Is It Worth Screening Your Gazebo?
You've invested in a beautiful backyard gazebo—a stunning centerpiece that transforms your outdoor space into a true oasis. Now comes the big question: Should you keep it open to embrace the whole outdoor experience or add screens to create an enclosed retreat?
At SummerHouse Outdoor Structures, we help homeowners across the Eastern United States navigate this decision every day. The answer often depends on how you envision using your space.
The Case for Open-Air Living
There's something magical about an open gazebo that fully connects you with nature. Without screens, you experience unobstructed views, gentle breezes, and that authentic outdoor feeling that drew you to create this space in the first place. Open gazebos work beautifully for homeowners who primarily use their structures during pleasant weather and don't mind the occasional uninvited guest, whether a curious bird or a wandering butterfly.
Open designs offer more flexibility for entertaining, too. Your guests can flow between the gazebo and the yard, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor experience perfect for larger gatherings.
The Benefits of a Screen Gazebo
A screen gazebo transforms your outdoor structure into an extension of your home. Here's where screening really shines: You get all the benefits of outdoor living with protection from insects, debris, and unpredictable weather.
For families in the Southeast, from North Carolina to Florida, where mosquitoes and other biting insects can make evening enjoyment challenging, a screened-in gazebo becomes a game-changer. You can host dinner parties, enjoy morning coffee, or relax without constantly swatting away bugs.
Seasonal Considerations Matter
The decision between the two often comes down to when and how you plan to use your space. An enclosed gazebo extends your outdoor season significantly. In Massachusetts, you might enjoy your screened structure well into fall, protected from cool winds while basking in the crisp autumn air. In Virginia or the Carolinas, screening allows you to use your gazebo during the humid summer when open-air structures can become uncomfortable.
Screening also protects your investment. Your outdoor furniture, lighting, and decorative elements stay cleaner and last longer when protected from weather, pollen, and bird droppings. This protection becomes particularly valuable if you incorporate premium features like integrated Bose sound systems or custom lighting elements that modern homeowners increasingly want in their luxury outdoor spaces.
The Middle-Ground Approach
Here's where working with an experienced gazebo builder like SummerHouse Outdoor Structures makes all the difference. We don't just deliver a kit and walk away—we help you create the perfect solution for your specific needs and budget. Many clients choose removable screen systems that offer open-air enjoyment when desired and enclosed comfort when needed.
Alternatively, partial screening—perhaps just the prevailing wind direction or specific sides—can provide insect protection while maintaining that open, airy feeling. Our Amish-style craftsmanship ensures that whatever screening option you choose integrates seamlessly with your structure's design.
Making the Right Choice for Your Space
As a gazebo construction company that specializes in custom outdoor structures, we've learned that the best outdoor structures adapt to your lifestyle. If you love hosting summer dinner parties, a screened gazebo might be essential. An open design could be perfect if you prefer occasional weekend relaxation and don't mind seasonal limitations.
The beauty of working with SummerHouse Outdoor Structures is our project management approach—we take time to understand your vision, your local climate challenges, and your entertainment style before making recommendations. We're not here to push the most expensive option; we're here to help you create a space you'll actually use and love.
Ready to Design Your Perfect Backyard Gazebo?
Whether you envision a screened-in gazebo for year-round comfort or an open structure that celebrates pure outdoor living, SummerHouse Outdoor Structures can make it happen.
Contact us to get a free quote today, and let's discuss how to create a backyard oasis that perfectly matches your lifestyle and budget. Our gazebo construction company is located in Lancaster, PA, but we offer kit shipping across the continental U.S. and professional installation throughout most areas in the Eastern United States.
