How to build a screened in porch on existing concrete slab
How to build a screened in porch on existing concrete slab
Building a porch is a great project for any homeowner. Porches provide extra space for entertaining, place to relax and enjoy the outdoors, and they can even add value to your home.
Porches are also a great way to extend your living space without having to pay for additional square footage. But building a porch isn’t always easy or cheap. You’ll need to hire a contractor, which can cost thousands of dollars depending on the size of your porch.
Building a screened-in porch on an existing concrete slab is possible if you have experience with construction and some materials on hand. It’s not as difficult as it sounds, but it does require some planning and patience. Here’s how:
Step 1: Measure Your Concrete Block Foundation
Before you do anything else, measure the dimensions of your existing patio foundation — this will be the base for your new screen porch addition. If you don’t already have block walls in place, now is the time to build them up with concrete blocks (or whatever material you choose). Make sure that the base is level with the ground around it so that everything stays put when it’s finished!
Step 2: Install Your Posts
Building a porch on concrete slab
The first step to building a porch is to check what type of slab you have. If you have a pre-cast concrete patio, it will already be level and you can build directly on top of it. If it’s an older concrete patio, you may need to dig down or add some fill dirt to ensure that the surface is level.
Once the slab is level and stable, you’ll want to add joists (the horizontal beams that support the flooring) across the length of your patio. Joists can be made from wood, metal or plastic and come in many different sizes and lengths depending on how wide your patio is. Place them about 16 inches apart for strength and durability.
Next, lay down your decking material. Decking materials include composite decking boards such as cedar or treated pine; plastic composite decking; or vinyl plank tiles such as Azek or Dura Deck. You can install these materials by screwing them directly into the joists using galvanized screws — this will save time over installing deck fasteners later on.
Finally, build up your railing system if desired by adding a 2×4 frame around each side of the deck with galvanized screws through the 2x4s into
Building a porch on concrete slab is easy. You will need some basic carpentry skills, but you can build the project in a weekend. The steps are as follows:
1) Draw a plan of your porch on paper or in CAD software. If you can’t get it right on paper, there are plenty of free and inexpensive CAD programs available online.
2) Cut all lumber to length with a circular saw set to 45 degrees.
3) Assemble the frame using 2x4s and 2x6s with deck screws (photo 1). You’ll need to cut some blocks for the corners to allow for expansion and contraction of the wood over time (photo 2). Use 3/4-in.-thick plywood for the flooring, which should be at least 24 inches wide so it’s easier to cut with a circular saw (photo 3). If you have access to a table saw, use it instead of a circular saw because it will make your cuts much cleaner than if you use the latter tool.
4) Nail down the plywood flooring over top of your frame (photo 4). Make sure that all four sides are even before nailing down each piece; use shims if necessary. It’s also important that your frame
The easiest and least expensive way to build a screened-in porch is on top of an existing concrete slab. This method is good for areas where you need to minimize foundation costs and keep the project simple.
If you want to add a screened-in porch on top of an existing concrete slab, follow these steps:
1. Measure and mark the footprint of your new porch onto the concrete slab.
2. Use a hammer drill with masonry bits and hammer chisel to cut out any concrete that will be removed from the site (see How to Cut Out Concrete).
3. Use a spade bit or auger with masonry bits to excavate enough dirt around the perimeter of your planned porch area so that you can pour new footings there (see How to Excavate).
I have a house with a screened in porch, but it’s not built on a foundation or slab. It’s just sitting on top of the concrete that was poured for the house. This concrete is not level and there are some cracks in it. I would like to build a deck over this concrete slab so that the new deck is level and even.
What would be the best way to do this?
Building a porch on concrete slab, how to build a cheap screened in porch,
you’ve been dreaming of building your own screened in porch for years. You’re ready to take on the project and get started. You’ve gathered all of your tools and materials, but you’re not sure where to begin.
We’ll walk you through the steps of building a screened-in porch so you can get started and create your own private retreat.
Step 1: Check with your local building codes
Before you begin any construction project, check with your local building codes to see if there are any restrictions or requirements for this type of project. For example, if you live in an area that gets lots of snowfall during winter months, check for requirements about snow load ratings for your porch’s roof structure. If you live in an area with high winds or hurricanes, check for requirements about wind-borne debris impact loads on your screen panels. These are only a few examples; check with your local building inspector before starting any project.
Step 2: Select a site that meets these criteria:
There are many ways you can build a porch, but if you’re looking for a cheap screened in porch, there are a few things to consider. First of all, you need to decide if you want the porch attached to your home or freestanding. If it’s attached, then you will want to make sure that the floor is level with the house and that there is room for the screen and door frame.
If it’s freestanding, then you will need to make sure there is enough room for your porch and that it isn’t too close to any trees or other structures.
Once you have decided where you want your screened in porch to go, then it’s time to start building! Here are some tips:
Make sure that you have enough room for all of the materials and equipment needed for construction.
Have all of your materials before starting construction so they don’t get wet during rainstorms or snowstorms.
Make sure your tools are sharpened before using them on any kind of project. A dull tool will only make work harder than it needs to be!
Don’t rush through any part of construction because rushing can cause mistakes like uneven walls or doors that won’t close properly!
A simple screened in porch can be built in less than a day. The materials you need include:
2x4s, plywood and screen
Construction adhesive and nails
Screws for attaching the decking to the frame
Screening material – preferably the low-cost plastic variety available at home improvement stores
A screened porch is a great way to add space to your home. It can also be a great way to get some fresh air and sunlight without having to worry about bugs. If you’re looking for a way to add more space without breaking the bank, a screened-in porch may be right for you.
Build a simple screened-in porch with these tips:
Find the right spot on your property. You’ll want to place your new porch in an area that gets plenty of sunlight and is also protected from strong winds. This can make it easier on both you and your plants when setting up the foundation.
Choose the right materials. The best materials for building a cheap screened-in porch are wood, steel and vinyl siding. With these materials, you can build the perfect structure for your needs without going over budget.
Install windows and doors for easy access inside and out. Adding windows and doors will allow you to open up the space so that it feels larger than it really is — without sacrificing security or privacy!
It’s not hard to build a screened-in porch. All you need is a basic understanding of construction techniques and a few tools.
Here are the steps for building an outdoor room with privacy, light and comfort.
Step 1: Plan the size and shape of the room. Plan your porch based on how much space you want to enclose, what type of materials you want to use (wood, vinyl or aluminum) and whether you want windows or doors in all four walls. You can also consider adding a sunroom addition to your house as part of your overall design.
Step 2: Determine the location of your porch in relation to your home’s exterior wall and foundation. If possible, choose a site that faces south or east so that the finished project receives maximum sunlight during cold months. If there isn’t enough space in your yard for a full-size screened-in porch, consider building just one end or half of one side (with access from inside) as a sunroom addition instead.
Step 3: Dig holes for concrete footings around the perimeter of where you plan to build your new room. The footing holes should be about as deep as one foot of concrete each — about three feet down — and about 18 inches wide