How to Do a Three Season Porch Yourself

Measure the porch space to create a workable enclosure design. Draw the house and the porch area to scale on graph paper, using one square of graph paper to represent 6 inches. Define the best way to cover the exterior of the porch to enclose all walls. Use house siding, windows or glass blocks, as possible choices.

Make any needed repairs to the porch. Check the roof for leaks and the foundation and flooring for gaps or cracks. Replace old asphalt shingles with new shingles, if needed, and include metal flashing along the house seam to protect the three season porch from any future leaks.

Insulate the foundation of the porch and the attic rafters. Install insulation between floor joists by working under the porch crawlspace, if there is room. Take down plywood in the porch roof to staple fiberglass insulation and plan how you will run electrical wiring needed for any new light fixtures.

Install 2-by-4-inch framing boards to enclose the porch space. Create window openings or openings for French doors or sliding doors, for example. Nail wall studs on 16-inch centers to surround the porch space.

Nail up house siding and install windows and glass for the porch. Enclose the exterior and add any walk-out doors, sliding doors or French doors in the framework. Caulk all seams and gaps to block air flow and keep out moisture.

Install interior insulation in the wall areas and run plumbing and wiring. Staple up insulation between wall studs and route any water pipes or electric wires while studs are open and not covered with drywall.

Nail up drywall in the ceiling and wall areas. Add beadboard or stacked stone to walls, if you want to use these materials. Finish up the drywall seams with joint compound, sand and paint the room.

Install flooring, such as carpet or tile. Cut baseboards to fit around the room and finish up any wood trim around windows, doors or cabinets you will build.

Buy porch furniture and a portable electric heater. Choose wicker furniture, plants in large containers and appropriate artwork for the walls. Give the porch an outdoor feeling by using casual furnishings versus formal furniture. Purchase an oil-filled radiator heater that runs on 110 volts, as an excellent energy-efficient choice.