Advice for UK style porch

[mopowers]

A while back JMB started a thread titled Oak Porch. I thought it was a fantastic project and like usual i found his work to be very inspirational. I just got the opportunity to build something similar. Its just a bit out of my comfort range as far as design/scaling and joinery. I would like to use some basic traditional joinery, which i know next to nothing about, although i am very excited about the challenge. In an effort to produce the best product i possibly can i thought i would open a discussion and take comments on my ideas.

Here is a picture of the job. I have been hired to design and build a roof over the entry door. Notice one roof valley dumps right on to the stoop. Due to the location of the stairs and the landscaping, supporting post are not an option, gallow brackets will carry the load.

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My current ideas

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For the size of the timbers i am thinking around 3"x4"s for the brackets and rafters, larger for the collar tie (3x6?). 2x tongue and groove spruce for the roof deck. All stained to match the large screened in porch. I am only open to using locally produced lumber for this project so here are my options.

White cedar- from the beginning i planed to use cedar but just recently started to rethink it. Still my first choice.
                  I live close to the worlds best white cedar mill.
                  minimal to no shrinking and movement
                  will outlast other options
                  very light weight
                  i am worried about its strength with the mortice and tendon joints as well as checking.

Hemlock- A bit more difficult to source from a quality mill.
             hard, hard, hard once dry.
             heavy
             holds up to mother nature very well

White pine- very available and low cost
                easy milling
                in my opinion looks great.
                takes a beating in the northern New England weather.

               

               
                 

 

[mopowers]

Another aspect i am contemplating is whether to have barge rafters or just keep it the way it is drawn.

 

[tiralie]

I think it looks good. Maybe needs to be a little bit beefier. I would use white cedar. You should be able to gets some nice clear stuff in VT.
Weill you stain it to match the screened in porch?
Tim

 

[Kev]

I'm concerned with the aesthetics ... If the window wasn't above the door I think the treatment could be ok, but the different pitches could make this look like an afterthought.

 

[tiralie]

I'm concerned with the aesthetics ... If the window wasn't above the door I think the treatment could be ok, but the different pitches could make this look like an afterthought.

I like your drawing! It would interesting to see see your design in elevation vs the close up 3D, to see how it worked with the pitches. What other options do you have?
I wouldn't worry about it looking like an afterthought, visually it's a relief after trying to get over the behemoth that is the screened in porch.
Tim

 

[rljatl]

The three windows over the door look similar, if not the same, as the windows beneath the two roof pitches (dormers?).  It would be interesting to see a mock up of a similar roof pitch over the three windows above the door.  Will probably look out of place, but maybe not.  I think it would be worth seeing a mockup.

 

[mopowers]

Thanks for your thoughts guys.

Afterthought... yes  ;D

I am getting attached to the design so i think i am going to run with it. I agree Tim that it could be a little beefier, i am thinking just in the brackets. Less curvy too. Unfortunately even in these parts clear white cedar is a rarity. Small solid knots pass for #1. I will most likely use cedar and stain to match the porch. Cabot oil if i can get it dark enough. Maybe i will hit up Scott B for a recommendation  [tongue]. I find staining cedar to be a bit tricky.

Next is to do some r&d on my joinery. I do plan on many hidden GRK screws as insurance. I would like to leave some exposed pegs but not sure what kind of wood would hold up.

For anyone who read my other post this job got a Festool rating of 5. Its a go.

1. TS 75
2. Trion
3. Rotex
4. MFT
5. OF 1400

(5&6?) what a great excuse to get a Domino XL and or OF 2200.

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[mopowers]

The three windows over the door look similar, if not the same, as the windows beneath the two roof pitches (dormers?).  It would be interesting to see a mock up of a similar roof pitch over the three windows above the door.  Will probably look out of place, but maybe not.  I think it would be worth seeing a mockup.

Thats an interesting thought. It might not be as effective in keeping the occupants dry that high up the wall.

 

[mopowers]

This project is off to a good start and i am having a lot of fun with it. I know its a small project but i have never done anything like this before with this sort of joinery so its exciting. 

Once i started i realized there was no support in the wall for the brackets. I was counting on at least double studs on each side of the sidelights but it was just a single. This was my solution for support behind the brackets. Horizontal 2x8's with deep pocket screws and hardened deck screws into the studs. The rafters along the wall will also be bolted to the rim joist and 2nd floor studs to take some of the load.

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First time using drawbored mortise & tenon.

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I decided to use mahogany dowels for the pegs.

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[TomGadwa1]

Looking great! I admire your talents!

 

[TurnagainD]

Looks great, way to get after it.  I like the looks of your set up too.

Kevin

 

[mopowers]

Looks great, way to get after it.  I like the looks of your set up too.

I take it you mean the trailer set up. Its a new system for me. I have had the trailer for years and it has always been a piled up mess. Just a few weeks ago i took two days and 8 sheets of ply to outfit my own Paulk inspired trailer. Its such a pleasure to have such an organized space.