How to Build RV Porch

August 26, 2022

RVs are increasingly becoming a permanent abode for many due to their incredible versatility. In addition to enjoying all the amenities you get at home; you can also take full advantage of the outdoor space just outside your camper van. Though, to do so you will need to indulge yourself in a rather creative DIY task. The goal of the task is to make an RV porch or a deck so you can relax outdoors whenever you are in the mood to soak in mother nature.

Unlike many other time-consuming and capital-intensive DIY tasks, making an RV deck isn’t such a big deal. With the right tools and materials, you will be able to build a deck that is not only visually appealing but also practical for everyday usage. Keep in mind that irrespective of the design you want for your RV porch, the materials and tools required would largely be the same.

Required Materials

You can either use wood or aluminum, both have their pros and cons. Wood is easy to work with and can be painted or polished which makes it aesthetically pleasing. The downside is its inability to withstand harsh weather conditions, making it not so ideal for several regions. Aluminum, on the other hand, will be the preferred choice if you want your RV deck to last longer. It may be relatively hard to work with aluminum, but the durability is well worth the additional effort. Also, there are a variety of color schemes/patterns available in aluminum which compensates for the time required to paint wood and at the same time makes the metal structure visually appealing.

Tools You Will Need

Having the necessary tools on hand can make any DIY task quite convenient. All the tools for building a deck for your camper van have been listed in order of their importance below:

Tape measure.

Jigsaw or a circular saw if using aluminum (a power saw would be better).

Screwdriver or a cordless screwdriver machine (a corded machine would also work).

Drill and drill bits.

New item Sander (for smoothening rough edges).

Clamps.

Some Prerequisites

Before getting all warmed up to start your little project, take the time to finalize the design for your RV porch. Make sure you have the budget and the know-how to work on the design you have chosen. Once the design is finalized, the next step is to decide which wood would be the best choice, provided you’re going with wood. The best varieties of wood for making an RV deck are pressure-treated lumber and Bamboo. Cedarwood and composite wood are also great, but they can be a bit pricey. Untreated wood may look great from a distance but it’s likely to rot and attract bugs and at the same time it tends to be heavy on the wallet.

By now, you will be all warmed up to begin the actual construction phase. We have summarized the entire process in six steps below:

Steps

By now, you will be all warmed up to begin the actual construction phase. We have summarized the entire process in six steps below:

Step

The first and foremost step is to lay concrete piers and deck blocks. Deck blocks are easy to use, and they are best suited for low-level decks, although you can use them for slightly higher decks as well. Next, you must put all the block posts and secure them. Install the straight and liner joists before putting the railing.

Step

Once you are done with the planning phase and other requirements, it’s time to choose a suitable location. Ensure that you are leaving a reasonable distance between the RV door and the supposed location of your porch otherwise entry and exit would become a bit tricky. Also, mark the space for the steps so you know where exactly you will need to drill the holes for the steps.

Step

The next step involves erecting the frame on which the whole deck would lie. We advise using steel tube rails for a sturdier structure. However, a wood frame would also work just fine. Though, it is important not to cut costs in this step as the structure is essentially the core of an RV porch.

Step

Having done with the frame, it is then time to add decking boards. You can either add steps before or after the decking boards are added but we recommend adding them before laying over the decking board.

Step

The final piece in the puzzle involves attaching the railing with screws. This is where your electric screwdriver would come in handy the most. Moreover, you can get quite creative in this step as the layout of your railings would define your RV porch. Though, attaching the railing firmly should be your utmost priority.

Step

Finishing touches depend upon everyone’s taste. You can either leave the wood as it is or you can polish, paint or engrave them with beautiful patterns.

FAQs

What are freestanding decks?

Freestanding or floating decks are the ones that appear to be suspended in the air just above the ground. They generally don't require portable stairs or even handrails. However, they require more support from wood beams and posts since the ground isn't there to support them. There is a good chance that you will come across someone calling such decks "grade-level” but remember that all three terminologies are used for the same kinds of decks.

Are portable decks a good idea?

Portable decks are not only easy to operate but they are also easier to build. As their name suggests, they are easy to move around which is the prime reason why many RV owners prefer them.

My RV porch looks dull, how can I enhance its visual appeal?

There are plenty of ways of enhancing the looks of your RV porch. You can begin by adding flowers and lights or opting for a unique and attractive polish/paint scheme. Also, you can always resort to the internet if you are short on ideas.

Citations

https://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/29035619/print/true.cfm
https://www.crossroadsowners.com/forums/f25/need-suggestions-on-building-an-attached-porch-2066.html
https://www.rvforum.net/threads/building-a-screen-porch-help.9291/
https://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/f7/have-you-built-a-deck-off-your-tt-13906.html
https://www.forestriverforums.com/forums/f68/any-ideas-for-building-a-deck-18764.html

Andrew Kuttow

+ posts

Ever since I was a kid, I've been fascinated by travel. I inherited this passion from my parents. Since my college years and to this day, I have had a passion for traveling in a motorhome. I am here to share my experiences with you.