...: Marsh Chatter
Progress Happens
When we last left this story, the removal of the old broken down porch/steps was complete and we were prepping to rebuild. Progress and headway is the short story here.
Got to have strong base!
The old porch wasn't very strong to begin with... while the wood was good size - the spacing was wrong, the fasteners were wrong, and it only used two vertical posts. The new one uses proper fasteners, modern AC2 2X6 - doubled up for joists and blocking 1 foot on center - using appropriate hangers, 1/4" per foot back to front "droop" for drainage, and 2x10 ledgers bolted in-place. All galvanized fasteners. The porch is strong and does not move!
Partial view of deck, looking down stairs
Note the decking is laid perpendicular to the enclosed porch (not parallel). This lends a bit of ol' timeyness to the porch - given the house is about 90-100 yrs old. Also in this view you can see the steps going down. They are now 42 inches wide and both of us can walk up side-by-side... yes! that's what I said. That's an extra 10 inches in width.
Still to be done - the last "step" - actually more of a platform that will tie into new timbers to make this space look more like a garden bed. Additionally, we are debating closing off the undersides - lattice of some sort. So this weekend, I should have pics of the finished structure.
Destruction First
Labor Day weekend - means labor about the house. This year, a more than overdue project has to be done - or we have to use another means to get in/out of the house. This project is our back porch (a quasi-deck). This was going to be a July 4th project, but other activities required that time. The railing wasn't leaning so much at that point, but by the end of July, it was like this.
Before. Notice the railing?
This porch was part of the house when we bought it and we suspect it is now at least 20 years old (could be more). We haven't leaned against the railing in several years, in fact we kept a chair & planters there - to keep us from going to that side of the porch.
Another reason to replace the porch
As you can see... whoever build the entry porch did not use quality hardware, built to outlast a Michigan winter (aka shoveling w/ice melting salt). Additionally, as I took it apart - it turns out they liked "drywall" screws a lot. Definitely not made for external application! A least they did through-bolt the ledger and the posts. Too bad the posts were connected to a board held on by 3" drywall screws "into end grain".
Creating a pile of debris
To clear out the work area - we have to create a pile of debris - all the parts of the porch will be moved to the backyard and much of it will become lawn ornaments.
Ready to rebuild
The house is about 90 years old so we aren't going to put up a "golden replacement"... it will be strong and serviceable. Modern hangers and appropriate decking screws. Stainless through-bolts. Alas... we will stick with modern treated wood. Composite would be way too expensive for this house.
Off to do more...