A screened lanai is a roofed outdoor living space attached to your home, enclosed with mesh screening to keep out insects, debris, and harsh sun — while still letting in fresh air and natural light.
Quick answer:
FeatureScreened LanaiRoofSolid, integrated with home's rooflineWallsAluminum-framed mesh screeningAirflowYes — open to breezeBug protectionYesBest forYear-round outdoor living in Florida
If you live in coastal Florida, you already know the problem: the moment you step outside, the bugs find you. The sun beats down. An afternoon storm rolls in without warning. Your patio sits empty for months.
A screened lanai solves all of that. It's not just a porch with mesh stapled to it. It's a proper outdoor room — one that blurs the line between inside and outside, adds real value to your home, and actually gets used year-round.
The concept has roots in Hawaiian architecture, where open-sided, roofed verandas called lanais were designed to capture ocean breezes while providing shade and shelter. Florida's warm, humid climate made it a natural fit — and today, screened lanais are one of the most requested upgrades among Florida homeowners.
I'm Cody Lafferty, and with over 10 years of hands-on experience in aluminum and screening — from fabrication and installation to full project management — I've built and designed more screened lanais than I can count. In this guide, I'll walk you through everything you need to know to plan yours with confidence.
To understand a screened lanai, you first have to look at its structure. Unlike a simple screen room that might be "tacked on" to the back of a house, a lanai is an architectural extension of the home itself. It is characterized by having a solid roof—often a continuation of the main house's roofline—and a hard-surface floor like tile, pavers, or stamped concrete.
When we talk about "screening it in," we are referring to the process of installing high-quality aluminum frames and specialized mesh between the existing columns or walls. This transforms an open-air porch into a protected sanctuary. In the industry, we often refer to these as lanai screens because they are custom-fitted to the specific dimensions of your home's architecture.
It is easy to get these terms mixed up, but for homeowners in places like Melbourne or Titusville, the distinction matters for both budget and building codes.
FeatureScreened LanaiScreen RoomSunroomRoof TypeSolid / IntegratedOften Aluminum PanGlass or SolidWall MaterialMesh ScreenMesh ScreenGlass WindowsCostMid-RangeMost EconomicalPremium ($300-$400/lin. ft)AirflowHighHighLow (Climate Controlled)
In the early days of Florida construction, a "porch" was just a concrete slab. As our understanding of the climate evolved, so did our outdoor spaces. We realized that to truly enjoy the "Space Coast" lifestyle, we needed structures that could handle high humidity, salt air, and hurricane-force winds.
Modern screened-in lanais are engineered marvels. We use heavy-duty aluminum extrusions and high-tensile mesh that can withstand significant wind loads. This evolution has turned the screened lanai from a luxury add-on into a standard requirement for Florida living. It allows you to enjoy the "outdoor" feel while maintaining the "indoor" comfort level.
Why do so many homeowners in Brevard and Indian River County invest in a screened lanai? It usually comes down to one word: Comfort.
From a real estate perspective, a screened lanai is a "hidden asset." In our local market, buyers often filter their searches specifically for homes with existing enclosures.
According to industry insights, a screen room is roughly 30% less expensive than a glass sunroom but offers a high Return on Investment (ROI) because it increases the "usable square footage" of the home. When a buyer walks into a home and sees a beautifully furnished, screened-in outdoor space, they don't just see a porch; they see a lifestyle. It adds curb appeal and makes the home stand out in a competitive market like Viera or Cocoa Beach.
One size does not fit all. When we design a screened lanai, we look at the architecture of the house and the lifestyle of the family.
The modern screened lanai is often the hub of the home. We are seeing a massive trend toward:
For those who want the best of both worlds, motorized screens are a game-changer. With the push of a button or a smartphone app, you can lower the screens when the bugs come out and retract them into the soffit when you want a completely open view of the canal or golf course. These systems provide incredible flexibility and solar control, allowing you to adapt to the weather in real-time.
Understanding the logistics is key to a stress-free project.
While big-box stores sell "DIY screen kits," we strongly advise against them for permanent structures. Here is why:
A screened lanai is relatively low-maintenance, but it isn't "no-maintenance."
The cost varies based on the linear footage and the materials chosen. Generally, a screened enclosure can range from $2,000 to $5,000 for standard sizes, though large, custom projects with motorized options can go higher. On a square-foot basis, expect to pay anywhere from $10 to $50+ depending on the complexity of the roof and frame.
The actual construction of a screened lanai usually only takes a few days. However, the "pre-game" takes longer. Engineering, HOA approvals, and city permits can take several weeks. Once we have the permit in hand, we move quickly to get your space ready for use.
In Florida, a "porch" is often a small covered area at the front of the house. A "lanai" is typically a larger, more substantial living area at the back, designed for entertaining and lounging.
Investing in a screened lanai is about more than just adding aluminum and mesh to your house; it's about reclaiming your outdoor life. Whether you are in Melbourne, Palm Bay, or Vero Beach, the ability to sit outside and listen to the rain—without being bitten by mosquitoes or soaked to the bone—is the ultimate Florida luxury.
At Lafferty FL, we bring over 30 years of family-owned expertise to every project. We understand the local climate, the local codes, and most importantly, the local homeowners. We don't just build enclosures; we build the backdrop for your family's future memories.
Ready to stop dreaming and start living? Start your screened lanai project today and let us help you design the perfect outdoor oasis.
"Lafferty did an amazing job! We love our new screen. They were very professional and we had our finished screen before expected. We recommend Lafferty to everyone."
"Lafferty did an excellent job on our unconventional screening project. The office staff was responsive and friendly. From consultation to installation, all of our questions and concerns were addressed."
"Lafferty did an excellent job installing our pool screens. The are prompt and keep you well informed concerning the job! I would definitely hire Lafferty Screens again!!"
"We are very satisfied with our new fence and work done by Lafferty Aluminum. Quality, professionalism, and reliability working with Lafferty has been very good and I am happy we chose them."
"Lafferty was one of the easiest and smoothest company's to work with. We are building our home and these guys were so customer friendly, answered all our questions, was available to take our call if we had questions."
"Friendly service, professional attitude of employee, polite and they cleaned up as they worked. We had our pool enclosed redone after hurricane damage and now it looks great. Thanks"
"Lafferty did a fantastic job from start to finish on the patio pavers and aluminum screening. They completed the project on time, and perhaps even a little ahead of schedule!"
"I couldn't be happier with the work performed by Lafferty. They replaced my original screen house in February in a professional and timely manner. I would highly recommend them for your screen enclosure needs."
We're excited to learn more about your needs and provide you with a personalized quote. Please fill out the form, and our team will get back to you with a detailed estimate to kickstart your project.
