Covered Patio vs. Screen Enclosure

Cover overhead, screens around, or both? How a covered patio compares to a screen enclosure.

A covered patio gives you a roof. A screen enclosure keeps the bugs out. In Northeast Florida, many homeowners want both, but if you're choosing where to start, here's how they compare.

AY Luxury Designs LLC · Certified Building Contractor CBC1268168 · Amany Youssef: Registered Building Contractor RB29003947 · Registered Electrical Contractor ER13016631 · Registered Underground Utility & Excavation Contractor RU11066663

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Covered Patio vs. Screen Enclosure

	Covered patio	Screen enclosure
Sun & rain	Full shade and rain cover	Screen roofs filter some sun; little rain protection
Bugs	Doesn't keep them out	Keeps them out
Fans, lights, TV	Easy under a finished ceiling	Possible under a covered section
Around a pool	Covers part of the deck	Can enclose the whole pool area

Standard insect screen offers only partial sun protection: one manufacturer rates common charcoal pool-and-patio mesh at up to about 44% sun and UV blockage.

Better Together

A covered patio inside a screen enclosure is the classic Florida combination: a shaded room by the house, with the screened area extending over the pool or patio. We design and permit both as one project.

A roof overhead blocks direct sun, but some UV still bounces in from bright surfaces like dry sand or concrete, the Skin Cancer Foundation notes.

Why AY Luxury Designs

You design it with the founder. Amany Youssef designs every project with you in person and stays involved through the final walkthrough.
We manage every step, from design to final inspection. We handle the AutoCAD design, the HOA paperwork, the engineering, the permits and the build. We handle electrical work with our licensed electrical partner, and gas and plumbing with our licensed trade partners.
Built for Florida. Every permitted structure gets its necessary engineered documents.
A Nextdoor Neighborhood Favorite.

Our Design-Build Process

Design session with Amany. Your project starts at our Jacksonville design studio, where you sit down with founder Amany Youssef and watch your project take shape live on screen in AutoCAD.
Free AutoCAD design and a custom quote. You get to-scale 3D renderings and a fully itemized custom quote within 24 hours of your consultation, so you know exactly what you're getting.
In-home design visit. Amany comes to your home for an in-person walkthrough, so we look at the project together where you're most comfortable, finalize the details and choose your colors and finishes.
Engineering, HOA and permits handled. We get the necessary engineered documents for every permitted structure, prepare your HOA/ARB package and pull the permits.
Build. We can start most projects within two to four weeks. Our crews follow a build process we've refined over many projects, and you get daily updates.
The AY Advantage. You hold back the final 5% for seven days after completion, so we can take care of any touch-ups before you sign off.

Financing is available through Synchrony Bank, including 18 months of no-interest financing, and we have other financing options as well.

Related Projects

Composite-roof patio covers, screen enclosure and hot tub pad, Aberdeen (St. Johns) An A-frame composite-roof patio cover joined to a flat section, inside a screen enclosure with our expanded-view upgrade, over a new paver patio with a hot tub pad and in-ground lighting.

A-frame gazebo, screen room with linear fireplace and lighted seat walls, Stillwater (St. Johns) An A-frame gazebo joined to a composite-roof screen enclosure over an extended patio. Inside, a lighted linear fireplace in a stone wall and a ceiling fan; outside, lighted seat walls on new pavers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I deal with bugs on the patio? Screening is the most effective way to enjoy the outdoors without bugs. We can add a screen enclosure or design one into your project.

Is a covered patio worth it? For Florida living, a covered patio adds usable space through sun and rain and is one of the most-used rooms of the home. Value depends on design and quality.

Do I need a permit for a screen enclosure in Northeast Florida? New screen enclosures and screen rooms generally require a permit. We handle the permit and inspections as part of the project.