Wood-Framed or Aluminum-Framed Screened Porch???

Here in Hawaii EVERYTHING rusts!!! I would not get aluminum.

Go with sturdy (JMHO).  I think treated lumber is the best choice.  I build my own home and acted as the contractor in PA.  I don't know if you have significant storms, winds, hurricanes where you live, however, here in south Florida, usually the aluminum ones are damaged, bent, blown away in bad weather situations. Maybe steel reinforcements with the aluminum would work.

Wood on the other hand, if treated properly lasts a long time...

Kirk,  I am very new and not sure if it would be acceptable but can you post this to several Home Inspection Groups on AR?  I am sure that the inspectors in the area would have great input based on their experience.

We may need screen here in San Diego if the West Nile issue continues.

We're building a balcony and using the Trek wood, or whatever it's called.  It's the fake wood that looks like wood, but you never have to worry about it.  I can't even envision an aluminum porch.

Wood screen porches look infinitely better than aluminum.  Although they require maintenance;  they have a look of old world elegance.  I vote for wood!

Donna,

I hope it's not the same crap my parent's put on their back porch...look's like wood, made out of "something".  Shrink's when it's cold. The connectors release and pop up in the heat...and it was supposed to be the newest best thing next to wood...It's been a night mare.  I don't think it's called what you are calling it, however, they put this in 3 years ago and spent a fortune on it when it was new, so...I hope you have better luck with it than my parents. My parents weren't supposed to have to worry about their porch either...probably something different.

As Stever said...the home inspectors can give you the best info.