Porch Roof Options
Screen porches and gazebos are popular additions for outdoor living. You can really get the best of both worlds by having an indoor/outdoor room. These structures typically have stricter code requirements than decks and can cost quite a bit more.
SaveAdding a porch roof over your deck can provide a space to enjoy the outdoors whether rain or shine. The most basic gable end porches will shed water and snow and create a sanctuary from the sun. Some designers add screen walls to preserve breezes while keeping mosquitoes at bay. Tongue and groove cedar is the perfect material to finish a vaulted porch ceiling. Vinyl or aluminum soffits can be outfitted to reduce maintenance. Some high-end porches even feature fans, canned light fixtures and cable TV.
SaveGazebo structures can be built as standalone-enclosed areas beside outdoor decks. Octagon gazebos are popular and are usually built using cedar material. Screen windows, doors, trim molding and a variety of roof designs are available in easy-to-build kits.
The size and style of your porch or gazebo depends largely on your lifestyle and your budget.
The Porch Option
A porch is simply defined as a deck with a serious roof that completely shields out rain and snow and is attached to the house. (Unattached roofed structures may be called gazebos or pavilions.) A porch may have open sides, be screened in, have windows or window storm panes that are installed for part of the year. A back porch is typically deck-like in size and shape, so it can accommodate elements like a dining table, spa, fireplace and perhaps a grill (if it can be vented outside). A front porch is often a fairly narrow space, with room for chairs and small tables. Although, this is not a hard-and-fast rule. The great attraction of a porch is that you can enjoy an outdoor setting even when the weather is imperfect or when mosquitos are swarming. For that reason, many deck builders tell us that customers are leaning more toward porches these days, and that porches have become a growing part of their businesses. A porch roof also lets you add features that might not work on an open deck. For instance, you can have an overhead fan or light (perhaps the most popular porch feature), stereo speakers, a television and electrical outlets for appliances. A hot tub under a porch roof can be used just about any time. Consider building a porch roof over just part of a large deck. That way, you can stay in the open air when conditions are pleasant and retreat to a more protected location when things get uncomfortable.
SaveThis backyard porch has a stunning roof that features a vaulted beadboard ceiling made of stained natural wood, as well as a thick beam in the middle. Recessed can lights and low-hanging fan/lights keep it well lit and cool.
SaveA house’s original brick exterior can also serve as a handsome wall for a porch.
SaveAfternoon light filters through screening to lend a hazy glow to a cozy seating area. An overhead fan/light keeps things comfortable on muggy days, and speakers discretely mounted near the ceiling fill the room with sound or provide gentle background music.
10 Tips For Designing A Great Deck
This is an introduction to design. Start here to get some fresh ideas before designing your dream deck this year.
How to Build a Pergola
Pergolas add a level of elegance and shade to your landscape. Follow our step-by-step instructions for building a pergola on a deck or patio at Decks.com.
IRC Code Requirements For Decks
Residential properties have certain code requirements that must be met before building a deck known as the IRC. Learn more about IRC building codes for decks at Decks.com!
IBC Requirements For Decks
The International Building Code (IBC) regulates deck additions attached to commercial buildings. Learn how IBC requirements may affect your project at Decks.com.
Questions To Ask Your Deck Contractor
The quest to find the right contractor to complete your decking project can feel overwhelming and stressful. Learn more about what questions you should ask before hiring a contractor on decks.com
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
Porch Roof Options
Screen porches and gazebos are popular additions for outdoor living. You can really get the best of both worlds by having an indoor/outdoor room. These structures typically have stricter code requirements than decks and can cost quite a bit more.
SaveAdding a porch roof over your deck can provide a space to enjoy the outdoors whether rain or shine. The most basic gable end porches will shed water and snow and create a sanctuary from the sun. Some designers add screen walls to preserve breezes while keeping mosquitoes at bay. Tongue and groove cedar is the perfect material to finish a vaulted porch ceiling. Vinyl or aluminum soffits can be outfitted to reduce maintenance. Some high-end porches even feature fans, canned light fixtures and cable TV.
SaveGazebo structures can be built as standalone-enclosed areas beside outdoor decks. Octagon gazebos are popular and are usually built using cedar material. Screen windows, doors, trim molding and a variety of roof designs are available in easy-to-build kits.
The size and style of your porch or gazebo depends largely on your lifestyle and your budget.
The Porch Option
A porch is simply defined as a deck with a serious roof that completely shields out rain and snow and is attached to the house. (Unattached roofed structures may be called gazebos or pavilions.) A porch may have open sides, be screened in, have windows or window storm panes that are installed for part of the year. A back porch is typically deck-like in size and shape, so it can accommodate elements like a dining table, spa, fireplace and perhaps a grill (if it can be vented outside). A front porch is often a fairly narrow space, with room for chairs and small tables. Although, this is not a hard-and-fast rule. The great attraction of a porch is that you can enjoy an outdoor setting even when the weather is imperfect or when mosquitos are swarming. For that reason, many deck builders tell us that customers are leaning more toward porches these days, and that porches have become a growing part of their businesses. A porch roof also lets you add features that might not work on an open deck. For instance, you can have an overhead fan or light (perhaps the most popular porch feature), stereo speakers, a television and electrical outlets for appliances. A hot tub under a porch roof can be used just about any time. Consider building a porch roof over just part of a large deck. That way, you can stay in the open air when conditions are pleasant and retreat to a more protected location when things get uncomfortable.
SaveThis backyard porch has a stunning roof that features a vaulted beadboard ceiling made of stained natural wood, as well as a thick beam in the middle. Recessed can lights and low-hanging fan/lights keep it well lit and cool.
SaveA house’s original brick exterior can also serve as a handsome wall for a porch.
SaveAfternoon light filters through screening to lend a hazy glow to a cozy seating area. An overhead fan/light keeps things comfortable on muggy days, and speakers discretely mounted near the ceiling fill the room with sound or provide gentle background music.
10 Tips For Designing A Great Deck
This is an introduction to design. Start here to get some fresh ideas before designing your dream deck this year.
Deck Railing Designs
Learn about the newest and most stylish deck railings on the market. Browse pictures of wood, metal, glass, composite and cable rail systems.
Maximize Your Space with These 8 Under Deck Ideas
If you have an elevated deck, maximize the empty space below it with our top under-deck design ideas, from storage to landscaping.
IRC Code Requirements For Decks
Residential properties have certain code requirements that must be met before building a deck known as the IRC. Learn more about IRC building codes for decks at Decks.com!
How to Find & Choose a Deck Contractor
Finding a good contractor to build your deck doesn't have to be hard. Learn how to find a contractor and what to expect when working with one at Decks.com.
IBC Requirements For Decks
The International Building Code (IBC) regulates deck additions attached to commercial buildings. Learn how IBC requirements may affect your project at Decks.com.
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