Any ideas for a screened-in porch floor?

Toni Zmorenski
by Toni Zmorenski
I have a screen-in porch that has ugly mismatched tile. I would like to cover it up. I have plenty of room to go up and the screen does not cause any problems. A raised surface would hopefully keep some of the dirt out. Any ideas? Thank you
  16 answers
  • Cindy Hagemann Cindy Hagemann on Jan 20, 2017

    Can you post a photo?

  • Elizabeth Fencl Elizabeth Fencl on Jan 20, 2017

    Depending on what look you are going for and knowing that you have room to raise the floor, I would go over it luxury vinyl tile or vinyl planks. I put the tile down in my bathroom over the top of the linoleum: http://www.hometalk.com/diy/decorate/walls/board-and-batten-bathroom-26634327


    We also did the vinyl planks that you click together up at our cottage and it looks awesome.


    Both of these ideas are fairly reasonably priced and easy to do.


    Good luck with what you decide to do

  • Shabby Paints Shabby Paints on Jan 20, 2017

    http://www.hometalk.com/diy/outdoor/porches/diy-stained-concrete-using-shabby-paints-13750849

  • Toni Zmorenski Toni Zmorenski on Jan 21, 2017

    Thank you for the idea. Your project came out beautiful, but I am hoping to raise the floor some in an attempt to keep some of the dirt out.

  • Toni Zmorenski Toni Zmorenski on Jan 21, 2017

    Beautiful job, but I would like to avoid more tile. I think.

  • Beth W Beth W on Jan 21, 2017

    What a great space to work with! Perhaps you could re-tile with a non-skid tile

  • Beth W Beth W on Jan 21, 2017

    If not I would lean towards colored or acid wash concrete. To help cut down on the dirt blowing in have you thought about enclosing the bottom of the screened in portion of your porch? You might try metal roofing panels but trim them out with wood to avoid any bug or critters nesting in them. I would also add some sheer curtains or matchstick bamboo shades to hel keep stuff from blowing in and to give some privacy from the neighbors. This looks like it could be a wonderful outdoor living space with some furniture, lights (could use string lights and/or lamps) a rug, plants, table and chairs, bar/buffet and some wall art. Have fun with it and post pic please when you finish!


  • Cindy Hagemann Cindy Hagemann on Jan 21, 2017

    I agree with Beth - enclose the bottom portion of the screen, we had the same porch once and once we enclosed the bottom part, it was much better and not at the ground level for dirt and grass to get it. For the flooring, your could retile the existing floor.

  • Cathy Cathy on Jan 22, 2017

    You could paint and then stencil the floor if you want a pattern---even doing every other or a random pattern---and good suggestions to just put up some kind of wall around the bottom---but I will tell you , I have a screened in porch and the pollen always gets in, no matter what you do---LOL

  • Susan Susan on Jan 24, 2017

    I would add another 2x4 layer to bottom and then close in the bottom 2 foot section of screened area. That will keep out dirt and prevent rain water from splashing in from the ground. I did that and what a difference. For decorative look, I would hang roll up plastic ( vinyl) blinds and throw an indoor/outdoor carpet piece under furnature for a cozy look.

  • Linda Abate Linda Abate on Jan 24, 2017

    You could use an indoor/outdoor carpeting or rug squares that could easily be replaced if they get soiled or you could put in a laminate floor or why not try and paint what you have. I am sure there are many other things one could do. Good luck and have fun in whatever you choose to do.

  • Cwh6899259 Cwh6899259 on Jan 25, 2017

    I really think you are going to have to close in the bottom portion of your space to keep out dirt/debris. Say 2 feet high.


    You could wood deck the floor area. I would price out those interlocking wooden patio squares (Ikea sells them).


    You could also build a sub floor with 2x4's and use normal decking to make the new floor.

  • Buck Buck on Feb 11, 2017

    I would put a rollock

  • Buck Buck on Feb 11, 2017

    ooops I would put a brick rowlock on the out side edge a put brick or pavers in sand in the middle. If you don't want to raise it too much you can use blue stone flagging in concrete, this looks great.

  • Deb21450056 Deb21450056 on Mar 09, 2017

    You can lay fresh new tile right over the old ones. Tile is weather proof and hold up well, easy to clean, look beautiful etc. You can add an outdoor area rug if you like.


    I would not try to remove the existing tiles and put down another type of floor because you will have to deal with the adhesive underneath, which is hard to remove. Also, do not use wood because of termites. I agree with the others about enclosing a foot or two of he bottoms of your screens to keep out much of the dirt and debris.


    Your space looks like an exciting opportunity and could certainly be very beautiful.