Front Porches - Part 10 of 10
Adding a front porch to your house is a major project. But with thorough preparation and a detailed construction plan, a successful porch-building project can be accomplished by most do-it-yourselfers.
Overview
Adding a front porch to your house is a major project. But with thorough preparation and a detailed construction plan, a successful porch-building project can be accomplished by most do-it-yourselfers.
A porch is a permanent part of your home, so make sure the foundation and structure are sturdy and meet all local building codes. Also pay close attention to design issues so the size and style of the porch make sense with the rest of your house. Use the techniques illustrated in this project as a guide to help you convert your own porch plan into a reality.
This section shows:
• How to Install Ledger Boards & Posts
• How to Install Deck Joists
• How to Install Porch Floors
• How to Install Beams & Trusses
• How to Install Roof Coverings
• How to Wrap Posts & Beams
• How to Install a Cornice
• How to Finish the Cornice & Gable
• How to Install Gable Trim
• How to Install Soffits
• How to Install a Porch Ceiling
Step 1
How to Install a Porch Ceiling
To create nailing surfaces for ceiling materials, cut 2 x 4s to fit between rafters, spaced 24" on center and flush with the bottoms of the rafters. Note: If you plan to install ceiling lights, have them wired before proceeding.
Step 2
How to Install a Porch Ceiling
Measure the ceiling space and cut the ceiling materials to fit (we used 4 x 8 sheets of 3⁄8"-thick plywood). Cut the ceiling pieces so the seams fall on the centers of the rafters and nailing strips. Use 4d galvanized nails to attach the plywood to the rafters and nailers. Space nails at 8" to 12" intervals. Do not drive nails next to one another on opposite sides of joints.
Step 3
How to Install a Porch Ceiling
Install molding around the edges of the ceiling to cover the gaps and create a more decorative look. Simple 3⁄4" cove molding, which does not require any complicated coping cuts or installation techniques, is used for the above project. Miter the corners and attach with 4d finish nails. Set the nail heads slightly, then cover it with wood putty before painting.
Step 4
Applying Finishing Touches
Use gable ornamentation to soften the hard lines of the gable peak. Fan-style trim and many other trim types that fit into a peak are made for a range of different peak angles. Make sure to measure your peak angle carefully before purchasing or ordering gable ornamentation.
Step 5
Applying Finishing Touches
Install decorative trim to enhance the appeal of your porch. The scalloped fascia boards above were cut from plain 1 x 6 pine using a jigsaw to add a touch of flair to a plain porch gable. Caulk all seams once trim is installed.
Step 6
Applying Finishing Touches
Put stock moldings sold at any building center to creative use on a porch. The simple cove molding above is installed at the joint between a post collar and the post, to create more graceful lines.
