How to Finish a 3-Season Porch

Install exterior-grade glass doors between the house and the porch, so the porch can be closed off from the house when the need arises. Choose French doors if you have enough room to install them -- they allow more light to pass through and offer a better view than a single door.

Lay down wood flooring, if possible, and stain it to match your furniture. This reflects typical deck flooring but is still versatile enough to fit both home and porch decor. Other appropriate floor coverings include tile and outdoor carpeting, which are both resistant to moisture and will last a long time.

Install wood baseboard trim. Like a wood floor, these will expand and contract with the fluctuating temperatures. If you use synthetic molding, choose a type that is exterior-grade.

Paint the walls and trim with an exterior paint. These are available in both oil-based and water-based formulas. Pure 100 percent acrylic paint is the best option for water-based paint because it is more flexible than latex paint with a small amount of latex. Apply a primer and two thin coats of paint for results that will last. Always choose paint that is designed for the type of surface you are painting.

Hang exterior-grade lights, fans or light/fan combination fixtures from the rafters or ceiling, and install matching sconces on the house walls. These outdoor light fixtures stand up to the fluctuating temperatures of a three-season porch, and the fans are a welcome addition when the dog days of summer arrive.