How To Finish Your Porch
Finishing a porch is the process of decorating the interior and exterior shell for the purpose of appearance. The most basic element is how to cover the ceiling and house wall. Installing tongue and groove cedar bead board is a popular look but can be expensive, especially on a large porch. Railings are usually required on porches just like decks and can be installed to the inside or outside of a screen wall. Some porch builders build knee walls in the place of rails and use siding materials and trim to match the house. A variety of attractive screen doors are available. Soffits and fascia are usually selected to match the house, as well. Operable windows are a nice touch and can make the porch more versatile for colder weather, but they can be very expensive. Trim of all kinds can be installed to the inside and outside of the porch. Individual tastes do vary as to what looks nice and what looks over-decorated. A number of excellent products are available for these purposes.
How to Build a Patio With Stone or Brick Pavers
Installing a patio is a big project. Discover our guide on Decks.com to learn how to build a DIY patio with brick or stone pavers from start to finish.
How To Build A Roof Cricket or Saddle
Building and framing a shed roof is not as challenging as you might think. Discover the step-by-step process for how to build a shed roof at Decks.com.
How to Screen in a Porch, Patio or Deck
Screening in your porch will allow your to enjoy your outdoor space year-round. Learn how to install a screen porch and discover screen porch inspiration 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.
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.
Tile decking
Installing tile over a standard deck frame in an exterior environment is a recipe for trouble.
More Helpful Resources
Explore Articles by Topic

Footings
Information related to installing frost footings for decks

Framing
Learn structural framing methods

Decking
Learn about wood and composite decking materials

Stairs
An in-depth look at the complex issue of how to build stairs

Railings
How to install guardrails and handrails to meet IRC code

Features
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights

Design
The basics of deck design

Planning
Learn about permits and working with contractors

Porches & Patios
Build a covered deck to enjoy all seasons

Ledger
Proper attachment techniques

Care
Maintain your deck to maintain your investment

Materials
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights
How To Finish Your Porch
Finishing a porch is the process of decorating the interior and exterior shell for the purpose of appearance. The most basic element is how to cover the ceiling and house wall. Installing tongue and groove cedar bead board is a popular look but can be expensive, especially on a large porch. Railings are usually required on porches just like decks and can be installed to the inside or outside of a screen wall. Some porch builders build knee walls in the place of rails and use siding materials and trim to match the house. A variety of attractive screen doors are available. Soffits and fascia are usually selected to match the house, as well. Operable windows are a nice touch and can make the porch more versatile for colder weather, but they can be very expensive. Trim of all kinds can be installed to the inside and outside of the porch. Individual tastes do vary as to what looks nice and what looks over-decorated. A number of excellent products are available for these purposes.
How to Build a Patio With Stone or Brick Pavers
Installing a patio is a big project. Discover our guide on Decks.com to learn how to build a DIY patio with brick or stone pavers from start to finish.
What is the Average Cost to Build a Front Porch?
The average cost to build a front porch depends on the type of porch and materials you use. Discover the costs of building a front porch at Decks.com.
Backyard Patio Ideas and Inspiration for 2023
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.
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.
6 Best Alternatives to Wooden Decking
While wood decking was previously considered the standard material for building a deck, that’s changed. Homeowners have been exploring and embracing different types of materials, and the availability of alternative decking materials has grown significantly.
Best Time to Build a Deck
People often wonder when the best time to build a deck is. Learn why building a deck in winter or fall might be your best bet.
Explore Articles by Topic

Footings
Information related to installing frost footings for decks

Framing
Learn structural framing methods

Decking
Learn about wood and composite decking materials

Stairs
An in-depth look at the complex issue of how to build stairs

Railings
How to install guardrails and handrails to meet IRC code

Features
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights

Design
The basics of deck design

Planning
Learn about permits and working with contractors

Porches & Patios
Build a covered deck to enjoy all seasons

Ledger
Proper attachment techniques

Care
Maintain your deck to maintain your investment

Materials
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights