Adding a porch to the side of your house expands the area where you and your family can relax or entertain guests. The process of adding a side porch involves laying a gravel and concrete porch base to provide a sturdy footing for your porch, then bu...
Safely remodel your outdoor patio area by building proper temporary supports for the patio cover. The patio cover functions as a roof -- and if it's not supported, it will be in danger of sinking, sagging and even falling apart. An unsupported patio...
When you build a porch, the structure should slope away from the house. This stops water from pooling at the point where the porch meets the house and prevents water damage. Controlling the slope of a porch is relatively straightforward when pouring...
A screened-in porch helps you enjoy the outdoors without worrying about mosquitoes and other pests. The screen also helps keep dirt and yard debris out of the porch area while the roof keeps you dry under normal rainfall. However, this does not mean...
A porch railing dresses up an old or dated porch, but also acts as a safety feature. This small railing is the only thing that keeps you, your guests and your children from falling over the side of an exposed porch. Most home improvement stores sell...
Patio framing prevents the tiles or paving slabs used to form the top of the patio from slipping and moving out of place over time. The frame forms a barrier between the patio and the ground surrounding it and as such it provides a service that is ne...
A common form of patio cover is the pergola. The pergola does not protect from rain, but will allow light to filter to the patio area. Pergolas provide some shade as well as architectural beauty. This type of patio cover is especially attractive in...
As your needs change or your family grows, you may need to adjust the size of your porch or deck. The extension that you add to a current outdoor structure should be at the same level or have steps leading down to a lower level. Creating an extension...
Balconies provide a place to entertain guests or relax after a hard day's work. But if the balcony is not covered, you leave yourself susceptible to harmful UV rays and rain. Manufactured balcony covers -- sometimes called awnings -- can be overprice...
Brick quoining is an attractive way to add detail to the corners of your brick structure. It is not a difficult project if you are familiar with brick laying techniques. The quoining gives the appearance of cornerstones found in many older buildings...
