There’s nothing quite like sitting out on your deck or porch and enjoying life on your own property. If you’re planning to buy a manufactured home or have already purchased one, you may want to add a deck or porch for outdoor living space. This process doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful if you know what to expect.
You can easily add this feature to your home by including the service in your initial purchase. If you prefer to tackle the project yourself later on, here are some helpful tips!
Design the Porch or Deck
When it comes to designing your porch or deck, a little planning goes a long way in creating the perfect outdoor space. Start by deciding on the design and layout that will best suit your home. Think about how large you want it to be and what shape will fit your needs. Do you want it to stretch along the entire length of the house or just extend past the front or back door? Once you have a vision in mind, be sure to check with your city or county building department about any permits or regulations to make sure your design meets all the necessary requirements.
After settling on the design, it’s time to choose the materials and colors that will bring your vision to life. While wood continues to be a classic favorite for its natural look, concrete and composite decking are both excellent options for their durability and low maintenance. Next, consider whether you’d like a covered deck or porch with a roof to provide shade and shelter, or if an open space better suits your needs.
Don’t forget to add those finishing touches that will make your outdoor space both practical and inviting. Handrails and steps are a must for safety, and a ramp could be a great addition for anyone needing easier access. Want to extend your living space even further? Think about adding lights and electrical outlets. If you’re planning to fire up the grill or try your hand at some outdoor cooking, outlets will come in handy for plugging in appliances and creating a more convenient setup for entertaining.
Purchase Your Materials
Once you have your deck or porch plan, you’ll need to buy the materials. Some materials you’ll need include:
- Lumber
- Concrete
- Decking material
- Hardware
- Fasteners
- Roofing materials
- Handrails
In addition to choosing your materials, make sure you have the right tools on hand to get the job done. A saw will help you cut the boards to the perfect size, while a drill makes assembly a breeze. Don’t forget a level and measuring tape to ensure everything lines up just right. If you want to keep weeds and grass out of the way, laying down some landscaping fabric is a good idea. And, if you’re going for a concrete deck, grab some concrete mix and gravel to create a solid foundation.
Prep the Site
Before you start building your deck or porch, it’s important to prep the area properly. Begin by clearing out weeds, grass, and any other debris to create a smooth surface. You might need to dig up shrubs or relocate a few plants if they’re in the way.
Once the area is clear, use stakes and rope to outline the space—this helps you visualize how your deck or porch will look once it’s built. Don’t forget to call the utility companies to ensure there are no hidden lines in your project area. After that, level the ground, install proper drainage, and place landscape fabric to keep weeds from popping up later. Now, you’ve got a clean and stable foundation to start building!
Build the Deck or Porch
After finishing all the prep work, you’re ready to start building! Begin with the foundation, then move on to the frame before adding the decking, roof, and handrails. If building a deck or porch sounds a bit out of your comfort zone, consider bringing in a pro to handle the construction. By taking care of the prep work yourself, you’ll save some money and still get that custom deck or porch you’ve been dreaming of.
You can find your new home at Braustin Homes and visit one of our two locations to see our models in person. Find the perfect manufactured home to match your dream porch or deck.
