Plans for a New Back Porch

Our back porch has never been under much consideration. It serves a function and it's just there. Dan had to add the railings when we first moved in, but other than that, it hasn't factored into our remodeling ideas. 

Old photo from 2011. It was the best I could find to show you the whole area.

The problem has been the steps. I'm not sure who built them; I suppose the same guy who did all the other puzzling things we've discovered as we've repaired and remodeled this 100-year-old house. Both the rise and run of each step is slightly different. The tread width of our stairs varies from 8 to 9 inches for each step, while the standard is a minimum of 10 inches (consistent for each step!) The run varies between 7 and 8 inches, which is fine except each step is different. These things make them awkward to ascend and descend, especially when carrying things. From time to time, Dan has mentioned building a deck to replace them, but it wasn't until the other day that we got to talking and said, why not? 

The plan is to make the deck width from the blue exterior wall of 'the addition' to the near edge of the existing porch (12 feet). The length will be from the back door, ending before the corner downspout and Japanese maple tree (14 Feet). A landing and stairs will be built alongside, the stairs facing the same direction they are now. 

So that's the plan. In the meantime, Dan continues his calculations and we begin to collect materials.

The red box houses our solar battery bank. It can't be moved and so defines the deck width.

So we ended up with a project for 2026 after all. 😃

Plans for a New Back Porch © Sept. 2026

 by Leigh at https://www.5acresandadream.com