Two Great Options, Different Use Cases
Both covered decks and screened porches extend your outdoor living season in the Fox Valley. But they serve different needs and come at different price points. Here's how to think about the choice.
Covered Decks
A covered deck adds a roof structure over your existing or new deck. The sides remain open — you get rain and sun protection from above but still feel like you're outdoors. The open sides allow breezes and keep the space from feeling enclosed.
Cost premium: $30–$55 per square foot over an open deck. Total for a typical 300 sq ft covered section: $9,000–$16,500 on top of the deck cost.
Best for: Homeowners who want weather protection but prefer an open-air feel. Great for grilling areas, outdoor dining, and hot tub locations.
Screened Porches
A screened porch encloses the space with screen panels, typically with a roof structure above. This keeps insects out completely — a significant advantage in the Fox Valley where mosquitoes are aggressive from June through September.
Cost premium: $45–$80 per square foot over an open deck (roof + screen system). Total for a typical 300 sq ft screen porch: $13,500–$24,000 on top of the deck cost.
Best for: Homeowners near wooded areas, wetlands, or waterfront where insects are a major factor. Also ideal if you want a true outdoor room that can be furnished with upholstered pieces.
Fox Valley Considerations
In the Fox Valley specifically, a few factors influence this decision. Properties near Lake Winnebago, Little Lake Butte des Morts, or the Fox River tend to have more insect pressure — screened porches offer more value here. Properties in newer subdivisions with open yards may find a covered deck sufficient.
Wind exposure also matters. Green Bay and lakefront properties face sustained winds that can make screened porches less comfortable — the screen panels act like sails. In these locations, a covered deck with a windbreak wall on the prevailing wind side may be more practical.
Can You Do Both?
Yes — and many of our clients do. A common configuration is a covered deck for the main outdoor living and dining area with an adjacent screened porch for a bug-free seating area. This gives you the best of both worlds but requires more planning to integrate the roof lines.
During your project review, we'll discuss how you plan to use the space and recommend the option that makes the most sense for your property and lifestyle.