I'm replacing my back patio and planning to convert part of it into a screened-in porch or a 3-season sunroom in the future. I'm wondering if I should invest in rebar or a footer now, or if a 4-inch concrete pour with mesh would suffice for supporting a screened-in porch later on.
1 Answer
For a structure like a sunroom, I'd definitely recommend pouring a footer all the way around—at least 12 inches deep if you get harsh winters. It’ll help stabilize your slab. Then, definitely consider 4 inches of concrete with rebar or welded wire mesh. If your area has wild temperature swings, adding expansion joints every 8 to 10 feet is a smart move to prevent cracks.
Thanks for the advice! If we decide on just a screened-in porch, would a 6-inch footer and some rebar still be enough?