Screened Porch Builder in Southaven, MS — Conversions, New Builds & Enclosures
We build and convert screened porches in Southaven — converting existing covered patios and decks into screened spaces, or building new screened porches from scratch. If you've been meaning to do something about the mosquito situation in your backyard, this is the project that actually solves it.
Why Screened Porches Are So Popular in Southaven
Let's be real about Southaven summers. From about May through October, the mosquito and bug pressure in DeSoto County is significant. Evening cookouts, kids playing outside after dinner, just sitting on the porch with a drink — all of it gets harder when you're getting eaten alive. A screened porch changes all of that. You're outside, you have the breeze and the air and the view of your yard, and the bugs are on the other side of the screen where they belong.
Screened porches in Southaven also make sense for the summer rain pattern. Afternoon thunderstorms roll through fast here. On an open deck, a 20-minute storm sends everyone inside. On a screened porch, you stay put and watch the rain. It's a genuinely different quality of outdoor living, and it's why screened porches are one of the most-requested projects in this area.
Screened Porch Conversion vs. New Build in Southaven
Converting an Existing Covered Patio or Deck
If you already have a covered patio or an existing deck with an overhead structure, a screened conversion is often the most cost-effective route. We frame the screen walls between the existing columns or posts, install screen panels or full-view screen systems, and add a screened door. The roof is already there — we're just enclosing the sides. This approach works well for Southaven homes with builder-installed covered patios that just need the screen enclosure to be complete.
New Screened Porch Construction
For homes without an existing covered structure, we build the full screened porch from the foundation up — footings, framing, roof, screen system, and door. New builds take longer and cost more, but they're designed exactly right for the space and the way you want to use it. We handle the permit process (yes, screened porches require permits in Southaven — we take care of that).
Screen Materials and Systems
Standard fiberglass screen is fine for most Southaven applications — it lets air flow, blocks insects, and holds up to normal use. We use a heavier mesh than typical window screen on porch applications because porch screens take more physical stress. For households with pets or kids who are hard on screens, we offer pet-resistant screen in heavier gauges that's significantly more durable than standard mesh.
Full-view systems — screen panels with aluminum frames that can be removed seasonally or opened fully — are popular in Southaven for folks who want the screened option in summer and an open porch in the mild fall and spring. We install the Eze-Breeze system and similar products for homeowners who want this flexibility.
Screened Porch Features in Southaven
A ceiling fan is close to mandatory in a Southaven screened porch — the air circulation is the difference between a comfortable space and a hot box in July. We rough in for ceiling fans as standard on every screened porch build and install them if the homeowner selects one. We also rough in for lighting along the ceiling and along any steps leading into the yard.
Flooring inside the screened porch is another consideration. If it's on a concrete slab, decorative concrete coating or outdoor tile finishes well. If we're building a new screened porch with a wood deck floor, composite decking in the screened space holds up better than wood because moisture can still get in through rain splash and humidity.
Screened Porch Costs in Southaven
A conversion of an existing covered patio into a screened porch in Southaven typically runs $4,000-9,000 depending on the size and complexity of the existing structure. A new screened porch build from scratch typically runs $15,000-35,000 depending on size, roof type, and finish level. We provide detailed written estimates — no surprises at invoicing.
Frequently Asked Questions — Screened Porches in Southaven
Does a screened porch add value to a Southaven home?
Yes. Screened porches consistently return positive value at resale in the Southaven market — buyers in the Mid-South actively look for them. Quality construction (not just fiberglass panels stapled to a frame) adds meaningful resale value. We build to last, not just to list.
Can screens keep out gnats and tiny bugs in Southaven?
Standard screen mesh stops mosquitoes and most flying insects. Gnats (the tiny biting kind common in the South) can sometimes get through standard mesh. No-see-um screen has a finer weave that blocks them but reduces airflow noticeably. We can install no-see-um mesh if that's a concern on your property — let us know and we'll discuss the trade-offs.
What permits are needed for a screened porch in Southaven?
Screened porches require a building permit in Southaven and DeSoto County. We pull the permit as part of the project. The permit ensures the structure is built to code and protects your home's value at resale. Building without a permit creates disclosure problems when you sell.
How long does it take to build a screened porch in Southaven?
A conversion of an existing covered structure takes three to five days of construction time, plus the permit processing period (one to two weeks typically). A full new build from scratch takes one to three weeks depending on size. We give you a realistic timeline with the estimate and communicate any changes.