There’s a reason to love every season in Calgary, but many people hold fall in the highest regard. It’s a comfortable transition from the high heats of summer to the brutal cold of winter, while maintaining days upon days of the traditional Alberta sunshine. The warm days and cooler nights give respite from any humidity in the air, and the eternal summer bugs seem determined to give everyone a break to enjoy the beautiful changes in the foliage around them. It’s important, therefore, to have a place on your property to truly appreciate fall in the city, which is why you need to think about installing a screened in deck in time for the change in seasons.
What Is A Screened In Deck?
As the name suggests, a screened in deck is the addition of a simple frame construction on top of your existing deck with a solid roof and enormous mesh screens instead of windows. They are typically built in a post and beam style structure from treated lumber which gives your screened in deck an outdoorsy vibe on which to base your decor. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a way to get more usage out of your deck beyond just the daytime summer months as the screens provide a barrier to the bugs as well as some respite from the breezes. It doesn’t count as an extra room for planning or permit purposes, especially if you keep the roof within the profile of your home, and it’s a cheap way of creating some additional space around your home.
Uses For A Screened In Deck
The fact that you’re sitting in a room that has a roof to protect you from above but no walls to stop sideways rain or strong winds does put a limit on what you can use your screen room for (and indeed when you can use it!); no one wants to sleep on the cold and windy deck in fall or winter! However, there are many uses for a screened in deck to help you get the most of Calgary’s breathtaking fall scenery:
- Cosy family room – by far and away the most common use for a screened in deck is to create a new living space for everyone to enjoy. The roof covering means you can invest in comfy furniture, and you should set the room up so everyone has a good view out over your garden and the vibrant colours of fall.
- Outside dining – another way to bring you closer to the Calgary fall scenery is to make your screened in deck into your daytime dining room. Keep the vibe rustic with a long farmhouse table, and add some storage along the inside wall so you don’t waste time tripping back and forth to the kitchen for plates and utensils.
- At home spa – finally, a screened in deck gives you an unspoiled canvas to be creative with. An at home spa room, complete with yoga mats, a recliner and a sophisticated speaker set up can transport you to a place of fall coloured zen, right inside your home.
