Engineered & Premade Porch Roof Trusses
If you are building a porch, you may want to consider using engineered roof trusses. These preassembled trusses can be specially designed and ordered for your porch project. To get a quote, you can contact your local lumber yard. They will usually need a plan for the deck or room the roof will be covering. You need to specify the pitch and if you want scissor trusses for a vaulted ceiling or common trusses, and if you need a gable end truss. Roof trusses are generally designed to be installed 16” on center. The advantage is that you will save time in building the roof and can ensure the roof is properly designed. The disadvantage is that trusses are heavy to lift and more expensive than hand framing the rafters yourself. Roof trusses are heavy, large and awkward to carry especially from the tops of ladders. A professional deck crew can save some time and money by installing engineered trusses, but it is hard work. Keep in mind that many house roof trusses are installed with the help of an overhead crane.
How to Build a Patio With Stone or Brick Pavers
Planning and installing a DIY brick or stone paver patio is a big project. Learn how to build a paver patio from start to finish here.
Different Types of Porch Roof Designs
There are a few roof types and designs when building your porch. Learn the difference between gable, hip, shed style and more porch roofs types at Decks.com!
9 Conservatory Design Ideas for Indoor/Outdoor Living
Conservatories are a great way to ensure that you (and your plants) can soak up the sun all year round. Get inspired with conservatory design ideas.
Decking Patterns
Installing your decking at a 45-degree angle is a popular style for decks. This can be done to reduce decking seams or just for appearance.
10 Common Deck Building Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
Building a deck can be a complicated process. Learn how to avoid falling into common deck building pitfalls with tips and advice from the experts at Decks.com.
How to Demolish & Remove a Deck
At some point, it might become necessary to remove an old deck, due to age or condition. Learn more about what's involved in a deck demolition and removal project.
More Helpful Resources
Explore Articles by Topic
![Footings](/media/3vsas025/all-articles_footings-2x.png?format=webpg&quality=80)
Footings
Information related to installing frost footings for decks
![Framing](/media/5wrarsgy/all-articles_framing-2x.png?format=webpg&quality=80)
Framing
Learn structural framing methods
![Decking](/media/meljt4np/all-articles_decking-2x.png?format=webpg&quality=80)
Decking
Learn about wood and composite decking materials
![Stairs](/media/2sopl0br/all-articles_stairs-2x.png?format=webpg&quality=80)
Stairs
An in-depth look at the complex issue of how to build stairs
![Railings](/media/hpwbuyzr/all-articles_railings-2x.png?format=webpg&quality=80)
Railings
How to install guardrails and handrails to meet IRC code
![Features](/media/tvcahlmk/all-articles_features-2x.png?format=webpg&quality=80)
Features
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights
![Design](/media/3bvpzvtz/all-articles_design-2x.png?format=webpg&quality=80)
Design
The basics of deck design
![Planning](/media/qdenqrqv/all-articles_planning-2x.png?format=webpg&quality=80)
Planning
Learn about permits and working with contractors
![Porches and Patios](/media/sg5bst1z/all-articles_porches-and-patios-2x.png?format=webpg&quality=80)
Porches & Patios
Build a covered deck to enjoy all seasons
![Ledger](/media/0htjl4uu/all-articles_ledger-2x.png?format=webpg&quality=80)
Ledger
Proper attachment techniques
![Care](/media/qdpnwkry/all-articles_care-2x.png?format=webpg&quality=80)
Care
Maintain your deck to maintain your investment
![Materials](/media/zqfflkeo/all-articles_materials-2x.png?format=webpg&quality=80)
Materials
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights
9 Conservatory Design Ideas for Indoor/Outdoor Living
Conservatories are a great way to ensure that you (and your plants) can soak up the sun all year round. Get inspired with conservatory design ideas.
Backyard Patio Ideas and Inspiration for 2024
Looking for ideas on how to decorate and design your patio? We’ve compiled ideas for all types of patio designs. Find your inspiration at Decks.com.
Our Favorite Porch Ideas & Designs for 2024
Looking for inspiration for your porch? Whether it’s a front, back or enclosed porch, we have ideas, designs and photos for you. Get inspired at Decks.com.
How to Install and Fasten Deck Fascia
Installing deck fascia can be easy if you have the proper tools, fasteners, and practical information that you’ll find right here.
Introduction to Decking
Spacing between deck boards provides several critical functions, such as drainage & drying. Learn how to space and stagger deck boards at Decks.com.
Decking Patterns
Installing your decking at a 45-degree angle is a popular style for decks. This can be done to reduce decking seams or just for appearance.
Explore Articles by Topic
![Footings](/media/3vsas025/all-articles_footings-2x.png?format=webpg&quality=80)
Footings
Information related to installing frost footings for decks
![Framing](/media/5wrarsgy/all-articles_framing-2x.png?format=webpg&quality=80)
Framing
Learn structural framing methods
![Decking](/media/meljt4np/all-articles_decking-2x.png?format=webpg&quality=80)
Decking
Learn about wood and composite decking materials
![Stairs](/media/2sopl0br/all-articles_stairs-2x.png?format=webpg&quality=80)
Stairs
An in-depth look at the complex issue of how to build stairs
![Railings](/media/hpwbuyzr/all-articles_railings-2x.png?format=webpg&quality=80)
Railings
How to install guardrails and handrails to meet IRC code
![Features](/media/tvcahlmk/all-articles_features-2x.png?format=webpg&quality=80)
Features
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights
![Design](/media/3bvpzvtz/all-articles_design-2x.png?format=webpg&quality=80)
Design
The basics of deck design
![Planning](/media/qdenqrqv/all-articles_planning-2x.png?format=webpg&quality=80)
Planning
Learn about permits and working with contractors
![Porches and Patios](/media/sg5bst1z/all-articles_porches-and-patios-2x.png?format=webpg&quality=80)
Porches & Patios
Build a covered deck to enjoy all seasons
![Ledger](/media/0htjl4uu/all-articles_ledger-2x.png?format=webpg&quality=80)
Ledger
Proper attachment techniques
![Care](/media/qdpnwkry/all-articles_care-2x.png?format=webpg&quality=80)
Care
Maintain your deck to maintain your investment
![Materials](/media/zqfflkeo/all-articles_materials-2x.png?format=webpg&quality=80)
Materials
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights