I'm thinking about building a back porch but I've never had experience with such a big project. I'm finding plenty of books and documents on how to build a deck but very few about building a porch. Is a porch just a deck with a roof or is there more to it?
Is a porch just a deck with a roof
deck
Related Solutions
Cedar is naturally rot-resistant, but not 100% rot proof. Keep it clean & dry.
Leaves are especially good at promoting rot. They are design to turn in to new soil to feed the tree they fall from, so they rot fast. If they clump up on your deck, they will hold moisture & invite fungus to break them down. That will hurt your deck, too.
In general, look for anything that will hold moisture against your deck. Yard debris, a door mat, etc.
EDIT
IPE is very very nice and really good material. As to your concern of slipping then using an anti slip decking oil will be most effective. Be sure to look at DD5/DD6 Anti-slip specially designed for this use. And protects from mould and algae
Sealed IPE
Please take a look at this post, maybe it could help you too.
How can I improve traction on an outdoor plywood ramp?
It is a bit of a shame putting anti slip strips that could ruin the look- but maybe wisely choosing areas for some strips is a good idea.
There are other solutions specially made for decks.
You can get these fancy strips that will plug into these pre made deck planks
You can also get various sizes and colours of antislip tack strips that you attach to any sort of decking plank
Also you can take a look at this alternative. It could be difficult to clean though. But if you deck has enough space for leaves and bit to fall through it- it might be goood
Best Answer
It depends. (Notice how many of our answers begin like that?)
A deck is a structure, usually attached to a building, that supports people and furniture in a somewhat open area. As some comments point out, because deck flooring is exposed to weather, there are generally drainage gaps in the floor.
A porch is generally a deck-like space with a roof, attached to a building. As also stated, porches often have tight floors since little water/snow lands on them to need drainage.
But there are numerous variations on porches, and these have a significant bearing on their construction.
Weight - The foundation of the porch structure needs to be able to support the roof and a possible snow load (depending on your location) and wind shear force (again depending on your location).
Drainage - Unless the porch is fully enclosed with walls and windows (at which point it is approaching an unheated room), you need some drainage to allow rain or snow that comes in form the sides to exit. This has a bearing on how you structure the edges of the roof and the edges of the deck. You may need gutters, weep holes or other moisture diverters.
Sides - These may be fully open, railed, screened, partially walled or even windowed-in. All of these factors have bearing on the construction details, the weight bearing system and the drainage.
Lighting - You need to consider whether you need additional lighting if a roof is added. Decks generally have only peripheral lighting, but porches often have ceiling lighting as well.
Ventilation - A porch may need additional circulation and fans are often used, not usually found on decks.
Codes - There may be different permits and regulations depending on whether the structure is considered a deck or porch. You need to check with your local building authority.