometimes the easiest solution is to install a draining ditch for run off. The ditch can be lined with rocks or gravel, and will be placed where it is as unobtrusive as possible.

If you are concerned about draining or erosion issues in your yard, now is the time to act. Contact the Outdoor Makeover & Construction team today. We will assess your yard and determine what the best approach is for your scenario.  

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