We are asked this question at least once a day and I love helping our customers decide on bracing options for their screen porches. My points of conversation are usually this:
#1 – Necessity – our screening system does NOT NEED to be braced as the older systems have in the past. We use far stronger screen, spline, and frame. So the large panoramic views are our norm! In fact an estimated 80% of our installs choose this option.
#2 – Functionality – do your specific needs make additional bracing a good idea? Large pets who like to barrel full speed at the squirrels in the yard may warrant a horizontal rail and pet screen, children generally can’t push out our screen but many feel better with the added structure. Lastly, I have received a call back to add the rail due to house guests bouncing off the screen after a few cocktails and the need for “added visibility”. (True story!)
#3 – Your View and Home Design – would you like added bracing yet still wish to retain your view and not have a chair rail obstructing it. We have options for this as well if you’d rather not go with large panoramic panels or have design ideas you’d love to incorporate into your porch.
#4 – Logistics – are their handrails already installed and then panel sizes can also help determine the best options and recommendations.
We are more than happy to work through options for your screen porch including colors, bracing, doors, and ideas you’d love to discuss. View our portfolio page for various bracing ideas we’ve installed.
