Building the Porch

Building the Porch

After clearing the front foundation of shrubbery and demoing the existing masonry stoop, DBS Remodel crew members poured the three support piers, then framed the new 7-foot-by-18-foot porch.

Building the Porch

The upper porch was framed with site-built “laminated” 6x6 posts supporting a triple 2x10 girder. The porch roof framing was then tied to the main roof. (The existing shingles were first stripped and ice barrier membrane was installed. Later, the main roof and new porch were shingled with GAF Timberline charcoal laminated shingles.)

Building the Porch

The laminated rough posts guard and triple 2x10 girder viewed from below. The laminated posts guard against potential twisting, something the author has seen with longer length pressure-treated SYP 6x6 stock.

Building the Porch

Simpson DTT1Z deck tension ties were installed to prevent lateral movement (left). Hidden fasteners were used to install the Trex porch decking (right). The top of the ledger was flashed with lengths of 12-inch-wide YorkShield copper flashing bent into an L-shape (gray side out).

Building the Porch

Color-matched trim-head screws were used to fasten the picture-framed perimeter edge boards (left) and stair treads (right) to the framing.

Building the Porch

The deck’s three site-built “laminated” 6x6 rough posts were finished with PermaSnap composite column wraps. Here, the 1/2-inch-thick white composite trim is temporary taped while its adhesive cures (left). A Trex composite guardrail system encloses the completed porch (right).

Building the Porch

To complete the welcoming front porch on the homeowner’s renewed Cape Cod–style home, a hardscape walk was laid from the driveway to the stairs.

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