Expert: Dan Griffin - 9/16/2008

Question
I would like to enclose my front porch and convert it into a formal entry with a seating bench and some coat hooks.  I plan on installing an interior door way in place of the current exterior door, so heating/cooling are not huge concerns of mine.  Once complete, I also plan to build a 4'x4' (or 6'x6') deck on to the front of it with steps down to ground level.

I know I'll need to frame in walls with 2x4s and am thinking about tiling the floor, but am curious to know the best way to go about attaching the wall framing to the concrete base, as well as the general "anatomy" of the exterior side of the wall once the framing is up.  Is it plywood, foil-backed foam board, both?  I do plan to finish the outside with matchind vinyl siding. perhaps putting a brink veneer over the block foundation.  On the inside I was just planning drywall and paint

You can see the existing porch here:
http://home.comcast.net/~netwolf68/Porch/Porch1.jpg
http://home.comcast.net/~netwolf68/Porch/Porch2.jpg

Answer
Eric, this looks doable.  Check with your local building department about the need to get a permit.

2x4 walls fastened to the concrete with Tapcons, Nailins, 16d nails in a predrilled hole with wire.
I would use wafer board for exterior sheathing covered with Tyvek or similar.  Tyvek makes an exerior wrap to work extrra well with vinyl siding.

YOu might consider running the new porch fully across the front with the stairs going down one side.