Deck Creations recently transformed an aging rear stoop and stamped concrete patio into a fully integrated outdoor living space anchored by a custom 16×16 screened porch. The project required full demolition before new foundations, framing, and hardscape installation began.
The result is a permanent structure designed for durability, natural light, and architectural alignment with the home.
Structural Design and Roof System
The screened porch was constructed on a full foundation with stone veneer selected to complement the existing masonry. Structural support includes 6×6 pressure-treated posts engineered to carry a gable roof system with architectural shingles.
Design elements include:
- Vaulted ceiling with unfinished cedar tongue-and-groove planks
- Screened gable ends with decorative beam detailing
- Three curb-mounted Velux 2×4 skylights with Low-E3, argon-filled, double-pane glass
- 4-inch aluminum gutters with gutter guards
The skylight placement increases daylight penetration while maintaining insulation performance and weather protection. The vaulted ceiling enhances airflow and visual volume without compromising structural integrity.
TimberTech Flooring and Integrated Hardscape
The porch flooring features TimberTech Terrain Collection decking in Brown Oak, installed parallel to the primary access wall with a single picture-frame border. This composite system was selected for moisture resistance, dimensional stability, and long-term performance in Virginia’s seasonal climate.
Black UltraMax aluminum railing provides durability with minimal visual obstruction.
Beyond the porch, approximately 102 square feet of Belgard Dimensions pavers in Cheswick (Pattern B) were installed over a properly prepared base:
- 8 inches of excavation
- 5 inches of compacted gravel
- 1-inch bedding sand
- 2-inch pavers
A 13-linear-foot retaining wall using Belgard Highland Stone in Chesapeake provides grade management and structural support. This layered system protects against settlement and movement common in Virginia’s clay-heavy soils and freeze-thaw cycles.
Code Compliance and Execution
The project required county permitting and inspections. Structural framing was inspected prior to enclosure, and final inspection approval marked completion.
Demolition, framing, roofing, electrical upgrades, hardscape installation, and finish work were sequenced as one coordinated build. The screened porch, paver patio, retaining wall, and drainage planning function together as a single exterior system rather than isolated upgrades.
When executed correctly, a screened porch should feel permanent, proportionate, and structurally integrated with the home. This project reflects Deck Creations’ disciplined planning, material selection, and construction standards for outdoor living in Virginia.
