Porch Design Solution: Covering a Sun-Drenched Deck

The Plan

The homeowner collaborated with the designer/builder of the house, Brian McCracken, to come up with a plan for the new 10-by-14-foot covered porch, which went up on the existing deck framing. Not wanting to forgo open-air grilling, however, he added a scaled-down 6-by-7 deck—which did require new footings—off the end of it. A square-baluster railing, chunky columns, tongue-and-groove ipe flooring, and lots of trimwork details give the new back room front-porch polish. Says McCracken, "You feel like you're in another room of the house, not just an outdoor space."

The original 6x6 deck supports were wrapped with Azek boards to create a beefier look.