Even Florida residents can become confused by the interchange of the terms ‘porch’ and lanai’ at times, so we thought a look into the history of this fun living space might help clear things up.
The term ‘lanai’ is Hawaiian for ‘porch,’ including a porch or a veranda, in a tropical-type climate. In contrast, a screened-in porch in Arizona is referred to as an ‘Arizona room,’ and even though they are much the same as a lanai, they are different in one substantial regard: weather.
Don’t let it bug you
Florida, with it’s defined rainy season and humid, subtropical climate, has weather closer to that of Hawaii than it is to Arizona, hence we have lanais--and bugs! Since no one is going to be enjoying a backyard space much if they have to fight insect bites perpetually, and because lanais are created as living spaces, the screen component is an essential part of the lanai.
Pool cage
Lanai’s are also a popular pool enclosure. Thus they can also be known as a pool cage when they enclose a pool. Since no one wants bugs or, thanks to our verdant flora, leaves, in their pool, a pool cage makes perfect sense.
Living space or not?
A screened-in area that doesn’t do more than act as an entry to the front of the house is probably a screened-in porch, rather than a lanai. Although we also repair screened-in porches, “Lanai Guy’ sounds way better than ‘Porch Guy’.
Building specs
Another factor to consider is the way the lanai is built. Some lanais are made with long stretches of screen between uprights. While this space will create a better view, it will also obviously cause a screen material much more stress than one that has closer uprights. This means the homeowner is forced to choose between having an upgraded screen material or more frequent screenings. As many times we want the lesser bottom line, the wise homeowner does so with both eyes open, knowing that this is the choice he has deliberately made.
A necessary indulgence
Regardless of what we called our screened-in living space, they are a ‘necessary indulgence’ as they create a casual ambiance that is hard to beat with a closed-in room of any caliber. If your lanai, screened-in porch or other screened area by whatever name you wish to call it needs to be rescreened or repaired, give us a call! We can add kick plates, hurricane cables, pet doors, and anything else you want to make it the lanai of your dreams.
Lanai Guy is a full-service screen company servicing Brandon, Riverview, and the surrounding area for screen enclosures, lanais, rescreen, and screen repair. Call 813-461-6159 to schedule an appointment!
