When you’re thinking about installing or replacing a patio, deck, balcony, conservatory or other outdoor space, there’s no doubt that you’ll be looking for the right solution. 

You may need to install some form of screening, such as louvres, pergolas or even wooden panels and these can often add an element of privacy if you choose the right one. But what type of screen will suit your needs? Here we look at the features to consider when choosing whether to go for one of many different types of screen available. 

The most obvious thing to think about is cost – but this isn’t always the case. A lot depends on just how much money you have available to spend on your new screen project. If it’s an expensive option then you might be able to save yourself money by opting for something less expensive. On the other hand, if you want to maximise the amount of light in your garden, then perhaps you’d prefer to go for a more substantial choice. 

One of the things to bear in mind here is that not all screens are created equal. There are various options to consider and not all are suitable for every job. It’s worth taking time to weigh up what you need from your screen and then going through the various choices available so that you know which will give you the best value for money. 

We’ve put together a list below of the main features you should take into consideration when deciding which screen type is best for the job you require. 

Material 

Before you start looking for any kind of screen, you’ll need to decide what material you want it made out of. The vast majority of screens come in three basic varieties; wood, plastic and aluminium. Each has its own benefits and disadvantages. 

Wooden screens are usually strong, long-lasting and very attractive. They also tend to cost less than their plastic or aluminium counterparts. This means they won’t necessarily be suited to every situation, but they’re certainly worth considering if you have the budget available. 

Wooden screens have several drawbacks, however. These include the fact that they can warp and rot over time (particularly in wet conditions) and in warmer climates they’ll lose their paint or varnish which could lead to staining or even mould growth. In addition, they need regular maintenance and care. 

Plastic screens can offer good performance in terms of strength and durability, while also being relatively easy and inexpensive to manufacture. The downside is that they’re much easier to stain and paint than wood, and they’re also prone to cracking and warping, especially in warmer climates. 

Aluminium screens are lighter, stronger and more durable than either wood or plastic screens. Their price tag is therefore higher than plastic or wood, but they do make up for this with greater longevity. However, they need to be regularly painted and cared for, otherwise the aluminium will rust and eventually fail. 

Design 

Once you’ve decided on which material you want your screen to be made from, you’ll then need to consider how it should look. You can opt for a plain screen, a decorative one or a combination of the two. 

If you want something simple and unadorned, a plain screen will probably be the way to go. This is great if you just want something to cover a small area of your garden, or if you don’t want a screen which draws attention to itself. Plain screens are usually made of either wood or plastic. Both materials work well, although plastic tends to last longer and looks better than wood. 

Decorative screens and pergolas are great if you want to create an attractive feature within your garden. You can get them in a variety of styles, colours and designs, including timber, metal, glass, PVC and more. There are even ones designed to resemble plants or trees. As with plain screens, you’ll find them made out of wood, plastic, aluminium or composite materials like fibreboard and MDF. 

Whatever you decide, remember that the design will be important. You’ll need to factor in aesthetics, practicality and usability when making your decision. 

Size 

Finally, before you buy your screen, it’s also worth asking yourself how big it should be. Screen size is measured in meters. Most people will want to get a screen between 1m and 2m wide, although some may prefer a larger one. Larger sizes mean that there’s more room for furniture and plants underneath. 

However, screen size isn’t the only consideration. It’s also about how high you want it to be. If you want a tall screen, then you’ll need to measure how thick your walls are in order to determine the ideal height. 

Another aspect to take into account is what you plan on using the screen for. Will you use it for extra seating, for example? Or maybe you just want it for shade. Remember that height requirements will vary depending on what you’re planning to use the screen for. 

Other considerations 

There are a few other things to keep in mind when buying a screen. For example, you need to ask yourself if you want one that’s removable or permanent. Removable screens can be taken down and stored away if required, whereas permanent screens have to stay where you put them. 

It’s also worth bearing in mind that you may need to purchase additional accessories to turn your screen into a fully functioning piece of furniture. Some screens come supplied with brackets so that you can attach them directly to the wall of your property, but others will require additional attachments to complete the process. 

And finally, you’ll need to decide whether you want your screen to be fully enclosed or open. If you want maximum security and privacy, then you’ll want to get a fully enclosed one. Open screens allow plenty of light in, but they’re generally less secure and can be easily blocked by objects falling onto them. 

If the person will consider these points in selecting the screen then they will be able to get the best option. The main motive of the people must be to get screens that are of the best quality and are available at an affordable rate. To get the variety in the screen he can plan to visit https://www.luxuryscreens.co.uk/ as it is the official site for the screens.

Hopefully, now you’ve got an idea of the key things to consider when buying a screen, you’ll be ready to start shopping around!