Screen Porch & Deck Ideas and Costs in Southern Maryland

When you’re looking for a screen porch builder you can trust, Davis Construction & Home Improvement stands apart. We’ve spent years designing and building custom decks and screened porches throughout Calvert, St. Mary’s, and Charles Counties, building our reputation through consistent quality, transparent pricing, and lasting results. From a simple attached screened porch to a full multi-level deck system with pergola, our team has the skills and experience to deliver exactly what you need.

Southern Maryland’s warm summers, beautiful waterways, and natural landscape make outdoor living an essential part of life here. A professionally built deck or screened porch extends your living space outdoors — providing fresh air, natural light, and room to entertain — while shielding you from insects, harsh sun, and rain. When homeowners in this region need a reliable screen porch builder, they call Davis Construction first because we understand the local climate, codes, and community better than anyone.

Why Southern Maryland Homeowners Choose Davis Construction for Screen Porches

We are not a franchise or a big-box contracting company. We are a locally owned, owner-operated business rooted in St. Mary’s County. Choosing Davis Construction means working with a team that genuinely understands local building codes, HOA rules, soil conditions, and county permitting offices. We communicate clearly, arrive on schedule, and never cut corners on materials, engineering, or workmanship.

• Licensed & Insured: Current MHIC license and full liability insurance on every project.
• Local Expertise: Deep familiarity with Calvert, St. Mary’s, and Charles County code requirements.
• Free Written Estimates: Detailed, itemized quotes — no surprises, no hidden fees.
• Fast Response: We respond within one business day, often the same day.
• Workmanship Warranty: We stand behind our craftsmanship on every build.
• Clean Job Sites: We respect your property and maintain a tidy work area throughout construction.

6 Best Deck & Screen Porch Ideas for Southern Maryland Homes

Here are the six most popular projects our team builds as a screen porch builder — from affordable wood decks to fully enclosed four-season rooms:

1. Classic Screened Porch Addition

The classic screened porch is the signature project of any reputable builder. It delivers the full outdoor experience — fresh air, natural light, stunning views — without bugs, pollen, or direct sun exposure. Screened porches can be built as attached additions to your existing home or as freestanding structures elsewhere on your property. We use commercial-grade aluminum screening systems, pressure-treated framing, and composite or cedar trim to build screened porches that hold up beautifully in Southern Maryland’s humid climate for decades.

2. Pressure-Treated Wood Deck

Pressure-treated lumber is the most budget-friendly decking option and remains the most widely used in the tri-county area. With proper annual staining and sealing, a PT deck lasts 15–20 years and provides a classic, clean appearance. We build every pressure-treated deck with correct joist spacing, proper ledger board flashing, and deep concrete pier footings that meet or exceed county building codes in St. Mary’s, Charles, and Calvert. For value-conscious homeowners who want professional construction without a premium price, pressure-treated decking delivers excellent results.

3. Composite Decking (Trex, TimberTech, or Fiberon)

Composite decking is the premium, low-maintenance choice for homeowners who want beauty without the upkeep. Products from Trex, TimberTech, and Fiberon resist fading, warping, moisture damage, and insects — and they never require staining or painting. As a screen porch builder experienced with every major composite brand, Davis Construction helps you select the right material, color, and railing system to complement your home’s style while staying within your budget.

4. Multi-Level Deck with Stairs

Sloped lots and elevated home foundations make multi-level decks both a practical necessity and a stunning design opportunity. A two-level deck creates separate outdoor living zones: a dining and grilling level up top and a lounge, fire pit, or hot tub area below. Our team engineers every structural connection with precision, designs staircases with correct rise-and-run ratios, and installs railing systems that fully meet IRC standards. Multi-level builds are among the most requested and most impressive projects we handle.

5. Deck with Pergola or Shade Structure

Summers here are sunny and often hot. Pairing a deck with a pergola, shade sail, or motorized awning lets you enjoy the outdoors even in peak heat while adding striking architectural character to your home’s exterior. Pergolas frame outdoor seating areas beautifully and can support climbing plants, string lights, and privacy curtains. Davis Construction designs and builds pergolas as standalone structures or as fully integrated features of larger deck and porch projects throughout the region.

6. Four-Season Sunroom Conversion

For homeowners who want year-round outdoor enjoyment, converting a screened porch into a fully insulated four-season sunroom with windows, HVAC, and proper flooring is the ultimate upgrade. This is the most significant investment on this list — and also the one that adds the most livable square footage and the biggest boost to resale value. Homeowners who complete this upgrade consistently say it becomes the most-used room in the entire house.

Screen Porch & Deck Costs in Southern Maryland

The first question every homeowner asks when contacting a builder is: how much will this cost? Pricing varies based on size, materials, design complexity, site access, and foundation conditions. Here is a general pricing guide:

• Pressure-treated deck (200–300 sq ft): $8,000–$15,000
• Composite deck (200–300 sq ft): $15,000–$30,000
• Screened porch addition (12×16 ft): $20,000–$35,000
• Multi-level deck with stairs: $20,000–$45,000+
• Pergola addition: $8,000–$20,000
• Four-season sunroom conversion: $40,000–$80,000+

According to the North American Deck and Railing Association (NADRA), a professionally built deck returns 65–80% of its cost at resale. Our clients consistently tell us that the investment in a quality screen porch builder was one of the best financial decisions they made for their home.

What to Look for When Hiring a Screen Porch Builder

Choosing the right screen porch builder is one of the most important decisions in your home improvement journey. Here are the key factors to evaluate before signing any contract:

• MHIC License & Insurance: Every legitimate contractor must hold a current Maryland Home Improvement Contractor license and carry general liability insurance. Ask for documentation before work begins.
• Local References: Ask for completed project references specifically in Calvert, St. Mary’s, or Charles County. Local track records matter.
• Detailed Written Estimate: A professional contractor provides a written estimate with itemized materials, labor, timeline, and payment schedule.
• Permit Responsibility: A professional contractor pulls your permits — you should not have to do this yourself.
• Communication Quality: How quickly and clearly did they respond to your first inquiry? Responsiveness before the contract predicts behavior during construction.

Our Step-by-Step Build Process

Every project Davis Construction completes follows a proven, six-step process built on transparency and accountability:

1. Free In-Home Consultation: We visit your property, take measurements, assess site conditions, and discuss your goals — zero pressure, no obligation.
2. Custom Design & Planning: We develop a full design tailored to your home’s architecture, your preferences, and local code requirements, then review every detail with you.
3. County Permitting: We pull all required permits from Calvert, St. Mary’s, or Charles County and manage every required inspection on your behalf.
4. Material Sourcing: We order all materials in advance from reliable local suppliers to eliminate job-site delays.
5. Construction: Our skilled crew works efficiently, communicates progress daily, and keeps your property clean and organized throughout the build.
6. Final Inspection & Walkthrough: After passing county inspection, we walk through every element of the finished project with you until you’re completely satisfied.

Deck & Porch Maintenance Tips

Once your project is complete, proper maintenance protects your investment. Here is what we recommend for long-term performance:

• Annual pressure washing: Clean your deck or porch each spring to remove mold, mildew, and debris — critical in a humid climate like ours.
• Seal wood decks every 1–2 years: Apply high-quality sealant to pressure-treated decks to prevent moisture penetration and UV-related degradation.
• Inspect structural connections each spring: Check screws, bolts, ledger boards, and post bases for corrosion or movement. Catching small issues early prevents major repairs.
• Clear debris between boards: Remove leaves and organic material trapped between deck boards regularly to prevent rot and mold growth.
• Inspect screen panels each season: Look for tears, loose frames, or failing seals. Small tears can be patched; larger damage may need professional panel replacement.

Service Areas: St. Mary’s, Charles, and Calvert Counties

As a full-service screen porch builder, Davis Construction is proud to serve the entire tri-county region:

• Calvert County: Prince Frederick, Dunkirk, Chesapeake Beach, North Beach, Owings, Huntingtown, Lusby, Solomons
• St. Mary’s County: Lexington Park, California, Mechanicsville, Leonardtown, Great Mills, Hollywood, Ridge
• Charles County: La Plata, Waldorf, White Plains, Indian Head, Bryans Road, Newburg, Port Tobacco

Unsure if we serve your neighborhood? Call us at (240) 794-2274. We travel throughout the region for free estimates at no charge and never decline a project based on distance within our service area.

Pair Your Outdoor Project with a Full Home Renovation

Decks and screened porches work best as part of a complete home improvement vision. Many of our clients remodel their kitchen to create seamless indoor-outdoor entertaining flow. Others invest in a bathroom renovation to complete a full home upgrade. And homeowners looking to maximize every square foot often combine their outdoor project with our finished basement services for a total transformation.

Deck & Screen Porch FAQs

Do I need a permit to build a deck or screened porch in St. Mary’s, Charles, or Calvert County?

Yes, in virtually all cases. St. Mary’s, Charles, and Calvert Counties all require building permits for attached decks, screened porches, and structures above a minimum size threshold. Davis Construction manages all permitting for you — we know the requirements and have established working relationships with county permit offices to keep projects on track.

How long does it take to build a deck or screened porch?

Standard deck and porch projects typically take 1–3 weeks of active construction once materials arrive and permits are approved. Complex builds — multi-level decks, pergola additions, sunroom conversions — may run 3–6 weeks. We provide a clear, detailed timeline during your free estimate so you can plan with full confidence.

What decking material works best near the Chesapeake Bay?

Southern Maryland’s heat, humidity, and occasional coastal moisture make material selection critical. Composite decking from Trex or TimberTech performs best in our climate thanks to its moisture resistance and UV-stable coloring. Pressure-treated wood is also reliable when maintained annually. We’ll walk you through every option during your consultation so you make the right call for your budget and lifestyle.

Can you match my home’s existing style?

Absolutely. We specialize in designing decks and porches that appear to have always been part of your home. We match roofline angles, trim profiles, railing styles, and color palettes to create seamless, architecturally integrated additions. We review all design options with you before a single board is cut.

Do you offer financing?

Yes. We partner with financing providers to offer flexible options for qualifying homeowners. Ask about available programs during your free estimate — we want to help you move forward with your project now, not later.

Why a Screened Porch or Deck Pays Off

The Southern Maryland real estate market consistently rewards well-executed outdoor living additions. Buyers searching for homes in Calvert, St. Mary’s, and Charles Counties frequently prioritize outdoor spaces — particularly given the region’s year-round recreational appeal with access to the Patuxent River, the Chesapeake Bay, and numerous state parks and waterfront areas. When you invest in a quality deck or screened porch built by an experienced crew, you’re not just improving your daily quality of life — you’re making a strategic financial decision that enhances your home’s marketability.

Real estate agents routinely note that homes with professionally built outdoor living spaces sell faster and at higher price points than comparable homes without them. Screened porches are especially prized in communities close to waterways and wooded areas, where bugs and humidity would otherwise limit outdoor enjoyment during the warmest months of the year. A well-built screened porch effectively extends the “comfortable living season” by several months on each end of the year.

Beyond resale value, there is an undeniable lifestyle benefit. Davis Construction clients regularly tell us that their new deck or screened porch changed how their family lives at home — more evenings spent outside, more guests invited over, more time enjoying the natural beauty of the area instead of being cooped up inside. That quality-of-life transformation is the most valuable return on your investment, and it starts the moment construction is complete.

How to Prepare for Your Screen Porch Builder Consultation

Getting the most out of your initial consultation requires a bit of preparation. Here’s how to make your first meeting with Davis Construction as productive as possible:

• Know your approximate budget: You don’t need an exact number, but having a realistic range in mind helps your contractor recommend the right materials and scope. Even a rough range — such as “between $15,000 and $25,000” — allows your screen porch builder to tailor their recommendations appropriately.
• Identify your primary use case: Will this space be used mainly for entertaining guests, for quiet family evenings, for a home office, or for a recreational area? The intended use shapes the design — a space for outdoor dining is configured very differently from a relaxation retreat or a play area for children.
• Photograph inspiration you love: Save photos from home improvement websites, social media, or neighborhood homes that show elements you’d like incorporated into your project. Showing these to your contractor helps communicate your vision faster and more clearly than verbal descriptions alone.
• Know your property lines: Deck and porch additions must respect setback requirements from property lines. If you have a recent survey of your property, have it available during the consultation — it saves time and prevents surprises during the permitting phase.
• Understand your HOA rules: If your neighborhood has a homeowners association, check their guidelines for outdoor structures before the consultation. Some HOAs require specific materials, colors, or design approval before construction can begin.

Davis Construction handles every one of these considerations, and our team has guided hundreds of homeowners through this same process. We’ll guide you through each step of the process — but coming prepared helps ensure your project starts on the right foot and stays on track from day one.

Start Your Screen Porch Project with Davis Construction

Ready to transform your backyard into the outdoor living space you’ve always wanted? Contact Davis Construction today for your free, no-obligation estimate. As an MHIC-licensed screen porch builder, we deliver proven craftsmanship, transparent pricing, and genuine care on every project. Call (240) 794-2274 or submit our online form — we respond within one business day and get your build on the calendar fast.

Outdoor Living Trends for 2025 and Beyond

The outdoor living industry is booming across the country, and our area is no exception. As a working screen porch builder, Davis Construction sees the latest design trends firsthand. Here’s what homeowners in Calvert, St. Mary’s, and Charles Counties are requesting most right now:

• Outdoor kitchens and grilling stations: More homeowners are combining their new deck with a built-in grill station, mini-fridge, and countertop space for full outdoor cooking capabilities. This pairing dramatically increases the functional value of a deck.
• Cable and glass railings: Homeowners near the water in Solomons, Chesapeake Beach, and St. Mary’s County are choosing cable or glass panel railings to preserve their waterfront views while still meeting safety code requirements.
• Hidden fastener decking systems: Composite decking installed with hidden fasteners creates a smooth, clean surface without visible screws — a cleaner, more premium look that’s become standard in higher-end builds.
• Integrated lighting: Low-voltage LED lighting built into deck boards, stair risers, and railings adds safety and ambiance while extending how late into the evening the outdoor space can comfortably be used.
• Privacy walls and screens: Particularly popular in tighter neighborhoods in Waldorf, La Plata, and Lexington Park, built-in privacy walls or lattice screens provide a sense of enclosure without sacrificing airflow.

We can incorporate any of these features into your project design. Discuss your wish list during the free consultation and we’ll show you what’s possible within your budget.

Recent Deck & Screen Porch Projects by Davis Construction

Over the years, Davis Construction has completed hundreds of decks and screened porches throughout St. Mary’s, Charles, and Calvert Counties. Here are just a few examples of recent projects that show the breadth of what our team builds:

• Two-Story Screened Porch – Lusby, MD (Calvert County): A 24×16-foot two-level screened porch with composite decking on the upper level, a pressure-treated lower patio, and aluminum screening on all sides. The project included custom-built stairs and integrated lighting throughout.
• Multi-Level Composite Deck – Charlotte Hall, MD (St. Mary’s County): A 400-square-foot two-level Trex composite deck featuring a cable railing system, built-in bench seating, and a staircase connecting both levels. Completed in under three weeks with full permit management.
• Composite Deck with Pergola – Leonardtown, MD (St. Mary’s County): A 300-square-foot TimberTech deck paired with a 14×14-foot cedar pergola, string lighting, and a built-in planter box system. One of our most popular completed projects to date.
• Screened Porch Conversion – La Plata, MD (Charles County): An existing wood deck was enclosed and converted into a fully screened four-season room with insulated ceiling panels and a ceiling fan system. The client now uses this space 365 days a year.

Every project above was completed on time, within budget, and passed county inspection on the first review — the standard our team holds itself to on every single build.