Questions about incorporating a deck with an existing covered porch

2 years ago

Hey all,

We are looking to build a deck in our backyard, and situate it off of our existing covered porch and have a few questions. Pic of the backyard/porch is below.

When connecting a new deck to an existing porch, has anyone set the height of the deck flush with the porch, so there is no step? The existing porch is concrete and the deck will be either wood or composite (probably the latter), so I'm not sure how that would look.

If it is best to not set the height flush, is there a certain number of steps below the height of the porch that is best? Can it be just one step down (meaning, there is no actual step, you just step down from the porch onto the deck)?

We have a somewhat awkward step out the back door onto the porch that we would like to fix/eliminate so that we can walk out of the house onto the porch without a step. We thought we might be able to solve this problem and answer the questions above by just installing the deck over the existing porch surface, then letting it extend out into the yard as originally planned, essential converting the porch to one large deck where part of it is covered and part is not. We'd need to re-set those porch posts, and there would be extra decking to install, but I can't think of why this wouldn't work? Would this look wierd?

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Comments (6)

PRO
BeverlyFLADeziner
2 years ago
Are you planning to simply add the extended patio the same width as the current patio?

I would not add a tripping hazard like a step. I don't see any reason to not keep it the same height. However, I would use concrete to extend the patio and not wood or composite.

Less maintenance in the long run IMO.

https://www.bobvila.com/articles/concrete-slab-cost/
cvw_ky
Original Author
2 years ago
Thanks for the reply. Probably going to make the new surface a little wider than the existing porch. I'll see if I can take some better pics and mark off what I am thinking.
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PRO
BeverlyFLADeziner
2 years ago
Your home looks well constructed. I'd hate to see a wood deck which IMO would diminish the appearance of the home.
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
2 years ago
Can we see the plans I cannot see why a well made wood deck would not work if designed properly Is the floor of the porch just concrete , is there a way to add the new deck floor to the porch for both continuity and to make the step into the house be better. From what I see the porch is not very depp maybe post the measurements of the porch for sure. I happen to love decks but I find often peope do too small for a good deck . Whata re you planning to have on the deck? That IMO will drive the size .I think I misunderstood where the step from the door is I see the big issue on the right. You need to get a good deck builder/ designer to make this seem seamless which I agree would be a nice idea. I usually design decks like home with areas for different uses . For instance I like the grill area to be close to the home's kitchen for ease of use and the the dining area next to that to make sense then the seating which in oyur case can be alsmost like a FR and a LR if you do daek all across the back.
Jhoom Rabbani
last month
I’ve done this by checking the porch’s framing first. As long as your ledger sits at the right height and you keep proper drainage and flashing, making both surfaces flush works fine.
PRO
Norwood Architects
last month
Makes the most sense to have the deck floor and the covered porch floor at the same height. That shouldn't be a problem. Would suggest you have your contractor come to the site and evaluate. He or she may be able to tell you if there are any unforeseen problems.