Table of Contents
Which Porch Type Is Right for You?
Each structure offers a different level of enclosure, comfort, and year-round usability. Understanding the differences upfront helps you choose the right investment for your lifestyle and your budget.
Open Air
Covered Porch
$26K–$90K+
Typical $45K–$60K installed
- Roof overhead, open sides
- Sun & rain protection
- 3-season usability
- Ceiling fans & lighting
- Optional outdoor kitchen
- Fireplace & ceiling options
Bug-Free Outdoor Living
Screened Porch
$37K–$125K+
Typical $49K–$75K (porch only)
- Full screen enclosure
- Bug & debris-free space
- 3-season usability
- Screeneze system
- Full electric & fireplace options
- Knee wall & ceiling choices
Nearly Year-Round
Three Season Room
$45K–$150K+
Typical $55K–$85K installed
- Vinyl 4 track windows
- 3+ season usability (spring–fall)
- Upgraded interior finishes
- Full electrical package
- Optional gas fireplace
- Most room-like of the three
Quick Comparison — Covered vs. Screened vs. Three Season
← Scroll to see full table →
| Feature | Covered Porch | Screened Porch | Three Season Room |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weather protection | Roof only | Roof + screens | Roof + Vinyl 4 track windows |
| Bug protection | — | ✓ Full | ✓ Full |
| Typical seasons of use | Spring–Fall | Spring–Fall | Spring–Late Fall |
| Year-round use (with heat)? | — | Partial | With heat element |
| Permit required? | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Typical ROI | ~60–70% | ~70–75% | ~65–75% |
| Starting cost (porch only) | $26,000 | $37,000 | $45,000 |
| Typical range | $45K–$60K | $49K–$75K | $55K–$85K |
Important: Screened porch and three season room pricing is for the porch structure only. If a new composite deck or patio is needed as the base, add $20,000–$65,000+ depending on size and materials. Projects that include both a full deck and screened porch typically range $75,000–$155,000.
Covered Porch Pricing
A covered porch adds a permanent roof structure to your outdoor living space, protecting you from sun and rain while keeping the space open and airy. It pairs beautifully with a composite deck and is the most accessible entry point into enclosed outdoor living.
Standard Build
$26,000–$45,000
Single slope or gable roof · LP Smart trim · Basic ceiling · Ceiling fan & lights · Attached to home
Premium Build
$45,000–$70,000
Gable or hip roof · LP Smart trim ·Premium ceiling · Full Electric · Attached or free standing
Full Outdoor Living
$70,000–$90,000+
· LP Smart trim · Premium ceiling · Outdoor kitchen · Fireplace · Full electric · Premium finishes throughout
What changes between porch types: The foundation, framing, roof, posts, ceiling, electrical, labor, and permits are priced the same way across all three types. The key difference is the enclosure: a covered porch is open, a screened porch adds the screen system (~$5,500–$12,000), and a three season room replaces screening with a 4-track vinyl 4 track window system (~$10,000–$45,000). Everything else on this table applies to all three.
Porch Cost Breakdown — All Types (Structure Only, Not Including Deck Base)
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| Component | Standard Build | Premium Build | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Structural Framing, Posts & Beams | $4,000–$8,000 | $8,000–$16,000 | Scale with porch size and roof complexity |
| Roof Framing & Sheathing | $3,000–$6,000 | $6,000–$12,000 | Gable most common; hip adds cost |
| Roofing Material (shingles or steel panel) | $2,000–$4,000 | $4,000–$9,000 | Standing seam = premium option |
| LP Smart Side Posts, Headers & Trim | $2,000–$4,500 | $4,500–$10,000 | Color-matched adds to cost; we include this standard |
| Ceiling Finish (exposed → cedar T&G) | $800–$2,500 | $3,000–$9,000 | Cedar T&G, shiplap, beadboard, 2×6 plank |
| Electrical (fan, lights, outlets) | $1,200–$2,500 | $2,500–$9,000 | Full package: can lights, multiple circuits, TV hookup |
| ↓ Enclosure system — this is what changes by porch type | |||
| Open (Covered Porch) — no enclosure | — | — | Open on 3 sides; just the roof structure above |
| Screen System (Screened Porch) | $1,500–$3,500 | $4,500–$8,000 | Different screening systems +$6,500–$35,000 |
| 4-Track Vinyl Window System (Three Season Room) | $10,000–$16,000 | $14,000–$45,000 | Operable windows; extends usable season to 9–10 months |
| ↓ Optional upgrades — available on any porch type | |||
| Exterior Siding / Board & Batten Wall | — | $3,000–$6,000 | LP Smart Side material, color-matched |
| Gas Fireplace | — | $10,000–$23,000 | Most popular screened porch upgrade |
| Outdoor Kitchenette | — | $12,500–$35,000 | Sink, grill, refrigerator options |
| Permits & Inspections | $600–$1,500 | $1,000–$2,500 | Required for all new structures — we handle filing |
| Labor & Project Management | $16,000–$20,000 | $24,000–$45,000 | In-house crew only — no subcontractors |
| Typical Total — Covered Porch only | $26,000–$45,000 | $45,000–$85,000+ | Porch structure only |
| Typical Total — Screened Porch only | $37,000–$55,000 | $55,000–$100,000+ | Porch structure only |
| Typical Total — Three Season Room only | $45,000–$65,000 | $65,000–$115,000+ | Porch structure only |
Screeneze: We use the Screeneze screen system on all screened porches — a professional, tight-fitting installation with a clean finished edge. No staples, no raw edges, no sagging over time.
Deck base not included: All totals above are for the porch structure only. If you need a deck underneath, that starts at $20,000. Most combined porch + deck projects run $65,000–$155,000+ depending on scope.
Factors That Drive the Cost
Your final porch cost is shaped by structure choices, design decisions, and site considerations. Understanding these helps you plan smartly and avoid surprises.
Size & Square Footage
Every square foot adds material and labor cost. Larger porches cost more in absolute terms but often have a lower cost per sq ft since fixed overhead spreads across more area.
Common sizes: 12×16, 16×20, 16×24, 16×30, 20×24Roof Style
Single slope roofs are the most economical. Gable adds visual appeal and more headroom. Hip roofs and combination designs add significant structure cost but look stunning.
Single slope → Gable → Hip → Combination: adds $3K–$15K+Ceiling Finish
Cedar tongue & groove, shiplap, beadboard, and PVC prefinished panels each add cost and dramatically upgrade the look and feel.
Cedar T&G adds $3,500–$14,000 · PVC prefinished adds $12,000–$28,000Electrical Package
Recessed can lights, ceiling fans, outlets, and dimmer switches each add cost. This is one of the most common areas where a project expands over the initial budget conversation.
Basic (fan + lights): $1,200–$2,500 · Full package: $3,500–$9,000Fireplace Addition
A gas or electric fireplace transforms a porch into a fall and early spring destination. Gas ventless fireplaces are most popular — they require a gas line run but create incredible ambiance.
Electric: $5,500–$13,500 · Gas ventless: $14,000–$24,000Outdoor Kitchenette
A covered porch is the ideal place for an outdoor kitchen. Even a small unit — grill, sink, mini fridge, counter space — dramatically increases the utility and enjoyment of the space.
Basic kitchenette: $3,500–$8,000 · Full outdoor kitchen: $8,000–$45,000+Window & Screen Package
For screened porches, the Screeneze system gives a professional, tight finish. Three season rooms require full operable window packages, which vary significantly in quality and cost.
Screening: $1,500–$5,000 · Three season windows: $15,000–$45,000Permits & Engineering
All new porch structures require permits. Three season rooms often require structural engineering drawings on top of standard permit fees — and all of it is non-negotiable.
Permits: $600–$2,000 · Engineering (if required): +$1,000–$2,500Porch Costs Built Near Me
Real porch projects completed by Decked Out Builders in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin — with real photos, real specs, and real costs so you can see exactly what different builds look like and what they actually cost.
Covered Porch
Mount Prospect, IL
Gable Roof Covered Porch with Cedar Ceiling & Outdoor Kitchenette
- Gable Roof Style
- Cedar Tongue & Groove Ceiling
- LP Smart Side Posts & Headers
- Monti Alpi Outdoor Kitchenette
- Door Landing & Stairs: Deckorators Venture Decking, AZEK Frontier Fascia, Trex Select Railing
Approx. Project Cost
$45,000–$55,000
Covered Porch
Desplaines, IL
Gable Roof Covered Porch with Shiplap TV Wall & Premium Finishes
- Gable Roof Style
- Cedar Tongue & Groove Ceiling
- LP Smart Side Posts & Headers (Color Matched)
- Westbury Tuscany Aluminum Railing
- Shiplap TV Feature Wall
- Recessed Can Lights & Ceiling Fan
Approx. Project Cost
$75,000–$80,000
Screened Porch + Deck
Batavia, IL
Screened Porch with Composite Deck, Cedar Ceiling & Deck Cladding
- Deckorators Vista Decking & Cladding
- LP Smart Trim Knee Wall, Posts & Headers
- Cedar Tongue & Groove Ceiling
- Screeneze Screen System
- Full Electrical Package
Approx. Project Cost (deck + porch)
$75,000–$85,000
Screened Porch + Deck
Lake Geneva, WI
Screened Porch with Gas Fireplace, Exposed Rafters & Board & Batten Wall
- Deckorators Vista Decking
- Trex Select Railing
- LP Smart Trim Posts & Headers
- LP Smart Side Board & Batten Exterior Wall
- Exposed Rafters & 2×6 Plank Ceiling
- Gas Fireplace
- Screeneze System · Full Electrical
Approx. Project Cost (deck + porch)
$115,000–$125,000
Screened Porch + Deck
Woodstock, IL
Large Screened Porch with Composite Deck, LP Smart Side Ceiling & Full Electric
- Deckorators Voyage Decking
- Trex Select Railing
- LP Smart Trim Posts & Headers
- LP Smart Side Ceiling (interior)
- Screeneze Screen System
- Full Electrical Package
Approx. Project Cost (deck + porch)
$145,000–$155,000
Our Service Area: We build throughout northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin — including Barrington, Lake Zurich, South Barrington, Deer Park, Kildeer, Crystal Lake, Algonquin, Woodstock, Hoffman Estates, Palatine, Mount Prospect, Desplaines, Batavia, Lake Geneva (WI), and surrounding communities.
Our Build Process
Every porch project follows the same process — designed to be transparent, communicative, and stress-free from first call to final walkthrough.
1
Consultation
We visit your home, assess the site, discuss your vision, and provide options.
2
Design & Material Selection
We create a full design for your space and guide you through material selections — roof style, ceiling finish, exterior trim, screen system, electrical package, and any add-ons like a fireplace or outdoor kitchen.
3
Permits & Structural Engineering
We handle all permit applications. For three season rooms and complex structures, we coordinate structural engineering drawings. No shortcuts — everything is inspected and up to code.
4
Construction — In-House Building Crew Only
We use in-house employees, not subcontractors. Your build is managed by a dedicated project lead who keeps you informed throughout. Most porch structures take 10–25 days on-site.
5
Final Inspection & Walkthrough
We schedule the final inspection, walk the finished space with you, address any punch-list items, and make sure you're 100% satisfied before we consider the project complete.
ROI & Home Value
↓ ROI figures are general estimates and vary by project, size, and local real estate market
Adding a porch is one of the greatest investments you can make in your home. Screened porches in particular consistently deliver strong returns in the Midwest, where outdoor living season is prized and buyers actively seek it.
70–75%
Screened porch ROI
60–70%
Covered porch ROI
65–75%
Three season room ROI
4–8%
Home value increase
According to The Porch Company, most homeowners can expect 70–75% return on investment with a screened-in porch. Beyond raw ROI, a well-designed porch increases your home's appeal to buyers — particularly in suburban Midwest markets where outdoor entertaining space is a major selling point. And when done right, your porch becomes the most-used space in your home from May through October.
Think of it this way: A $55,000 screened porch that returns 72% at resale adds $39,600 in home value — plus years of enjoyment, entertaining, and bug-free outdoor living you get to use the whole time you own the home.
Why Decked Out Builders?
We don't subcontract. Every project is built by our own in-house crew — people who take pride in their work because their name is on every board. We've built hundreds of porches, decks, and outdoor living spaces across northern Illinois and we've seen firsthand what separates a great build from a regrettable one.
We believe in total pricing transparency. When we quote a project, that is our contract price. No low-ball number designed to hook you, then inflate during construction. What we quote is what you pay.
We'd love to walk your property and talk through what's possible. No commitment, no hard sell — just a real conversation about your space and what it would take to build it right.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a screened porch cost from Decked Out Builders?
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Our screened porch projects start at $37,000 for the porch structure only. The typical range for a stand-alone screened porch is $49,000–$75,000. When combined with a new composite deck, most combined projects run $75,000–$155,000 depending on size, finishes, and features. Our rough averages: Basic $40K, Average $55K, High-End $70K+ for the porch itself.
What's the difference between a screened porch and a three season room?
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A screened porch has screens on the open sides — it keeps bugs and debris out while staying open to the air. A three season room goes further, replacing screens with insulated walls and operable windows. Three season rooms feel more like an interior room and extend your usable season significantly into fall. They also cost more — starting at $45,000 vs. $37,000 for screened porches.
Do porch prices include a deck or patio?
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No — unless specifically stated, our porch pricing covers the porch structure only. If you need a new composite deck or patio base, that's an additional $20,000–$65,000+ depending on size and materials. We always quote both together so you get a full picture of your complete outdoor living build cost.
Can you build a screened porch on my existing deck?
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Typically, no — but it depends on several factors. We evaluate the current condition of your deck, whether the framing can support a porch roof load, and how the existing design limits your options. In many cases, the existing structure needs reinforcement or replaced. We'll assess this honestly during your consultation and tell you exactly what's viable.
What roof styles do you offer for porches?
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We offer four main roof styles: single slope (most economical, shed-style lean-to), gable (classic peaked roof, very popular), hip (four-sided, looks finished from all angles), and combination styles (gable + single slope or other custom configurations). The right choice depends on your home's roofline, aesthetic preferences, and budget. We'll recommend the best fit during your design consultation.
What ceiling options are available?
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From most to least economical: exposed rafters with plywood (no cost), exposed rafters with planks (rustic look), beadboard (classic cottage feel), shiplap (modern farmhouse), cedar tongue & groove (warm, natural — our most popular), and PVC prefinished panels (low-maintenance, premium look). Cedar tongue & groove is by far the most requested option in our area.
Do porch projects require permits?
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Yes — every new porch structure requires a permit. This protects you by ensuring your build is structurally sound, safe, and up to code. We handle all permit applications as part of every project. Never work with a contractor who suggests skipping permits — you could face fines, be required to demolish the structure, or have complications when selling your home.
How long does a porch build take?
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The overall project timeline from signed contract to completion is typically 4–10 weeks, depending on permit approval timelines, material lead times, and our current schedule.
Do you offer financing?
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Yes — we offer financing options to make your project more accessible. Visit our financing page to learn about current options and apply. Screened porch and three season room projects are well-suited to financing given the home value they add.
What warranties come with a porch build?
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We warrant our workmanship and coordinate manufacturer warranties for all materials. LP Smart Side carries a 50-year limited warranty. Composite decking warranties vary by brand — TimberTech AZEK carries a lifetime limited warranty on fade and stain. All warranty details are provided in writing. See our warranties page for details.
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