[ronda]

I can offer you my opinion, but it ultimately is a decision based on your preference and lifestyle.

I would say 3 major factors are: what type of back yard do you have, preference of outdoor living vs indoor living and what direction your Lanai faces.

If you have a Kissing Lanai, the enclosed space does provide some visual and audio privacy, this seems to me to be a big plus. In addition, if you put in A/C and heat, you get add'l comfort. If your Lanai is facing North, you get the benefit of warmer area on winter mornings. If your Lanai is facing West, you get cooler afternoons in Summer.

The house we bought has Golf Course, Southern facing Lanai, and has a Lanai that is Partially covered, and bird cage. It has an outdoor kitchen and paddle fans. We really enjoy the feeling of being outdoors, and would never think of enclosing it. If I want to be indoors, I just go inside and look out the sliding glass doors. I do not need another enclosed room? We bought if Florida for the outdoor Lifestyle.

Good luck in making the right decision for your situation.

Ron