[livsea2]

We were discussing the value of an outdoor or outside of the lanai patio. I see many in TV but don't see anyone using them. Are they a good idea in theory but not in practice as I suspect. Maybe people build them then find them too hot during the day and too buggy at night? Just wondering if I should keep it on my list of options. Any patio owners opinions would be appreciated.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by livsea2

We were discussing the value of an outdoor or outside of the lanai patio. I see many in TV but don't see anyone using them. Are they a good idea in theory but not in practice as I suspect. Maybe people build them then find them too hot during the day and too buggy at night? Just wondering if I should keep it on my list of options. Any patio owners opinions would be appreciated.

It isn't REAL buggy here, but sitting on the unscreened front porch does attract a few critters. I think you've nailed it livsea2. We are thinking about getting our front porch screened to keep out geckos, other slithery creatures and frogs. ....and a few wasps looking for a new place to build a nest.

Anyone screened the front porch on a Seabrook?

[Lovey2]

I noticed that myself. There are some elaborate outside seating areas with what looks to be relatively nice furniture. I've been here since April and have never seen anyone on the ones I see off Pinellas, night or day, not once. Could be because it's too hot now, and/or buggy and/or rainy but some of that may last thru October. I don't see the value of it myself for such minimal use, but that's me. I think alot of people here just like to look at the beauty of such areas or it gives them the feel of more space than we actually get...which then does make it a valuable addition to them. Funny, I was just mentioning this to my husband last week, and we are keeping our eye on these beautiful additions thru the winter to see if they get used.

[Lynn222]

Geckos find their way into my screen porch.

[Ohiogirl]

We use our side patio (east side of the villa) all the time, especially when we have more than 6 people over. We expanded it slightly to the side of the neighbor's villa. Can comfortably seat 8, sometimes have more.

Ours is shady all afternoon and evening. I would say do not expect to use patio space much if at all unless it is shady in the early evening.

At least 4 other sets of neighbors greatly expanded their patios, toward the corners of their fenced yards. We all use them a lot, for neighborhood parties of probably 8-12 people. Doesn't seem to get very buggy at all.

Our grill is on the patio and I/we sometimes sit outside while Ohioboy is grilling, if the rest of dinner doesn't need attention.

None of our close-by neighbors have expanded our lanais, just use those for smaller groups or a lot ourselves. We eat on ours the majority of the time, breakfast, lunch and dinner if we are here. About half of our neighbors have enclosed their lanais, half have not. One enclosed to make a card room that is usable all winter. One had a west-facing lanai that was quite hot, so enclosed and added an a/c unit. Ours is shady and comfortable except for very cold and very hot weather, use it nearly every day except for really cold stretches. We are not here in summer.

Screening doesn't keep out the geckos, but they may get in at our villa thru the vinyl siding outside the screening, although you can also see light thru weepholes in the aluminum framing and doorsill.

[gomoho]

I'm thinking those beautiful outdoor seating arrangements we all see from the road aren't used for that exact reason - they are on the road. Too much noise and not enough privacy, but they sure are nice for the rest of us to look at and enjoy.

[raynan]

We had Village Palms install a patio and landscape on the side of our corner lot 1 1/2 years ago. It was great for the first year in the evenings and night. This March we enclosed our lanai and used that because of all the rain and heat/humidity this year. Now going back to the patio as it's starting to cool off again. Nothing like seeing all the neighbors and socializing while sitting outside. Not buggy at all. Love it.

[lpkshop]

I had to have an outside patio. I would still feel like I was inside if all I had was the lanai. I love mine , have my coffee in the morning and cocktail in the evening. No problem with bugs. As far as sun, it depends on the exposure. My house faces west so we have shade in the late afternoon.

[YouNeverKnow]

Originally Posted by lpkshop

I had to have an outside patio. I would still feel like I was inside if all I had was the lanai. I love mine , have my coffee in the morning and cocktail in the evening. No problem with bugs. As far as sun, it depends on the exposure. My house faces west so we have shade in the late afternoon.

We love ours too! July and August were too hot for us to use it but now the weather is great for sitting outside.
We love sitting outside at night looking at the moon, stars, and beautiful sky! Have not noticed any bugs or critters.
Sorry, don't know how to flip the picture but if you click on it, it will come out the right side up.

[OldManTime]

Im on my pergola now, can of beer, peanuts, and watching the patriots beat Atlanta, what a life!

[maddie101]

We haven't moved there yet, but the cost to add 9 feet of patio space was minimal. We plan on grilling and hope to enjoying laying on chaises from time to time. We live in Texas now so humidity and heat are something we are used to

[Lovey2]

Originally Posted by Former Michiganders

We love ours too! July and August were too hot for us to use it but now the weather is great for sitting outside.
We love sitting outside at night looking at the moon, stars, and beautiful sky! Have not noticed any bugs or critters.
Sorry, don't know how to flip the picture but if you click on it, it will come out the right side up.

Beautiful!!

[Lovey2]

Oh, we added to our grill pad...brought it out to the side of the house and where the lanai screen starts and added a step and railing. Love that for more grill space and a few chairs. And yes, that was minimally priced. I was talking about the beautiful stone wall and paver lanais we can see from the road on Pinellas. They are beautiful for sure, and make me wanna pull over for a little sit down.