Project Summary

My first attempt at building a 9×16 DIY front porch deck from scratch. No prior experience — just research, determination, and a lot to learn.

The Goal: Building a DIY Front Porch Deck

I wanted a simple front porch deck that would improve the entryway and give the house more presence. The plan was straightforward: basic framing, stairs, and railing — nothing fancy.

At the time, I thought careful measuring and following online tutorials would be enough.

It wasn’t.

The Plan

• 9×16 pressure-treated deck
• Ground-level with stairs
• Standard railing system
• Lattice skirting

I mapped it out, bought the materials, and committed to figuring it out as I went.

The Process

• Some cuts weren’t perfectly square
• Railing spacing required rework
• Stairs took multiple attempts to get right
• I underestimated how precise framing needs to be

None of it was catastrophic — but all of it was educational.

What I’d Do Differently

• Double-check squareness at every stage
• Pre-plan stair measurements more carefully
• Take more time in layout before cutting

Most problems came from rushing early steps.

The Final Result

Despite the learning curve, the deck stands solid and functional. It improved the look of the house and gave me the confidence to build the next one better.

It wasn’t perfect — but it was the beginning.

Lessons From This Build

• Structure matters more than cosmetics
• Small errors multiply
• Patience saves time
• Building skill comes from doing

Explore More Builds

See how the next project improved on these early lessons.