FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter Instagram Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

SCREEN PORCH ON A BUDGET

davidhawks | Posted in Photo Gallery on April 2, 2007 12:30pm

Got some downtime on my brother’s job waiting on the kitchen cabinets, so I’m starting a porch job down in Carolina.  Patient, understanding customer; wish I had more like her.

 

View Image

Porch will be 16×16, with the left side starting next to the crawlspace entry.  The twin windows will make way for a set of French style patio doors.

 

View Image

For me, the effort to use standard batter boards, even for a deck or porch, is well worth it.  The strings represent the center of the 6×6 posts.

 

View Image

Six footings, dug and poured.  Two 80# bags each with a 1/2 rebar pin to locate the post center.

View Image

2x10x16’s, 16″ OC.  The posts are 16 footers too.  Can you say heavy?  About 250 pounds each.  That’s where the rebar pin really comes in handy as a locater.

View Image

The outside band is let-in to the 6×6’s, then doubled from behind.  Two big C-clamps and a 2×4 make for a GOOD helper when not using a drop girder.  5/8″ galv. hdwr.

View Image

After some discussion, we elected to use the best grade of 5/4 treated decking we could locate.  HO intends to have I/O carpet installed, so I wanted drainage and durability.  She understands that there may be some “telegraphing” of the deck boards through the carpet.

View Image

Naturally, there’s a truss in the way of my box-beam.  Had to “modify” it just a little bit (sorry Boss).

View Image

Notched the beam as well to mate up with the truss and restore the bearing point.

Live in the solution, not the problem.
Reply

Replies

  1. stevent1 | Apr 02, 2007 12:43am | #1

    David,

    Looks good. I like the notch for the rim joists. I have seen many poorly constructed decks and porches that joists are just bolted on, relying on the fastener rather than using the post to support the structure.

    What kind of fasteners did you use for th 5/4 deck?

    Chuck S

    live, work, build, ...better with wood
    1. User avater
      davidhawks | Apr 02, 2007 12:49am | #2

      #8x2 1/2" ceramic screws (Grip-Rite), supposedly approved for ACQ.  Live in the solution, not the problem.

  2. JohnT8 | Apr 02, 2007 11:50pm | #3

    Looks good.  What did you cut your notches out with?

    View Image

    jt8

    "We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop."
    -- Mother Teresa

    1. User avater
      davidhawks | Apr 03, 2007 05:42am | #4

      Thanks John,

      Multiple passes with my circular saw, and cleaned up with a 2" Marples chisel.  Use an offcut of joist to get it perfect while it's still on the bench.  Saves some aggrivation later.Live in the solution, not the problem.

  3. User avater
    davidhawks | Apr 04, 2007 06:36am | #5

    Trying to get these shots brought current.  Sooooo slow loading on d/u.

    View Image

    For simplicity, the box beams sit on top of the double plate, and are lag bolted to it.  6"x5/8" galv. lags into the top of posts as well.

     

    View Image

    Then the box beam gets capped and fastened.  60 yr. old C-clamp helps keep it flush.

    View Image

    With the beam capped, the truss bearing is restored.  No harm, no foul.

    View Image

    2x8x16's, 16" OC for the ceiling joists.  Some of the PT 2x6 I recieved was so bad I couldn't finish the box beam until the next day.  Yes, from an independent "Lumber Yard".

    View Image

    Box beam tied in, common rafters, and king common.  Notice the ridge left short so I can open up, tie-in, and dry-in all in one shot without worry.

     

    View Image

    Before I set the hips, I prefabbed a "ladder" of outlookers on the porch...

    View Image

    ...then pushed the whole thing up and nailed it in place.

    Live in the solution, not the problem.
    1. stevent1 | Apr 04, 2007 12:37pm | #6

      Looks good David. What type of ceiling is planned?

      Chuck Slive, work, build, ...better with wood

      1. User avater
        davidhawks | Apr 05, 2007 04:52am | #7

        Probably use BC pine, primed BOTH sides.  I've had pretty good luck with that in the past.  Trying to keep this one simple and affordable.  So far so good.Live in the solution, not the problem.

      2. User avater
        davidhawks | Apr 05, 2007 05:43am | #8

        This was Saturday's progress.

        View Image

        Set the rest of the jacks, hung sub-fascia, and started on the roof sheathing.

        View Image

        Thank you Larry Haun and Marshall Gross!!!

        View Image

        That pitiful sunroom on the right cost this lady 21k.  Some people just have no morals.

         

        View Image

        Starting to take shape.  Got one valley under felt today; try for pics tomorrow.  Hard to remember the camera when I'm making 100 trips a day up and down the ladder loaded down with rafters, sheathing, tools, fascia, rolls of felt, etc.  Best part is getting ready to fasten something, reaching in my bags and feeling only leather and sawdust.  @#$%!Live in the solution, not the problem.

        1. stevent1 | Apr 05, 2007 01:25pm | #9

          David

          Looks good. You need to keep some fasteners at the foot of the ladder in a bucket with a rope to the roof.  I sometimes forget to connect the nail gun to the compressor.

          I see what you meen about that other sunroom.

          Chuck Slive, work, build, ...better with wood

        2. JohnT8 | Apr 06, 2007 09:05pm | #10

          OK, that was two days ago.  now how does it look?

           jt8

          "We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop."-- Mother Teresa

          1. User avater
            davidhawks | Apr 07, 2007 04:24am | #11

            Doing the best I can T8.  Batteries went dead after one picture today.  Need to get it shingled in tomorrow.  Heading back to VA on Easter, and back on my brother's kitchen starting Monday.  I'll try to bring that thread back to life.Live in the solution, not the problem.

          2. stevent1 | May 04, 2007 03:17am | #12

            David,

            How about an update?

            Chuck Slive, work, build, ...better with wood

          3. User avater
            davidhawks | Jun 07, 2007 05:18am | #15

            Okay Chuck, here's your update.  Paid in full yesterday.  One very happy customer.

            Too tired to fight this dial-up tonight, will embed these tomorrow.Live in the solution, not the problem.

          4. stevent1 | Jun 07, 2007 12:17pm | #16

            Looks good David. It is always a good feeling to get a final payment.

            Chuck Slive, work, build, ...better with wood

          5. 2leftfeet | May 04, 2007 03:35am | #13

            Looks pretty good so far.Out of curiosity what did this cost the homeowner?

          6. User avater
            davidhawks | May 15, 2007 06:13am | #14

            Sorry to take so long getting back to you. 

            12 grand.  Labor and Material.

             Live in the solution, not the problem.

  4. curley | Jun 07, 2007 06:18pm | #17

    I built a porch similar to yours.(same method)  Why did you use PT lumber for the box beam.? could you have used regular lumber? and I used trussed with LVL's. The porch is 16 x 22. If you'd built a larger structure would you have considered trusses?

    It was reassuring for my first porch to see your point of view. 



    Edited 6/7/2007 11:22 am ET by curley

    1. User avater
      davidhawks | Jun 11, 2007 04:13am | #18

      I like the wrap-around on yours Curley.  By using PT on the BB, it's finished.  Period.

      Read the last word in the title of this thread.

      Anything else would have to have been wrapped with finish-grade material, primed, and painted.  That's part of the reason I chose to go with the hip.  Easier to shingle than hang gable siding.  Plus it looked so good on Mike Smith's porch in "Adverse Conditions".

      As far as trusses go, I try not to consider them at all.  My opinions about them cannot be posted here in the fine pages of BT.Live in the solution, not the problem.

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Wiring for Subpanels: The Right Cables

When running cable to a subpanel for a home addition, pay attention to the size of the wire and the amperage of the breaker.

Featured Video

A Modern California Home Wrapped in Rockwool Insulation for Energy Efficiency and Fire Resistance

The designer and builder of the 2018 Fine Homebuilding House detail why they chose mineral-wool batts and high-density boards for all of their insulation needs.

Related Stories

  • Podcast 548: PRO TALK With Design/Build Operations Manager Jessica Bishop-Smyser
  • Strategies for Venting a Roof Valley
  • Podcast 547: Basement Insulation, Historic Preservation Resources, and Shipping Container ADUs
  • Podcast 547: Members-only Aftershow—Fine Homebuilding House memories

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

BOOKS, DVDs, & MERCH

Shop the Store
  • 2023 Tool Guide
    Buy Now
  • 2022 Fine Homebuilding Archive
    Buy Now
  • Code Check Building 4th Edition
    Buy Now
  • Pretty Good House
    Buy Now
  • Shop the Store

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 314 - April/May 2023
    • 7 Options for Countertops
    • Tool Test: Wood-Boring Bits
    • Critical Details for Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 313 - Feb/March 2023
    • Practical System for a Seismic Retrofit
    • Fine Homebuilding Issue #313 Online Highlights
    • Practical System for a Seismic Retrofit
  • Issue 312 - Dec 2022/Jan 2023
    • Tool Test: Cordless Tablesaws
    • Gray-Water System for a Sustainable Home
    • Insulate a Cape Roof to Avoid Ice Dams
  • Issue 311 - November 2022
    • 7 Steps to a Perfect Exterior Paint Job
    • Options for Smarter Home-Energy Tracking
    • The Fine Homebuilding Interview: James Metoyer
  • Issue 310 - October 2022
    • Choosing a Tile-Leveling System
    • Choosing Between HRVs and ERVs
    • Custom Built-in Cabinets Made Easy

Fine Homebuilding

Follow

  • twitter
  • facebook
  • instagram
  • pinterest

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences

Taunton Network

  • Green Building Advisor
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Fine Gardening
  • Threads
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Copyright
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2023 The Taunton Press, Inc. All rights reserved.

X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Shop the Store

  • Books
  • DVDs
  • Taunton Workshops

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • twitter
  • facebook
  • instagram
  • pinterest

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in