Upgrade Your Outdoor Living Space with a Privacy Screen for Your Lanai

Written By Kenneth Wilson | 0 Comments

Many homeowners are foreign to the term "lanai," and if you're one of them– it refers to a Hawaiian phrase that means patio. It is often enclosed with a lanai privacy screen to ensure the utmost privacy for your living space.

Commonly, the area is set up with patio furniture, chaise lounges, and outdoor dining sets. You may also personalize it the way you want– with tiki bars, TVs, or outdoor kitchens. A privacy screen for a lanai is one home improvement project that will improve how you live. So, if you're considering installing one at home, here's everything you need to know.

Benefits of a Privacy Screen for Lanai

First off, adding a privacy screen for your lanai screen enclosure will improve the comfort and enjoyment in your outdoor spaces. Here are the other benefits you can expect in installing a lanai screen enclosure:

Insect Protection

A privacy screen will keep pesky bugs and insects out! Depending on where you live, you may be currently dealing with several different bugs that may invade your space in no time.

Remember that a single tear in a screen enclosure will allow these pests to swarm inside and destroy your peace. And if anyone in the family has an allergic reaction to insect bites, you may want to install a privacy screen for your lanai ASAP.

Protection Against Debris

Aside from keeping the bugs out, a privacy screen for your lanai also keeps debris such as fallen leaves from entering the living space. Generally, a screened-in porch is much cleaner than one that doesn’t have one, given not many particles can get in. This makes it more convenient for you as you won’t have to clean as often (or as thoroughly as needed).

Shade Against the Sun

If you live in Southwest Florida, you know how the summer days can be rather scorching. Sure, the summer sun feels great… But you know it can be a little too much at times. With a lanai screen, you can expect to lounge outdoors in comfort.

Improved Resale Value

A screened-in patio is a great way to improve your home's resale value. According to experts, the project's Return on Investment (ROI) averages at 80%. You can enjoy all the benefits of a screened patio or pool when living at your home. Then, it also serves as an appealing selling point when you decide to place your home on the market in the long run.

Privacy

Nobody likes being subjected to prying eyes, especially from nosy neighbors. Unfortunately, many homeowners are stuck with such a living situation. Installing a good privacy screen for the lanai will discourage them from peeping.

This will also prevent them from having easy access to your private pool or patio area. Even when you're outdoors, it doesn't mean you should share your space (if you don't want to!)

Creates a Safe Play Area

If you have children and pets, having a privacy screen for your lanai allows you to provide a safe play area for them to enjoy the outdoors even when it's raining. These will also keep your family pets contained… reducing the risk of them getting lost outdoors. As a bonus, you can keep a close eye on them in a safe environment as it's only right outside your back patio door.

Keeps Nuisance Animals Out

Suppose you spot a raccoon on your lanai. In that case, it’s understandable that you’d want to go back inside immediately. By installing a lanai privacy screen for your pool, you can keep these unwanted guests out.

Protection Against Vandals and Burglars

Aside from nuisance animals, outdoor spaces can be inviting to burglars and possible vandals. But, if you install a high-quality lanai screen, the risk of these issues will be reduced.

With all things considered, installing a good-quality screen structure around your outdoor space allows you to:

Have an extension of your usable living space to the outdoors. This will be easier when you enclose a covered lanai or a front porch.
Keep insects such as bugs and mosquitoes outside your outdoor space, which may only ruin your enjoyment.
Shield the pool and the lounging area from landscaping clippings and grass. Doing routine yard work activities doesn't mean you should sacrifice the experience of your outdoor spaces.
Have a barrier to block some of the harmful UV rays
A lanai screen ensures your privacy, especially when you have nosy onlookers around your home

Is a Privacy Screen for Lanai Worth It?

Ultimately, installing a lanai privacy screen is a fast and easy way to transform your backyard patio area into a comfortable, shaded living space.

But this comes at the cost of following routine maintenance. Since the patio will be protected from harmful elements and debris, your screen may need upkeep to maintain its prime. (Related: 9 Benefits of a Screen Enclosure You Might Not Have Realized!)

Expert Tip: Consider using only the best quality privacy screen materials, like Phifer Screen. This material can last for long years and can withstand wear and tear. Most likely, you will only need to replace some screening parts after several years.

A lanai privacy screen is a beautiful addition to your home. Aside from allowing you to utilize your outdoor space better, it also improves the resale value of your property if you decide to sell and place it in the market eventually. So, if you're still torn about this home improvement investment, we're here to tell you it's worth getting the green light!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are lanai privacy screens worth the investment?

Definitely, yes! According to experts, installing a privacy screen for the lanai allows 75% more privacy than standard screens. It also helps block some of the harmful ultraviolet light from the sun, especially during scorching summer days. The durability of this material is also an advantage that's worth considering. Whether the privacy screen is made from vinyl or mesh, it will be virtually impossible to destroy or tear by hand.

Some brands also offer to have the screens laminated, adding better UV protection to increase their lifespan. By installing a privacy screen for the lanai, you can ensure privacy as you enjoy your time outdoors with your loved ones, plan social nights outdoors without worrying about pesky bugs and insects, and enjoy meals outside on the lanai together with your family without any distractions.

Do lanai privacy screens block UV rays?

Sort of, depending on the brand and make of the material. Pool enclosures and lanai privacy screens provide adequate shade and block some dangerous UV rays, protecting you from possible consequences for your skin or severe skin diseases.

Does the lanai location make any difference for the privacy screen?

It turns out the location of the lanai does make a difference. Here's a brief rundown of everything you need to know about the direction your patio faces:

South-facing Lanai ─ A lanai on the southern end of your property is considered an ideal placement, as it will be sunny all day long without being directly out in the sun.
West-facing Lanai ─ Residents who prefer a lanai that faces the west love that the placement receives direct sunlight in the cooler months.
East-facing Lanai ─ A lanai facing east gets adequate sunshine early in the morning and is adequately shaded by the afternoon.
North-facing Lanai ─ Unfortunately, lanais facing the north direction of your property are considered the least ideal. But, it provides a cool temperature during the scorching summer months.

About the Author

Kenneth Wilson

I can build it, and I can help you get the patio enclosure you want! I got my start in the Florida patio industry back in the 70s as a young general laborer looking for something to make a few bucks. At the time I never thought it would end up as my career. Over the years I grew beyond the laborer position, becoming a foreman, superintendent, and then into executive management for some of the largest patio contractors, and material vendors. Now into retirement and slightly bored, I offer consulting services to new and existing contractors, and publish this website to help the people who love their patio's and screen enclosures the most - YOU!