How to Build a Screen Porch on a Patio
- 1). Measure the outside edge of the covered patio. Get the measurement between each support post.
- 2). Transfer the measurements to 2-by-4 boards and cut them with a power saw. Make two boards for each section between posts -- one for the top and one for the bottom. These are the top and bottom plates of the screen framing.
- 3). Paint the boards or stain them depending on your preference, and set them out to dry for several hours.
- 4). Raise one board to the ceiling between support posts. Drill 3-inch screws through the board and into the ceiling. Repeat for each section between support posts.
- 5). Drop a plumb line from the top plate down to the floor to show you where exactly the bottom plate should be.
- 6). Place bottom plates where the plumb line indicates. Drill 3-inch masonry screws through the boards and into the patio to secure them.
- 7). Get the measurement of the height between the top and bottom plates. Cut 2-by-4 boards to fit this height. You will space the boards, or frame studs, no more than every 4 feet in between the supports.
- 8). Paint or stain the stud boards the same as you did the others.
- 9). Slide the studs in between the top and bottom plates at the proper spacing. Drill 3-inch screws through the studs at an angle and into the plates.
- 10
Roll out the screen so that it is a couple inches longer than the height of the frame. Cut the screen with wire snips. - 11
Staple the screen to the top of the section with a staple gun. - 12
Stretch the screen down and staple it at the bottom, and then repeat by stretching and stapling the sides. Continue with each section between studs. - 13
Measure the outside edge of the framing again and cut 1-inch wide wood strips to fit. Paint or stain the strips and let them dry. - 14
Place the wood strips over the screen framing. Tack the strips in place with finishing nails. Counter sink the nails slightly and cover up the heads with wood putty. - 15
Sand the putty smooth in an hour after it dries and touch up with paint.
