Build Strong and Stylish PorchesDesigning the structure to complement a home

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I do a number of things that combined tie the porch together. When possible, I lag through the rafters into the second-floor band joist of the house, and I do the same with the 4x4 posts at the house wall. On a single-story house, I tie the top plate of the porch walls into the house framing with steel strapping. The outer porch-wall corners get reinforced with 1 1/2-inch strapping.

Roof Options
Of gable, shed, and hip roofs, the least expensive are sheds and low-sloped gables. Sheds are a good option between two established gable roofs, or when you are limited by the location of second-story windows or can't match an existing gable roof pitch. Low-sloped gables are efficient to build and fit in many situations -- for instance, where second-story windows limit height -- and they can have a cozy feel compared with a steep roof.

Steep-pitched gable roofs can project a grand or dramatic effect (Figure 12) -- and can have a similar effect on a customer's pocketbook, due to the increased materials and labor. For a roof with a steep pitch, say 12 on 12, materials can cost 20 percent or more than for a shallow roof, such as a 5 on 12. Framing, ceiling-finish, and roofing materials add up quickly, along with costs associated with toe boards, roof jacks, scaffolding, and safety harnesses.

Figure 12. Steep roofs lend a grand feel but consume a lot of material and labor.

Hip roofs are more challenging than gables and sheds, especially with exposed rafters and what's involved to stabilize them. They require a lot more rafter cutting and often will have a level ceiling, which adds labor and materials. And you'll likely have to close in the overhang with fascia, soffit, and trim, and vent the ridge -- compared with open-rafter finishes, which can be left exposed with the use of fascia only.

Finishing Touches
Most of the porches my company builds have exposed rafters with 2-by tongue-and-groove roof decking that doubles as the ceiling. For a brighter, more traditional look, painted beadboard may be installed on a level ceiling, or attached below the rafters for a vaulted ceiling (Figure 13).


Figure 13. Painted beadboard ceilings provide a great finished look and brighten the space more than stained wood.

If you're attaching a ceiling below the rafters, it's important to ventilate the rafters with soffit and ridge venting to preserve shingle warranties. Many people believe that adding insulation to a ceiling moderates the temperature below. It's my opinion that any difference is marginal. What does help, even during the heat of a Georgia summer, is a ceiling fan.

Crown molding is a great finishing touch. Thought should be put into materials and climate issues that affect long-term performance. As long as quality stains or paints are used, finishes should perform as normal exterior finishes would.

It used to be common, when screening a porch, to stretch screen over the wall posts, staple it, and cover the staples with lattice strips. Today, I prefer to custom order fiberglass screen inserts with aluminum frames from a local storm-window supplier. They're fairly cost-effective and you can order frame colors to match almost any trim paint color. The screens mount from the inside of the porch, providing a nice look overall and easy access for replacing an insert.

For doors, I've had good luck with high-grade aluminum storm doors with screen panels. Low-grade products don't perform well long-term, and wood doors tend to bow, sag, and rot -- in that order. The doors mount from the outside and need to swing out over a code-required minimum 36-inch-square landing or deck area. I prefer to locate doors along the sides of a porch rather than the front. It looks better and has less impact on how the porch will be furnished or used.

Skylights
Many quality options are available, but I use Velux skylights and the flashing kits that can be purchased with them (veluxusa.com). They're well made, reasonably priced, and easy to install. And they don't leak.

Some customers want a porch to avoid the sun but don't want to shade the inside of the house. Others want shade but still need a ray or two of sunshine. To funnel light into the house, locate skylights close to the house to target the windows. For extra sun on the porch, center skylights in the porch ceiling midway between the house and the outer porch wall. If you're building a gable, place one on each side of the ridge for balance.

I've had a number of customers who thought they wanted skylights but came to realize the main reason they wanted a porch was to escape the sun, so spending extra money for skylights made no sense. One gentleman went back and forth, finally deciding he wanted two skylights. When I spoke to him later, he said, "You know, I love my porch, but I constantly have to move my chair around to get out of the damn sun."

Bobby Parks owns Peachtree Decks and Porches in Canton, Ga.