Inspirational Guide to Building a Porch

When Thanksgiving is coming near then the home definitely needs some improvements so that there can be a small family gathering event. Porch is ideal to build and it will be wonderful to gather with family and friends to celebrate the upcoming event. In addition, a new porch will increase the value of the house one can relax on the rocking chair during tea time. There is no need to worry as the simple guide mentioned below will explain the ways to build a porch.

It requires more than one person to build a porch. Any friend or relative can be called to help with the workload. The first thing needed to be done is to imagine the design of the porch based on measurements of the house and has to be laid down as a plan. A professional has to be consulted if one does not have any idea to estimate the quantity of materials. All the materials needed have to be gathered like cement, sand, decking board, shovel, footing clamps, nails and foundation tubes. The tools needed for the project are hammer, shovel, circular saw, stakes, and a drill. If a permit is needed for building a porch then it has to be acquired before proceeding.

Next, the stakes have to be placed at the two side corners and at the location where the stairs are preferred to be placed. The treated boards have to be cut into 2x4 pieces and aligned together to form a still plate. Holes have to be drilled into the concrete floor and a plastic anchor has to be inserted. It has to be secured and lag bolts have to be fastened on the corners of the still plates to the concrete floor. It is helpful to use concrete anchors as weights. 2x10 boards have to be attached on the sill plate and nailed 4 inches below the door. These ledger boards will help in supporting the porch.

Joist hangers have to be attached that are 16" on centre to the ledger board with galvanized screws. The joists would have to be slid slowly into place. One may have to work in sections for a large porch. The length between the upper rail and the sill plate has to be measured. The 2x2 decking board pieces have to be cut and galvanized screws have to be used for attaching them to the joists. The essential basics to build a porch are already known.

The porch railings should meet the safety regulations and it will be better to buy premade ones off the rack they can be attached to the porch. Home improvements stores have readymade porch railings available for sale.