Building a covered porch is a great way to add value to your home and make it more enjoyable. The most important thing to consider when building a covered porch is whether or not you will be using it for storage. If you plan on using the space for storage, you will need to install shelving or cabinets for storing items.
Installing the flooring of your covered porch is also very important. You should choose flooring that is durable and sturdy enough for people to walk on without damaging it. You can choose from a variety of materials including wood, concrete, or tile floors but make sure that whatever material you choose is suitable for outdoor use as well.
If you want to add some privacy to your covered porch, then consider installing curtains around the perimeter of the porch so that no one can see inside while sitting outside enjoying dinner with friends or family members who live in apartments nearby.
The last thing that needs to be done before finishing up construction on a new covered porch project is making sure that all electrical outlets have been installed properly so they don’t pose any safety hazards during use by children or adults alike.
Just because it’s your backyard doesn’t mean you should skimp on quality. If you want to build a covered porch, it’s worth taking the time to get the project right. That way, you’ll save money in the long run by having a porch that stays looking good even after years of use.
Cost per square foot
The cost per square foot of your covered porch will depend on the size of the porch, as well as its materials. The larger and more decorative it is, the more expensive it will be. Porches built with higher quality materials should also be more expensive than those built with lower quality materials.
Building a covered porch on an existing deck or patio
When building a covered porch on an existing deck or patio, you’ll need to factor in the cost of the following things:
- Decking. The cost of decking may vary depending on your choice of material and whether you hire someone to build it. For example, you can buy treated lumber at home improvement stores for about $4 per square foot. That’s about eight times cheaper than prefabricated porch kits that would cost around $32 per square foot.
- Framing. Framing will cost between $5 and $10 per linear foot, depending on what kind of wood you choose and whether or not professional help is needed to install it properly.
- Roofing materials such as shingles or tiles can range from roughly $2-$7 per square foot depending on where they’re purchased from
Design
The design of your covered porch will depend on what look you are trying to achieve. If you want a simple, functional porch that blends in with your home’s exterior and yard, then a basic design may be best. However, if you’re looking for something more elaborate or eye-catching—perhaps one with intricate molding and columns—then there are plenty of options available.
Whatever design you choose to go with, remember that it should match the style of your house. For example: If you have an older Victorian home that was built in the late 1800s or early 1900s but has been updated over time (like adding new windows), then choosing one of these classic styles would be appropriate because it fits into its surroundings so well. On the other hand if instead this same Victorian had been completely restored without any changes made from its original construction then choosing something more modern might be better suited as well
Materials
The materials needed to build a covered porch are:
- Wood for the framing, including 2x4s, 2x6s, and 2x8s. You can buy lumber in bundles from your local home improvement store.
- Nails or screws to attach your wood together. This will depend on what kind of wood you’re using; for example, nails are used for attaching boards made from softwood (like pine) while screws are better at securing hardwood (like oak). Ask an associate at the hardware store what type of fasteners they recommend for your project.
- Cedar shingles or shakes for covering the roof surface; these come in varying widths and lengths so you’ll need to consult your local building code before making any decisions here.
- Exterior paint if desired; some homeowners choose not to paint their porches because they want them exposed more often than others do when enjoying time outdoors during warm weather months—but if there’s any chance they’ll get wet (or snow), then it’s best that both sides remain sealed against moisture penetration with some kind of coating material like semigloss acrylic latex coatings so as not
to rust out prematurely due to exposure over time (which can happen even under small amounts of precipitation).
Finishings
- Porch flooring is an important part of the porch’s construction, especially if you live in a climate where snowfall is common. The floor can be made from concrete, tile or wood. If you opt for wood, it’s a good idea to use pressure-treated lumber so that the floor will last for years. You can also add an additional layer of protection by installing protective mats at the bottom of each step leading up to your porch in order to prevent mud and other debris from being tracked inside your home. Some homeowners choose to install carpet on their porches as well but this may lead them into more trouble when they try removing stains later on down
- Railings are another key feature of any covered porch design because they add both elegance and safety while allowing residents easy access between different levels of their home without having t walk through doors every time they want something out there (or back inside). Railings come in many different styles such as metal railings; wooden rails with lattice work design; lattice work fences around patios; decorative iron gates at entrances etc., all made specifically for outdoor use.
- Ceilings are very important when designing a structure because their main function is aesthetics–they should look good but also provide some added warmth during cooler months due to insulation properties provided by materials like insulation boards installed between joists above rafters which offer thermal resistance depending upon thicknesses selected: 1″ thick boards insulate better than ½” ones do). If you’re planning on using metal panels instead then check out our article titled “How Much Does It Cost To Install A Metal Roof?” before starting any renovations so we’ll have everything ready ahead o
Porch Size
The size of your porch is one of the most important factors in determining how much it will cost to build a covered porch. This is because the size of your porch and the materials you use will determine how long it takes to build your new space. If you are considering building a smaller, more intimate space, then there may be less work involved in construction and installation than if you are building an expansive open-air area that can comfortably fit several people at once.
You should also consider the different types of porches available:
- Open-air porches offer no protection from inclement weather or insects like mosquitoes or flies; they are ideal for warm climates where these elements don’t pose much of an issue throughout much of the year but cannot protect against heavy rainstorms or snowfall during winter months (or other seasons where those things do happen). They often feature no walls due to their design but can include railings along all sides so that people feel safe stepping out onto them safely without fear falling off into open air below them (this type would probably not be suitable for those with limited mobility).
- Covered porches offer some level protection against both cold weather conditions as well as insect pests such as mosquitoes and flies
Material Costs
If you’re building a covered porch, you’ll need to account for an additional cost for materials. There are several different ways to build a covered porch, and each has its own material needs.
- The most common way is to frame out your structure using 2×6 framing lumber, which costs around $3 per linear foot. Make sure to buy pressure treated wood if you want it last longer than 5 years in the elements—this can add $5-$10 per linear foot depending on where you live and what kind of wood you choose. Using pre-cut trusses will make your job easier at the expense of some extra money ($2-$5 per square foot).
- You’ll also need siding boards or shingles (based on where you live) and flooring materials like tongue-and-groove redwood planks or hardwood flooring planks ($4-$8 per square foot). If caulking is needed between boards, add another $1-$2 per bundle of caulk tubes (you should be able to find several bundled together at any hardware store).
Labor Costs
As with most building projects, the labor costs are usually a percentage of the total cost. Labor costs depend on several factors including:
- The size of the project. If you’re building a small structure, such as a screen porch or gazebo, you can expect to pay less for labor than if you were building an entire addition to your home.
- The complexity of the project. An addition or simple remodel will require less time to complete than finishing off an entire room in your home with drywall and paint (which would be an example of a more complex job).
- Skill level of workers on site. Depending on how much experience they have in construction projects like yours, they will likely charge more money per hour or day worked because they will need more guidance from those who do know what they’re doing—and that comes at additional expense.
Concrete Costs
Concrete is heavy, so you will need to factor in the cost of delivery. Concrete can be expensive, especially if you need a lot of it. Concrete is necessary for the foundation, flooring and walls.
Framing
Frames can be constructed of wood, metal, or concrete.
If you’re a homeowner who wants to save money and do things yourself, then this is the right way to go. If you hire someone else to do it for you (for example: a contractor), then they will likely use a different method that’s more time-consuming and costly than what we’ll discuss here.
Roofing
The roofing is the most expensive part of your covered porch. Metal roofs are cheaper than asphalt shingles, but they require more maintenance. Even if you’re planning to add on a new roof at some point in the future, it’s worth considering how much it will cost to do so before you build your porch.
Roofing materials are generally expensive because they’re heavy and require special equipment to install. If you choose a metal roof for your porch, make sure that whoever installs it has experience working with this type of material—and make sure they use proper safety precautions.
Siding
Siding is the outer layer of your porch. There are three main types of siding: wood, vinyl, and fiber cement. Wood is the most common and least expensive type of siding, but it’s not always the best choice for a porch that gets lots of sun or rain. Vinyl is a good alternative to wood if you want to keep your costs down and don’t mind sacrificing some durability for the sake of aesthetics (if it does get cracked or damaged somehow). Fiber cement provides weather-resistance and strength—but it tends to be quite expensive compared to other options.
Don’t forget to budget concrete costs and miscellaneous costs.
Don’t forget to budget for concrete costs and miscellaneous costs. Concrete is an important part of the foundation, but you’ll also need to plan for any additional materials you need, like lumber and nails. Be sure to budget for these items as well, since they can add up quickly if you’re not careful.
Conclusion
The cost of building a covered porch really depends on the size, design, and material. The best way to go about it is by getting quotes from several contractors and doing some research on your own to find out what factors affect the price. Once you have all the information you need, make sure you choose the right contractor for your project who will work with you through every step of the way.
