In Richmond, the weather can make it hard to enjoy your yard. Summers are hot, bugs are everywhere, and sudden rain can ruin your plans. That’s why many people ask: should I build a porch or a deck? Both give you outdoor space, but they feel and work very differently. This guide will show you the costs, comfort, and care for each one so you can pick what fits your home best.
Porch vs Deck and What Sets Them Apart for Everyday Living
Screened Porch
A screened porch has a roof and mesh screens on the sides. It feels like an extra room that opens to the yard. The roof keeps rain off. The screens keep bugs out. A screened porch often has lighting, ceiling fans, and room for furniture. It is a sheltered place to relax. You can use it in light rain and many months of the year.
Deck
A deck is an open platform raised off the ground. It usually has no roof and no screens. A deck feels bright and open. It is great for sun, grilling, and big gatherings. Decks are often simpler and faster to build than porches. You can put a table, chairs, or a grill on a deck. For people who love full sun and open views, a deck gives that feeling.
How Each One Feels in Different Climate
Bugs and humidity can end a nice evening outside. A screened porch stops mosquitoes and flies. It also gives shade on hot afternoons. On the other hand, a deck lets you enjoy full sun and a breeze. If a storm comes, a screened porch keeps you dry. A deck will get wet and you may need to go inside. Think about how you want to use the space. Do you want more days outside without bugs? Or do you want full sun and open air?
Also Read: Do You Really Need Deck Beams for Your Deck?
Cost to build a Screened Porch or Deck for Your Home
A screened porch usually costs more to build than a deck. That is because it needs a roof, screens, and stronger structure. A deck needs less material and less framing. Materials matter too. Wood decks can be cheaper at first but need more care. Composite decking costs more up front but needs less work later. With a porch, your costs include the roof, the screens, and sometimes more foundation work. With a deck, most costs come from decking boards, railings, and support posts. If money is tight, a deck can get you outside faster. If comfort and longer use matter, a porch may be worth the extra cost.
The Care and Upkeep You’ll Need to Plan For
Both options need care over time. A screened porch needs occasional screen repair and roof checks. The screens can tear or come loose, and the roof may need cleaning or repairs. Inside the porch, furniture stays cleaner because it is sheltered. A deck needs regular sealing or staining if it is wood. Without care, wood can fade, warp, or rot in humid weather. Composite decks need less sealing but still need cleaning. Moist climate, keeping up with maintenance will make either option last longer.
Which Adds More Value to Your Home (Porch or Deck)
Both porches and decks can add value, but they do it in different ways. A screened porch can feel like extra living space. Buyers who want comfort and usable outdoor rooms often value porches more. A well-built deck can also add value, especially if it is large and well kept. If you plan to sell soon, think about local buyers. Families and older buyers often like porches. Entertaining buyers may prefer large open decks. Quality and finish matter most. A cheap or poorly kept project may not add much value.
Outdoor Living Space Ideas With Porches and Decks
Think about how you use your yard. Do you love quiet mornings with coffee and few bugs? A screened porch fits this well. Do you host big BBQs or like sunbathing? A deck offers open space for that. If you have small kids or pets, a porch can feel safer and cleaner. If you like low cost and simple space for friends, a deck works. Try picturing a typical weekend. If your picture includes sitting outside comfortably most days, choose the porch. If it includes lots of open-air parties, choose the deck.
A Quick Side by Side Look
If you care more about comfort and want to stay outside without bugs or rain, a screened porch is the better choice. If you want fresh air, sun, and a space that costs less to build, a deck is the way to go. Some people like having both a porch for relaxing and a deck for cooking or hosting. In the end, it depends on how you use your yard most days.
Which One Should You Pick
If you want to sit outside more often without worrying about bugs or rain, a screened porch is the better choice. If you want something open, sunny, and easier on the budget, a deck makes more sense. The right choice really depends on what you enjoy, how much you want to spend, and what fits your home best.
For Richmond homeowners, LHC Services is here to help. We are trusted decks builders in Richmond and we also build screened porches in Richmond that work for our local weather. Give us a call, and we’ll help you plan the outdoor space that feels just right for you and your family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can turn a deck into a screened porch, but it’s not as simple as just adding screens. Most decks are not built strong enough to hold a roof. You may need to add deeper footings or piers under the deck, especially in Richmond’s clay soil. The posts and beams often need to be stronger to carry the weight of the roof and rain. You’ll also need new framing for the screens and maybe wiring for lights or a ceiling fan. A 200 sq ft conversion can cost around $10,000–$20,000, depending on the design and materials. The best first step is to have a builder check your deck’s frame some decks can be reinforced, but others may need to be rebuilt.
For a screened porch, 200–300 sq ft is a good size for a family of 4–6. That gives enough space for a table, sofa, and chairs without feeling crowded. Smaller porches, around 100–150 sq ft, work well if you just want a cozy spot for coffee or reading.
Decks can be a bit smaller because they are open. A 150–200 sq ft deck is enough for a grill and seating for 6–8 people. If you plan to host big cookouts, add a hot tub, or spread out, 300–400 sq ft is better. In Richmond, many people add ceiling fans in porches to deal with the heat and humidity. Think about how you want to use the space porches feel like an outdoor room, while decks work best when you want open space to move around.