Screened-In Decks vs. Open Decks in Jacksonville: Pros, Cons, and Cost Differences

When planning yourdeck installationin Jacksonville, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is whether to go with a screened-in or open design. Northeast Florida’s unique climate, characterized by high humidity, aggressive mosquitoes, and intense summer sun, makes this choice particularly important for homeowners looking to maximize their outdoor living experience.

Both screened-in and open decks offer distinct advantages, and the right choice depends on your lifestyle, budget, and how you envision using your outdoor space throughout the year.

Understanding Jacksonville’s Climate Challenges

Before diving into the pros and cons, it’s essential to understand what makes Jacksonville’s climate unique and how it impacts deck usage.

Year-Round Outdoor Living Potential

Jacksonville enjoys mild winters with average temperatures in the 50s and 60s, making outdoor spaces usable nearly 12 months a year. However, summers bring intense heat with temperatures regularly reaching the low to mid-90s, coupled with humidity levels that often exceed 70%.

The Bug Factor

Florida’s mosquito season isn’t just a season, it’s practically year-round, with peak activity from March through October. Coastal areas like Jacksonville also contend with no-see-ums, gnats, and love bugs that can make outdoor relaxation frustrating without proper screening.

Rain and Weather Patterns

Jacksonville receives approximately 50 inches of rain annually, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms during summer months. This weather pattern influences how homeowners use theiroutdoor living spacesand whether protection from the elements is worthwhile.

Open Decks: Classic Florida Outdoor Living

Open decks remain the most popular choice for Jacksonville homeowners, offering unobstructed views and a seamless connection to your yard.

Pros of Open Decks

Lower Initial Investment

Open decks cost significantly less to build than screened versions. Without the need for screening materials, posts, doors, and additional framing, you’re looking at savings of $8,000 to $15,000 on average. A standarddeck constructionproject in Jacksonville typically ranges from $15 to $35 per square foot for open designs.

Unobstructed Views and Natural Light

Open decks provide 360-degree views of your backyard, pool, or landscaping. There’s no screening to filter sunlight or create shadows, which many homeowners prefer for maintaining a bright, airy feel.

Easier Integration with Other Features

Open decks work seamlessly withpergolas, outdoor kitchens, andpaver patios. You can easily add shade structures without worrying about how they’ll interface with screening.

Cons of Open Decks

Limited Mosquito Protection

This is the most significant drawback in Jacksonville. Without screening, you’ll need to rely on citronella candles, bug spray, or mosquito misting systems, none of which are as effective as physical screening.

Sun Exposure

Open decks offer no protection from UV rays unless you add a pergola or shade sail. During Jacksonville’s intense summer months, open decks can become uncomfortably hot, especially composite or dark-colored wood surfaces.

Rain and Debris

Your furniture and deck surface are fully exposed to rain, pollen, leaves, and other debris. This means more frequent cleaning and potentially faster wear on cushions and outdoor furnishings.

Screened-In Decks: Protected Comfort

Screened-in decks, sometimes called screened porches when fully roofed, provide a middle ground between indoor and outdoor living.

Pros of Screened-In Decks

Superior Bug Protection

This is the primary reason Jacksonville homeowners choose screened decks. Quality screening keeps out mosquitoes, no-see-ums, and other pests while still allowing airflow. You can enjoy evening gatherings without constantly swatting insects or coating yourself in repellent.

Extended Usability

Screened decks remain comfortable during light rain and provide shade throughout the day. Many homeowners report using their screened decks 30-40% more than they used previous open decks, particularly during summer evenings.

Reduced Maintenance

Screening protects your deck furniture from rain, sun damage, and debris. Your cushions last longer, and you’ll spend less time sweeping leaves and hosing down surfaces.

Climate Control Options

Screened decks can accommodate ceiling fans more effectively than open decks, and some homeowners even add portable air conditioning units for peak summer comfort. The enclosed space retains cooler air better than completely open designs.

Cons of Screened-In Decks

Higher Upfront Costs

Expect to pay $25 to $60 per square foot for a screened-in deck in Jacksonville, compared to $15 to $35 for open decks. A 300-square-foot screened deck typically costs $7,500 to $18,000, while the same open deck runs $4,500 to $10,500.

Screening Maintenance and Replacement

Florida’s intense sun and occasional storms take their toll on screening material. Standard fiberglass screening lasts 5-10 years before requiring replacement, while premium aluminum or pet-proof screening extends that to 10-15 years. Budget $800 to $2,500 for eventual rescreening projects.

Reduced Visual Openness

Even the highest-quality screening creates a visual barrier between your deck and yard. Some homeowners find this enclosed feeling less appealing than the open-air experience.

Potential HOA Restrictions

SomeJacksonville neighborhoodshave HOA guidelines regarding screened structures. Always verify requirements before planning your project.

Cost Breakdown: What to Expect in Jacksonville

Understanding the financial investment helps you make an informed decision for youroutdoor living space.

Open Deck Costs

• Basic pressure-treated wood deck:$15-$25 per square foot
• Composite decking:$25-$35 per square foot
• Premium hardwood or specialty materials:$35-$50 per square foot
  
  

For a typical 300-square-foot deck, you’re looking at $4,500 to $15,000 depending on materials and features.

Screened-In Deck Costs

• Basic screened deck (pressure-treated frame):$25-$40 per square foot
• Composite deck with screening:$40-$50 per square foot
• Premium screened deck with roof:$50-$60+ per square foot
  
  

The same 300-square-foot space runs $7,500 to $18,000 or more with screening included.

Additional Cost Factors

Screening Material Choices:

• Standard fiberglass: Most affordable, requires replacement every 5-10 years
• Aluminum screening: More durable, better visibility, lasts 10-15 years
• Pet-proof screening: Reinforced for homes with dogs or cats
• Solar screening: Blocks UV rays and heat, premium pricing
  
  

Roofing Considerations:Adding a roof to your screened deck increases costs by $4,000 to $10,000 but provides superior rain protection and extends the structure’s lifespan.

Which Deck Type Works Best for Your Lifestyle?

Your decision should align with how you plan to use your outdoor space throughout the year.

Choose an Open Deck If You:

• Want to maintain unobstructed views of your yard or pool
• Plan to integratehardscaping featureslike fire pits or extensivelandscaping
• Have a tighter budget for your initial investment
• Don’t mind using bug spray or citronella during mosquito season
• Primarily use your deck during daytime hours

Choose a Screened-In Deck If You:

• Spend significant time outdoors during evening hours when mosquitoes are most active
• Want to create a comfortable outdoor dining or entertaining space
• Have young children or pets that benefit from a protected play area
• Are sensitive to bug bites or prefer chemical-free pest control
• Value furniture protection and reduced maintenance

Hybrid Solutions: Getting the Best of Both Worlds

Many Jacksonville homeowners don’t have to choose between screened and open designs, they can have both.

Partial Screening

Somedeck builderscreate designs with one screened section and one open area. This gives you a protected dining or seating zone while maintaining an open connection to your pool or yard.

Retractable Screening Systems

Advanced screening systems use retractable panels that disappear when not needed. While more expensive (typically $3,000 to $8,000 additional), they offer maximum flexibility.

Screen Room Addition

Building an open deck initially and adding a separate screened room adjacent to it provides distinct spaces for different activities. This approach allows you to spread costs over time.

Maintenance Considerations for Jacksonville’s Climate

Both deck types require regular maintenance, but the specifics differ significantly.

Open Deck Maintenance

• Pressure washing 2-3 times annually to remove mildew and pollen
• Resealing or staining wood decks every 2-3 years
• Inspecting for water damage and wood rot annually
• Cleaning between deck boards where debris accumulates

Screened Deck Maintenance

• Screening inspection and repair as needed
• Cleaning screening with gentle soap and water annually
• Pressure washing deck surfaces (avoiding screening)
• Checking and tightening screening attachment points
• Eventually budgeting for full rescreening every 7-12 years

Permitting and Code Requirements

All deck construction in Jacksonville requires proper permits and must meet Florida Building Code standards, regardless of whether you choose screened or open designs.

Working with experiencedJacksonville deck installersensures your project meets all structural, safety, and wind-load requirements specific to Northeast Florida. Coastal Outdoor Construction handles all permitting and inspection coordination as part of our comprehensive service.

Making Your Final Decision

The choice between screened-in and open decks ultimately comes down to how you prioritize comfort, budget, and aesthetic preferences.

Jacksonville’s year-round outdoor living potential makes both options valuable investments. Open decks offer lower initial costs and unobstructed views, while screened decks provide superior bug protection and extended usability during our humid summers.

Many homeowners find that the additional investment in screening pays dividends through increased deck usage and enhanced comfort during Jacksonville’s notoriously buggy evenings. However, if you primarily use your deck during cooler months or daytime hours, an open design paired with a qualitypergolamight better serve your needs.

Ready to explore deck options for your Jacksonville home? Contact Coastal Outdoor Construction at (904) 664-6364 for a free consultation. Our experienced team will assess your property, discuss your lifestyle needs, and help you design the perfectoutdoor living space, whether screened, open, or a combination of both. Visit ourgalleryto see examples of both deck styles we’ve built throughout Northeast Florida.