A CNN Underscored Writer’s Journey to The Perfect Screened-in Porch

When Courtney Thompson, a contributing writer for CNN Underscored, decided to add a screened-in porch to her New Jersey home, she scoured the decking market for the best product. She briefly considered wood but quickly dismissed that idea due to the labor-intensive and long-term upkeep that would be required. “And my kids are terrified of splinters!” she quipped.

She switched her focus to wood-alternative options and quickly discovered that “PVC boards look – for a lack of a better word – cheesy in real life.” After talking with several local experts, composite decking – and one brand, in particular – kept coming up over and over. She set her sights on Trex® and never turned back.

“My parents built an enormous, multi-tiered porch and patio at their home on Lake Mohawk a few years prior to my project and used Trex,” Thompson noted. “I was able to see not only the installation of the product but also how it fared after constant use over the course of a few years. And honestly, it looks as good today as it did the day it was installed.”

Turning a Vision into a View

While popular in the South and Midwest, screened-in porches are somewhat unusual in New Jersey. To help her architect and contractors understand her vision, Thompson spent hours online curating inspirational images and building insights.

“Trex has one of the better online experiences out there,” she said. “I was so impressed with the sheer amount of data, specifications and inspo to be found on the website. Trex’s gallery and inspiration tabs were hugely helpful.” 

Finding the Perfect Pairing

After perusing the wide selection of Trex decking options and ordering samples, Thompson chose Trex Transcend® Lineage™ in the Biscayne color (although Rainier was a close second!). The greyish-brown hue reminded her of something you’d find in the Hamptons. “It’s such a soothing color and the natural wood graining gives off an elevated-but-rustic vibe that I’m obsessed with!”

While much of her porch is covered, Thompson appreciated the heat-mitigating technology* incorporated into the Transcend Lineage decking. “Stairs flank both sides of the room and they’re exposed to the sun throughout the day. I have four kids who refuse to wear shoes outside, so it was important to me that the deck boars don’t overheat when they’re running to and from the porch.”

Thompson also loves the low-maintenance ease of her Trex decking. “When someone spills a glass of wine or a kid smudges ketchup into the deck, I just break out the hose and wash it off.”

Initially, Courtney hadn’t thought much about railing, aside from the fact that she needed them in order to meet code requirements, but she was in for a few pleasant surprises. She paired her decking with Trex Signature® railing in Classic White.

“I love how crisp, clean and modern the two look together,” she commented. “And I knew they would provide this perfect backdrop for the grey, white and blue furnishings I planned to use in the space.”

The sleek aluminum railings simultaneously stand out while also blending into the background, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the space. Thompson also was pleasantly surprised to find that the they serve as a great protective barrier between her children and the porch screens. 

Protecting and Peace of Mind

To ensure the longevity of what she now refers to as her “favorite space in the house,” Thompson insisted that her builder use Trex® Protect Joist & Beam Tape. “As my husband said multiple times throughout this renovation, ‘we’re only doing this once so let’s doing it right.’”

Designed specifically for use on decks, Trex Protect is a waterproof flashing tape that protects the wooden substructure of a deck from moisture penetration that can lead to rot and deterioration. It also seals deck fasteners to ensure that the foundation lasts as long as the composite decking it supports. “Once again, the Trex products brought us peace of mind.”

A Year-round Oasis

When she originally drew up the plans for the porch with her architect, Thompson had hoped to be able to use it three seasons of the year. Happily, she has discovered that with the addition of heaters and a dual-sided fireplace this is the room where she and her family watch movies on Christmas Eve, nestle together under blankets, and cheer on their favorite football team all winter long.

“That’s right, we’re out there 12 months of the year,” she said. “I entertain friends and family on the sectional, the holiday kids table is outside on the porch, and our neighbors come over for football every Sunday. The space is also my office, a perpetual nap spot for my husband and where my ‘tween daughter hangs out with her friends.”

Thompson’s advice for other homeowners considering using Trex for their outdoor living spaces…“Do it!”

“For me, Trex’s reputation preceded itself. It’s a brand name that is synonymous with a luxury outdoor experience,” she explained. “I was confident that I was going to love the porch and enjoy the product for years to come, not only because I’d done the research and it’s backed by a 50-year warranty, but also because some of the most gorgeous backyards I’ve ever visited have Trex decking. The proof is in the pudding!”