How to Build a Wooden Porch

Oak framed porches are a great addition to any entrance. This article will take you through the different ways to build a wooden porch from the foundations to the tiles and the commonly asked questions.

Not only will an oak porch add style to your entrance it offers practical advantages like protecting you from the weather and a handy place for your boots.

You can design and build a porch yourself, but you’ll need to be an accomplished DIYer and by the time you have designed your porch, bought and fashioned the timber the cost will probably be more than buying a porch frame kit. With a kit you can still get the enjoyment of building your porch but with the knowledge that the parts will fit together with precision. You can even get an oak porch designed to your specification.

If you don’t feel up to the job you can get a local builder or carpenter to build your kit for you.

Trade Oak offer a range of porch frame kits which will give you total control over the final look, which can be as simple or as elaborate as you wish. The kit comes with a design plan with all the parts numbered. The parts are labelled with corresponding numbers making assembly easy to follow.

Can other woods be used for a porch?

Other types of wood can be used such as pine or Douglas fir, but oak should be the preferred choice because it looks great, has character and will last for hundreds of years. 

Do I need planning permission?

Most porches don’t need planning permission as long as they are no taller than 3 metres and the floor is no bigger than 3 square metres. However, if your home is listed or in a conservation area it’s possible that permission will be needed.

Do I need foundations for a porch?

Yes, because foundations will form a stable platform that will stop the porch separating from the wall of your house. 

How is a wooden porch connected to a building?

The uprights and rafters should be bolted to the house and flashing should always be installed between the porch roof and house. 

What type of porches are available?

There are numerous types of porches including Plinth Porches which sit on a dwarf wall, Full Post Porches and numerous others. Trade Oak’s design team can design a bespoke porch tailor made to your specification and to any size you require.  

Is an oak porch kit the best option?

With a Trade Oak porch kit, you get the best of both worlds, a porch that’s made from oak beams and traditional joints that will fit together easily and precisely. The porch will stand up to all weathers and will last for generations.

In many cases, the addition of an oak porch is all it takes to give your home a stylish, welcoming look.