Ethel Ave. Porch

Written By Jesse Carter

Multiple structural issues and rotted flooring, columns and framing joists were found on a two-story porch on Ethel Avenue in Lakewood. These types of jobs require special attention of the order of the reconstruction process; structural members must be temporarily supported when certain phases of the work is being done. Safety reinforcements are a requirement, and careful planning is a must.

We began by installing notched 24-foot long 2x8’s on each corner; 2-ply notched 2x6’s on either side of the upper middle column. With the bottom end cut at the right angle, the temporary supports rests on a sturdy block that can be reinforced with rebar through a drilled hole to prevent slipping. Although weight above is distributed and secured with the sheer strength of the front of the house, it’s a necessary step since we’ll be working under the top porch roof and second floor.

  • Temporary supports installed

  • Temporary lower porch columns installed

  • First floor ceiling removed

  • First floor framing and flooring removed

  • Steps removed

After these steps, we began re-framing the front lower porch and installed the flooring—ACRE by Modern Mill floors are PVC and corn husks, so the flooring can be stained later. It mimics the look of red oak somewhat, and it’s a great choice for a lasting porch floor to withstand the elements of Cleveland weather.

  • New pressure-treated framing installed

  • Ends of rim joists rest on brick cut-outs for bearing

  • Ledger installed with ThruLOK bolts; ‘W’ pattern

  • Stainless steel cleat nails used to secure flooring

  • 1/4” per foot slope for water run-off to front

After that, we installed a 24’ long LVL beam, and additional supports so that the weight from the upper porch floor/roof would be directed straight down with positive connections. Then we installed the new lower porch ceiling—knotty yellow pine just like the old days, and with a good dark stain in the Spring it’ll look and feel like an original Lakewood porch.

Then we’ll tear off the old upper porch floor roofing material and replace it, and also replace the upper columns as well. Finally, we’ll install the steps, railing, and lattice. We hope this will add another 50-100 years to the life of this home!

Jesse Carter