Having a deck, porch or other outdoor living structure provides you with a place to enjoy the fresh air while also offering shade and some shelter from the rain. Which type of structure should you choose for your home? Keep the following options in mind to help you determine which one would work best for you.

Three or Four Season Rooms

These types of rooms offer the most shelter compared to other structures. They also give you an outdoor living area that you can use throughout all or most of the year. A three or four season room is suitable if you like spending a lot of time in the outdoors and have allergies or another health condition that makes this difficult. With a three or four season room, you can continue to enjoy the outdoors even if you experience health changes over the years.

Your three or four season room can include entertainment options, such as a TV. You can also have a ceiling fan or other HVAC components that allow you to keep this room warm or cool as needed. For windows and window treatments, energy-efficient glass and coatings are recommended, along with retractable blinds. One drawback to this type of structure is that you will need to cook outdoors or in an adjacent area rather than cooking in your three or four season room.

Covered Porch

A deck with a covered porch provides some shelter from the sun and rain, which makes this a good option for those who want to spend more time outdoors. Since a covered porch is protected from the elements to some degree, you have more design choices to consider. You can choose from a wider range of materials for your covered porch, and you don’t have to worry as much about weather-related upkeep.

A deck with a covered porch provides some shelter from the sun and rain, which makes this a good option for those who want to spend more time outdoors.

Keep in mind that a covered porch doesn’t provide you with protection from hot or cold outdoor temperatures, allergens and bugs. While you can cook on your covered porch, you’ll need to make sure that your grill is close to the edge or that you have proper ventilation installed.

Pergola

A deck with a pergola offers a simple way to ensure that you or older relatives have a place to spend time outdoors. Pergolas can have shades or lattices added for privacy, and they are a good way to protect your plants. These structures also offer shade when you have them installed on a large, open deck. If you have a larger deck, you’ll still have space for an outdoor kitchen or grilling area.

The drawback with a pergola is that it doesn’t give you as much protection from adverse weather compared to other outdoor living structures.

If you’re ready to get started on your outdoor living area, contact Quality Craftsmen. Our team of professional builders are Certified Aging in Place specialists, helping families through out the East Cobb area with home renovations that will serve their changing needs well into the future.