Let’s all go out on the porch and sit a spell

Nothing could be finer than growing up and living in the South. There are things that happen here that most other folks look upon as foreign. Porches are one. In the northern states, sunrooms are more prevalent, and for good reason; sometimes it is just too cold to be outside there. But here, below the Mason Dixon Line, much of the summer is spent on the porch for the practical reason that it is far too hot outside. During the spring, the porch is a welcomed escape from the cabin fever of winter, and during the fall we use it to stretch out as many outdoor living days as possible before Old Man Winter arrives. All in all porches are a simple pleasure and a necessity to fulfill the true outdoor living lifestyle.

Porches of every size, shape, and style — front porches, back porches, screened porches and open porches —  all provide the open air, breezy relief from the summer heat while also protecting you from the sun and insects. And although they are all quite nice, a back porch offers the most versatility in function. Archadeck of Central South Carolina custom designs and builds porches that can breathe fresh air into your home and connect the outside with the inside. This outdoor living area provides additional living space that gives you a place to relax on nice days and even on the not so nice ones if it is screened in. Your back porch can be a small space that is used for intimate gatherings or barbeques or a large wrap around porch that can accommodate parties and entertaining. No matter the size, be it open or screened, a back porch addition can improve the appearance of your central South Carolina home and increase its property value.

Columbia screened porch.

The selection of a screened or open porch is one of personal preference. An open porch can serve as an outdoor room with multi-functional versatility. Use it as a place to relax or as an outdoor dining room perfect for dinner parties or family gatherings. Open porches also give homeowners a safe haven to continue enjoying the outdoors even on days when the weather is less favorable because they are protected from the hot sun and unpredictable summer rainstorms. With an open porch, you get the benefit of circulating fresh air with the bonus of a roof that provides shelter from the elements. Ceiling fans are a smart addition to an open porch and provide necessary air circulation to keep the temperatures pleasant, especially in our area where temperatures during the summer can soar into the double digits!

Archadeck covered porch.

A screened porch provides the identical benefits of an open porch with additional protection from pesky insects, debris and partial protection from pollen. This type of porch is especially important if you have family members with allergies (either to the sun, pollen, or insects) who still want to enjoy the outdoors. Alone, this type of outdoor living structure is versatile, making it exceptionally popular. When created with multiple zones for relaxing and entertaining, it can be the perfect spot to give you a little more solitude, calm, and quiet as opposed to a deck or patio, which are exposed. Additionally, this outdoor room, while still letting you feel you are savoring the natural world outside, is just right for accommodating parties and more informal socializing. Pair the screened porch with a deck or patio and you have an outdoor living space combination giving you the best of both worlds with protected areas and open spaces.

The Archadeck of Central SC team – Mike Reu, Marshall Reu and Tucker Reu

Giving a face-lift to your home by adding a back porch can help give your family the extra space they need to spread out. As this area’s premier outdoor living space contractor, we would enjoy the opportunity to work with you to translate your porch visions into a design that will fit the way your family functions. Our commitment to excellence in outdoor structure design and building ensures your unique project will bring enjoyment and pride for many years to come! Call Archadeck of Central South Carolina at (803) 784-1566 today for a free design consultation at or email us at centralsc@archadeck.net.