Expert: Bruce E. Johnson - 9/26/2010

Question
I have a screened porch on the back of my brick home. When I bought
the house 2 years ago all of the screen was ripped out so I spent a
couple of days replacing it. After awhile the cats and my dog have torn it
up in places and we had a rabbit chew holes in it. What I would like to do
this time is take out the screen completely , just leaving the vertical
aluminum posts supporting it. Then I would like to put 1x4 around the
posts to create kinda a wooden column and tile the floor with slate or
some type of natural stone, or possibly just stain it. I was wondering if you
think this would be a good idea. I live in Florida so I am aware of the bug
factor , however I think this approach would open up the back of the
house to the back yard and look alot better. Not to mention not having to
worry about maintenance of the screen anymore. I was also wondering if
you think it may devalue the house slightly. I have had mixed responses
from friends and family and I would really value your opinion before I
decide if it's a good idea to tackle this project. Thanks.

Answer
Hi Steven, any time you take an eyesore and make it look nice you aren't devaluing your home. If the work is done well and the design is nice you should be fine.  On the other hand, I use aluminum mesh screen in areas of my screen enclosure where there seemed to be the most animal damage ( I was getting raccoons in to eat the cat food) Once I put the heavier metal mesh on, the problems disappeared.  I use regular screen on the higher areas.  Just a thought.  
Anyhow I hope this information helps. please feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely bruce e johnson