Adding a porch to your trailer house can significantly enhance your outdoor living space, providing a comfortable area to relax, entertain, or enjoy the outdoors. Whether you’re envisioning a small entry porch or a more expansive BBQ porch trailer, adding a porch to the rear part of your trailer can increase both its functionality and aesthetic appeal.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of building a porch on your trailer house, covering everything from planning and materials to construction and safety tips.

Step 1: Plan Your Porch Design

Before you begin building your porch on the rear part of the trailer, it’s essential to plan your design. Consider the following factors when planning your porch:

  • Size and Layout: How much space do you want for your porch? If you want a small, functional porch, a 6×6 or 8×8 platform might be sufficient. However, if you envision an area for entertaining or a BBQ setup, you may need a larger space.

  • Access to the Trailer: The porch should be accessible from the interior of your trailer house. If you’re adding a porch at the rear part of the trailer, make sure that the design allows for easy entry and exit.

  • Aesthetic: The design of your porch should complement the overall look of your trailer house. Choose materials and finishes that match or enhance the existing style of the trailer.

  • Budget: Establish a budget for your project. Building a porch can range from an affordable DIY project to a larger construction endeavor, depending on your design and materials.

Step 2: Gather Materials and Tools

Once you’ve settled on a design, gather the necessary materials and tools for building your porch. The specific materials you need will depend on your design, but the basics typically include:

  • Pressure-treated wood (for the floor, frame, and supports)
  • Decking boards (to create the surface of the porch)
  • Screws and nails
  • Concrete (for footings or piers to support the porch)
  • Railings (optional for added safety and design)
  • Tools: Drill, saw, hammer, level, measuring tape, and post-hole digger

Step 3: Lay the Foundation

The foundation of your porch is crucial for stability and safety. Depending on your trailer house design and the ground conditions, you can choose between a concrete pier foundation, a concrete slab, or a simple gravel base.

  • Concrete Piers: Dig holes at the four corners of your porch area, ensuring they are deep enough to reach stable ground (usually 2-3 feet). Pour concrete into the holes, and insert sturdy posts to create the support beams of the porch.

  • Concrete Slab: For a more permanent foundation, you can pour a concrete slab for your porch. This is a good option if you want a solid, level surface for your porch.

  • Gravel: If you’re building a smaller, temporary porch, a gravel foundation can provide a stable base, though it may not be as durable as concrete options.

Step 4: Build the Frame and Install the Decking

After setting up the foundation, it’s time to build the frame of the porch. Use pressure-treated wood to create the support beams for the floor. Ensure that the frame is square and level to guarantee that the decking will be stable.

  1. Install the Support Beams: Attach the support beams to the foundation, securing them with brackets or bolts. The beams should be spaced evenly (typically 16 inches apart) to provide solid support for the decking.

  2. Lay the Decking Boards: Once the frame is built, begin laying the decking boards across the frame. Leave a small gap between each board to allow for drainage and prevent water buildup. Secure the boards with screws or nails to ensure they’re tightly in place.

  3. Install the Railings (Optional): If you want a railing for added safety or aesthetic appeal, install posts along the edges of the porch. Attach the railing boards securely to the posts, ensuring they are sturdy and at the appropriate height.

Step 5: Finish and Add Details

Once the basic structure of your porch is complete, you can finish the details to enhance its look and functionality:

  • Paint or Stain: Treat the wood with a weatherproof sealant, stain, or paint to protect it from the elements and match the style of your trailer house.

  • Lighting: Adding outdoor lighting can make the porch more inviting, especially for evening use. Consider installing solar lights along the steps or hanging lights from the overhead beams.

  • Decor: Add furniture, plants, or decorative elements to make the porch more comfortable and welcoming. A BBQ porch trailer might also benefit from a designated cooking area or storage space for grilling tools.

Step 6: Safety Considerations

Make sure your porch is structurally sound and safe to use. Check that the foundation is level and that the deck boards are securely attached. If you have small children or pets, consider installing safety railings around the perimeter of the porch to prevent accidents.

Conclusion

Building a porch on a trailer house can be a rewarding DIY project that adds both beauty and function to your mobile living space. By carefully planning your design, using the right materials, and following proper construction techniques, you can create a porch that enhances the comfort and aesthetic of your home. Whether you’re adding a small entry porch or a BBQ porch trailer, the end result will be a space where you can relax and enjoy the outdoors.