How to Build a Porch
Many enjoyable evenings can be spent on a backyard porch, and building one is not as difficult as you might think. The most difficult of the tasks involved is gathering all the materials and tools you will need. In the end, the relaxation you gain will be well worth the effort.
Required Materials
- pressure-treated lumber 4×4’ post stock
- decking board
- cement
- sand
- water
- footing clamps
- screws
- nails
- foundation tubes
Required Tools
- circular saw
- hammer
- drill with bits
- measuring tape
- chalk line
- shovel
- wheelbarrow
- gloves
- stakes
- pencil/paper
Instructions
- Layout - Take a look at where you want the porch to go. Start by placing stakes at the corners and at the location of the stairs. If you are attaching the porch to a structure, you may need building permits. Check with your local authorities.
- Ledger Board - If you are attaching the porch to a structure with a sliding door or regular door as an entry point, you will need to locate the ledger board. This will serve as the main reference point for the deck. Start by finding a point at least 3” below the tread of the door you will use for stepping out onto the porch - people expect a 3-4” drop when going out of a doorway, so cater for this - adding an inch for the decking material. This is the top of the ledger board - usually a 2×10” board that needs to be nailed into the sill of the structure.
- Footings - A footing will keep the porch attached to the ground. You will need to dig footing holes about a foot wide to a depth below the frost line (about 4’). Mix your cement at 3 parts cement to 1 part sand and then add water so that the result is firm and not sloppy. Shovel the cement into the foundation tube that has been placed in the hole to reach about 3” below the surface. Place the post anchors into the footing.
- Porch Layout - Once your foundations are in place and lined up to the ledger board, start laying out the decking and joists. If the porch is large, you can work in sections. Lay out the exterior porch boards and attach joist hangers at 16” from the center. If you can construct the decking in sections, slide the joists into place and nail them into the ground. Otherwise, work carefully - installing one section and then working from there to install the rest of the joists.
- Decking and Railings - Installing the decking doesn’t have to wait for all the joists to be set down. The first step is to cut and lay out the decking. Use a nail to space the boards apart. For railings, speak with your building inspector as codes will vary slightly. In most cases, however, pre-made rails and stiles are available from home stores. Nail the railings to the deck and install the railing support posts. Personal preference is the rule here for style and location.