ADDING A HISTORIC REPLICA TO A VINTAGE HOME.
One of our most gratifying projects was to build a historically accurate porch to complement an 1873 Mansard Colonial. The porch floor was constructed of Ipe and attached using counter sunk stainless steel screws. The holes were then covered with Ipe plugs that were glued into position and trimmed for a flush, clean finish. Solid cedar posts were constructed to support the roof. Pvc trim was utilized to construct the post bases and porch skirting, as this material is best suited to hold up to the harsh New England winters. Finally, a custom solid mahogany door replaced the existing door to bring an authenticity to the entrance.
Demolition
The existing porch was compromised in several areas and was not original to the house. It was an easy decision to remove it rather than trying to repair it.
Porch Floor
Once the existing porch was removed, new footings were installed to support the porch. Due to a lack of ground clearance, the floor was framed using doubled 2x6's set 12" on center. The floor's frame was cantilevered several inches past where the posts would sit in order to provide the owner with space for flowering pots. The Ipe flooring was installed using counter sunk stainless steel screws. Each hole then received an Ipe plug which was glued in place, cut flush, and sanded for a finished look.
Roof Framing
The porch rafters were cut to produce a slope to allow for proper drainage. After the roof sheathing was installed, a Sarnafil membrane was applied on top of the sheathing to provide protection from the elements. While more expensive than other membranes on the market, we feel Sarnafil is worth the extra investment.
Siding & Trim
The porch posts were solid 6x6 cedar beams. The trim was constructed of pvc which is impervious to rot and will ultimately hold paint better than wood. The porch post details were derived by studying pictures from older homes. Samples of different designs were produced for the client to ultimately select the final style.
Stairs, Skirting & Door
The stairs were installed using the same method as the decking. Ipe boards were pre-drilled and stainless steel screws were used to fasten the boards to the stringers. The holes were then glued, plugged and sanded smooth. All of the porch skirting was pvc and installed using a combination of stainless steel screws and/ or stainless finish nails. Finally, a custom solid wood mahogany door was installed to complete the back porch renovation.
Finished Product
About The Author
Derck Sturgeon is the owner of Sturgeon Construction & Restoration LLC. Derck grew up in Glens Falls, New York in the Adirondack region and drew inspiration from the rural area he was raised in. He began his construction career in upstate New York and has experience renovating properties throughout New England. With over twenty years of construction experience, Derck's broad depth of knowledge, strong interpersonal skills, creative approach to design, and meticulous focus on detail allows his company to work on a wide scope of projects from basic repairs to full home renovations.