Indoor Comfort Meets Outdoor Living in Upper St. Clair

Like most Pittsburgh homeowners the goal of this project was clear, and that was to create an outdoor room that didn’t feel seasonal or temporary. The homeowners wanted a place where they could relax, entertain, and unwind regardless of the time of year. Comfort was non-negotiable, which meant enclosing the space with screens, incorporating a fireplace, and finishing the ceiling and trim details in a manner that lent well to the surrounding area. Grays and browns were utilized throughout the finished of the project.

To accomplish this, our team of outdoor living experts at SelectDecks made a list of must haves that included:

• Covered deck they could use for multiple seasons during the year
• Enlarged landing area for a grillOutdoor fireplace as a place to gather
• Seamless navigation from driveway to porch
• Cedar features to match existing house trim

Designing a screened porch at this level requires more than simply enclosing a deck. As with most Upper St. Clair homes this project needed to integrate cleanly with the existing house while managing water runoff and a cohesive appearance rather than a chopped up afterthought. Structural layout, rooflines, and material transitions all had to be carefully considered to avoid a bulky or disconnected appearance.

Attention was also paid to how the space would function day to day. Furniture placement, traffic flow, lighting, and heat all had to work together without cluttering the design.

1. Roof tie-ins: We had a couple of existing home obstacles to deal with starting with the bump-out. To provide adequate porch space we needed to incorporate that into the porch, which ultimately lead to the perfect fireplace zone. Existing window placement challenged roof height and predicated the decision for a metal roof to be used as opposed to shingles.

2. Existing patio: An existing patio adjacent to the driveway of the house meant we had to be intentional about structural member placement as well as traffic flow, and where stairs would exit. Careful thought had to be given to almost every component of the project that touched the ground.

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The finished porch strikes a balance between structure and openness. Screens allow fresh air to flow through the space while maintaining protection from insects and debris, and also trapping a bit of the heat from the outdoor fireplace. A tongue-and-groove ceiling adds warmth overhead and reinforces the “indoor room” feel, while skylights bring in natural light and keep the space bright throughout the day.

Undoubtedly the fireplace anchors the room, creating a natural gathering point and making the porch usable well beyond the warmer months. Clean railing lines, thoughtful trim details, and a consistent color palette keep the focus on the craftsmanship rather than unnecessary decorations.

1. Composite Deck

The hub of all our projects, the composite deck is where it all begins. Chosen for durability, low maintenance, and clean/consistent appearance, composite decking allows these homeowners to enjoy the space without the ongoing upkeep associated with traditional wood. Which makes it ideal for a high use, 3 season environment.

2. Screens

Full-height screens provide protection from insects while maintaining airflow and clear views of the backyard. The enclosure allows the space to function as an outdoor room without sacrificing the open, relaxed feel of being outside. An added benefit is that the screen is able to ‘catch’ some of the heat from the fireplace allowing prolonged use of the main feature of this porch.

3. Outdoor Fireplace

A custom outdoor fireplace anchors the porch and extends usability well beyond the warmer months. Positioned as a natural focal point, it adds both warmth and visual balance to the space, creating a comfortable gathering area year-round. By utilizing stone veneer and cedar tones we visually tied the fireplace back to the house and the existing earth tones of the surrounding area.

4. Tongue and Groove Ceiling w/ Skylights

The finished tongue-and-groove ceiling elevates the overall feel of the porch, reinforcing its connection to the home’s interior as well as the exterior hues around the porch. Integrated skylights introduce natural light and prevent the covered space from feeling dark or enclosed.

5. Integrated Stair Storage

Storage built directly beneath the stair system provides a practical solution for keeping outdoor items tucked away and out of sight. This integrated approach maintains a clean, uncluttered appearance while adding everyday functionality. Perfect place for lawnmowers, rakes, water hoses, etc. We waterproofed the area, ran electric/lights to it, and basically created a mini garage for outdoor items.

Material selections were made with Pittsburgh’s seasonal climate in mind, prioritizing durability, moisture resistance, and long-term performance. This type of intentional planning is vital to protecting this level of investment into the home.

1. Deckorators Decking

Deckorators Voyage decking was selected for its stability, durability, and clean appearance. Its mineral-based composite construction performs well in temperature swings and moisture like we have in Pittsburgh, making it well-suited for a covered, high-use space like this screened porch. The subtle wood-grain texture and consistent color help maintain a refined look without ongoing maintenance.

2. ScreenEze Screen System

The ScreenEze screen system was chosen for its clean appearance and long-term durability. This system keeps screens tight and secure while allowing for easy maintenance or replacement, resulting in a screened enclosure that looks polished and performs well over time.

3. Synergy Finished Ceiling

A Synergy tongue-and-groove finished ceiling was used to elevate the space and reinforce the feeling of an indoor room. The natural wood finish adds warmth and contrast, while the finished system provides a clean, durable ceiling surface designed specifically for outdoor applications.

4. Tru-Scapes Lighting

Integrated Tru-Scapes lighting was incorporated to provide subtle, functional illumination without overpowering the space. This low-voltage system allows the porch and stairs to be safely and comfortably used in the evening while maintaining a soft, inviting atmosphere.

5. Ply Gem PVC Trim

Ply Gem PVC trim was used throughout the structure for its low-maintenance performance and clean, consistent finish. PVC trim resists moisture, rot, and movement, making it an ideal choice for exterior structural elements that need to maintain crisp lines over time.