How to Design and Build a Screened Porch
- 1). Measure the space you can use for the porch. Create a screened-in area that is at least 9 feet by 12 feet, if possible, to accommodate a table and extra seating. Buy a professional plan or sketch your own plan. Create a plan that enables you to divide surrounding walls into an upper and lower section. Divide side walls with a perimeter board 4 feet from the ground area. Use a circular saw to pre-cut all lumber pieces. Use stainless steel nails, screws and nuts and bolts to prevent rusting over the years.
- 2). Use 2-by-8-inch salt-treated lumber boards for the roof area. Construct the other framing parts and perimeter of the floor area with 2-by-6-inch boards. Attach all major sections of the roof and side units with nuts and bolts in case you ever want to take the porch down. Use 4-inch stainless steel screws and 4-inch stainless steel nails to assemble all sections of your porch if it is directly connected to the framing of the house and will be permanently stationary.
- 3). Attach the floor perimeter boards to a concrete patio using concrete nails or L-shaped angle-iron fittings. Secure the metal fittings to the inner sides of the porch lumber where they will not show. Use the fittings to keep the porch firmly in place in high-wind areas, especially if your screened porch stands on a deck without being attached to the house itself.
- 4). Build a door for the screened porch using an X-shape on both the top and bottom sections to construct a stable framework. Install the door by using heavy-duty hinges, since the door of a screened porch can easily warp in strong winds. Invest time to fit the door tightly, since you want to keep out insects during family meals and gatherings. Install screening material over the sections of the porch using a heavy-duty staple gun. Cover raw edges with metal or wood trim. Screw the trim over the raw edges, versus nailing it on, in case you ever need to tighten or replace the screening material.
- 5). Install half-inch exterior grade plywood over the roof rafters of the screened porch. Cover with tar paper and asphalt shingles that match the home's roof. Install guttering and downspouts if the porch is secured to the framing of the house. Paint or stain the porch. Paint the guttering to match the home's guttering.
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