We live just south of you in northeast Nebraska (but we get SD weather). We have an 18x14 uncovered cedar deck that we always thought we'd use once built; however we never use our deck - it's either too hot, cold, windy, rainy or buggy. We recently had screenbuilders give us a bid of $23,500 to turn it into a 3-seasons sunroom. That doesn't include final flooring or any electricity. We're getting a 2nd bid from a local guy to possibly make it into a 4-seasons room.

Look at your current lifestyle. Do you like to spend time outside on the deck or have picnics in the evening? If yes, it means you like the wide open feeling & might like the rail; however if you're not outdoorsy then go for the screening as it will buffer you from the elements.

Are you in the country or in town? The screen might give you
a little more privacy but also obscure your view a bit.

Thanks hilltop! Good points. We do like to entertain at night, outdoors, but we've always had west facing decks, making them virtually unusable in the afternoon/evening. I would love to hang out on a deck that is not so hot! That is why we chose to cover it.

I do hate the mosquitoes, though... a hard decision. I guess we'd have to get some quotes. Thanks!