A cantilevered porch is a structure that extends outside the wall of a house or other building.
A cantilevered porch is a structure that extends outside the wall of a house or other building. It uses a cantilever design, meaning the beams that support the porch are fixed at only one end, meaning the other end that extends outside the structure is unsupported. While this design is aesthetically pleasing and not particularly difficult to build, it is not always the most robust option and can lead to problems with aging of the structure. A cantilever porch needs to be maintained and inspected fairly regularly to ensure it is safe to use.
The clean look of a cantilever porch has made it a favorite with builders for centuries, but structurally the design can cause problems. If the porch extends too far from the building without any additional support, the structure can become unstable and cause a swaying or bending sensation. This is especially true if common framing materials like pine are used to build the cantilevered porch. Pine is a softwood, which means it will generally have more flexibility and be more susceptible to cracking and rotting. This can lead to an unsafe porch that can bend or break at any time. Many builders choose to use hardwoods or pressure-treated lumber to build the cantilever porch.
If the porch is built correctly, it can be a nice and aesthetically pleasing addition to the house. Supports are not required on the outside edge of the porch, so the space under the porch will not be obstructed by posts or other supports. The porch itself can be a nice place to sit or stand, and additional features like a screen or roof can add to the aesthetic and functional appeal. Even if the structure is built correctly, regular inspection will be required to ensure that the wood does not crack, bend, or break under the weight of the structure.
Builders often follow certain guidelines that determine how far a particular porch can be suspended. If you don’t have enough overhang, the space may not be functional. If you have too much overhang, the structure can become unstable or unsafe for use. The size of the joists will generally dictate this distance, as will the materials of the joists and the spacing between each joist. Stronger materials and thicker, wider beams will allow for a longer overhang.
