Family Handyman Screen Porch
March 10th, 2010 | 
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The construction of a screen porch is fairly straightforward, requiring materials that can be obtained from your average home improvement store. Anyone with experience building a deck, shed, or similar structure should have most of the experience necessary to complete this task effectively.
Before starting, it is suggested that you contact your local building inspector to determine building codes in your area, and you may want to consider hiring an architect to assist as well.
In terms of materials, a screen porch can be built with standard dimensional lumber and the homeowner needs only a set of basic carpentry tools, including, but not limited to, a circular saw, a drill, a reciprocating saw, and a table saw.
The primary focus of the construction surrounds the positioning and preparation of materials for the new addition. Be careful not to cover a window in the process of positioning the porch. Priming and painting wood and other items that are subject to damage by the elements prior to assembly is highly recommended. Work begins on the porch by measuring out the dimensions of the porch with string and stakes.
You have the choice of creating a deck-based structure or building a solid floor surface. For a solid floor, you can lay block or brick, or you may use concrete. In the case of a deck, follow the proper procedures for building a deck, with the appropriate cross-supports that are raised above the ground level.
For a deck, you will likely need to remove siding to provide ledger board attachment via lag screws. You will mount joists to the ledger board using double joist hangers. After the double joist is attached, attach single joists within the frame. You will need to space these 16 inches on centers. You will then place footings by digging holes and using supports. Using standard deck supports, such as 6-by-6 footings, is usually adequate.
You are now ready to install the deck floorboards.
The frames for the walls of the porch are constructed with 2-by-4s, which are spaced vertically 3 feet apart. Provide two horizontal bands about 9-10 inches each from the bottom and the top of the wall to provide screen support. One of the walls will provide a door; the porch can be entered directly from the house if a framed doorway is created in an appropriate location. A screen door to the outside can be attached with hinges and a latch at the completion of the project.
In terms of trusses, they can be purchased or built by hand. You will need to remove siding to attach your trusses and truss plates, unless you have a brick or concrete structure. In terms of placement and construction, most two-floor houses do not require tying the new structure you are creating into the roof, though a one-story structure will require that you cut away the overhang and/or rafter tails to attach the truss.
You can cover the roof of the porch with plywood and tarpaper, and you may use other materials as well that match with your existing structure. It is recommended that all wiring be done before the ceiling is completed.
Your finished screen porch will provide a nice way to be outside without being “bugged” by bugs.
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Posted in Do-It-Yourself, Home Improvement, Home Maintenance, How-To, Remodel, Renovations | 
Tags: Family Handyman, Porch, roof, Screen Porch
