Making a Carport into a Covered Porch

Published by: Donna Kshir
Published on: 2010-01-10 15:26:13

A great way to increase the available living space in your home is to turn your carport into a covered porch. A covered porch offers protection from the elements of outdoor living, along with creating the outdoor living experience. There is no need to change or alter your carport's construction; you can create and decorate the space as a covered porch through flooring, outdoor furniture, throw rugs, bamboo blinds, stained glass windows, window treatments, potted plants and decorative accessories.

Step One:

Add floor tile or interlocking rubber flooring over the existing cement floor in your carport. You can find the perfect flooring to meet you and your family's needs at your local home improvement store. Regardless of the color and style you choose, for best results always follow the manufacturer's instructions. Another easy and affordable alternative for flooring is to install indoor/outdoor carpeting to your covered porch floor.

Step Two:

Select and add outdoor furniture to transform your carport into a covered porch. Add a wicker sofa or loveseat with matching end tables. For added seating add a few lounge chairs; this will create added seating and create a cozy and comfy feel to your new space. Add cushions and throw pillows for added comfort and style.

It is also a good idea to create a dining area. Whether you are eating outdoor meals with the family or entertaining friends, finding the perfect table and chairs are a must. The biggest problem you will have depends on the amount of square footage your new space has to offer.

Step Three:

Once you have selected the perfect furniture pallet, add window treatments to your carport to help create the look and feel of a covered porch. Most carports have two open sides that you can easily cover with sheer outdoor fabric or bamboo blinds. When hanging bamboo blinds, attach metal braces according to the manufacturer's instructions. It is also a good idea to attach clip rings to the curtains and thread them on a tension rod. Place the tension rod across the top of the opening with screw eyes.

Step Four:

To create the perfect covered porch, hang stained-glass windows in the center of the openings to create a waterfall of colored glass. It creates a stylish and elegant feeling throughout your new space.

Step Five:

Make your new outdoor living space personal. Create a wall of hanging plants in decorative pottery on the open sides of your new covered porch. In addition to potted plants; add family photographs, flower arrangements, throw rugs and decorative art work.

Decorate your new covered porch, as you would your indoor living space; after all, your bringing the indoors out.

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