DIY Front Porch Overhangs

Measure and mark the corners of the front porch overhang. Drive wooden stakes into the ground to mark the corners and the location of the support posts.

Dig a hole at the location of each support post. The hole should be 18 inches deep and 12 inches wide.

Mix the concrete with water, following the manufacturer’s instructions, and fill each hole two-thirds full with the concrete mix.

Sink a long bolt from the post base connector kit into the middle of the hole filled with concrete mix. Backfill the hole with concrete. Use a plumbline, or plumb-bob, to help make sure the bolts stand up straight. Let the concrete cure overnight.

Secure a bracket from the post base connector kit to each of the bolts that you set in concrete.

Cut the 4-by-4 posts to the height you want for the overhang. Keep in mind that if you want a pitched overhang, you must cut the tops of the posts at an angle.

Place the posts into the connectors, and use the nuts and bolts that came in the connector kits to secure the lumber. Use a level to help make sure the posts stand straight.

Make the frame for the roof of the overhang. Cut four pieces of 2-by-8 lumber so they measure the length of the porch, plus an additional 8 inches. Connect the pieces of lumber with screws so you have a rectangular frame. Cut the 2-by-4 lumber pieces as long as the inside of the frame you just made. Use screws to secure the 2-by-4 lumber inside the frame, starting at the center, spacing each piece 18 inches apart.

Place the frame onto the posts, and secure it with bolts. Hold the bolts in place using washers and nuts.

Cut a 5/8-inch sheet piece of plywood to size that covers the overhang roof frame. Secure the plywood to the frame with screws.

Secure roofing felt, cut to size, over the plywood using roofing tacks.

Install shingles onto the roof of the overhang that match the roof of your home.