Replies

1. 
   DanH | Sep 22, 2007 03:42am | #1

   I think by definition there's always fill to the BOTTOM of the crawlspace. What do you mean "filled to the top"? What is the porch surface?

   If your view never changes you're following the wrong leader
2. 
   Matt | Sep 22, 2007 03:42am | #2

   It depends on a few things...  What do one want to make the porch floor out of? 

   If it is to be concrete or, say masonry there is 2 ways to do it: fill the porch and then pour concrete on top of that, and then just finish the concrete, install your brick pavers, stone or whatever.    We fill with stone though, not dirt.  The way the porch slab is supported depends on the size.  If it is a fairly high porch  - say 4' or more, it may be cheaper to install a metal pan to hold up the porch concrete/masonry surface.  In this case the crawl space extends under the concrete/masonry/etc porch.

    If you want a wood floor then it will be built as your is.   Based on the age of your house the perimeter foundation might even likely be pier and curtain: Piers hold up the structure, and then decorative brick is installed between the piers, mainly for looks.

1. 
   MBaybut | Sep 23, 2007 09:18pm | #3

   Thanks,
   His porch has that concrete stamping. I was just think about having a porch with a wood or tile/paver surface. What would be the method for that?
   mike

   Edited 9/23/2007 2:19 pm ET by MBaybut

1. 
   DanH | Sep 23, 2007 09:28pm | #4

   Concrete, as stated, must be poured over some sort of filler or internal form -- you don't want to fill the entire volume with concrete. Tile would either be over concrete or on a joist floor with a built-up sheathing of plywood and cement board.
   If your view never changes you're following the wrong leader

   Edited 9/23/2007 2:28 pm by DanH

1. 
   MBaybut | Sep 24, 2007 12:34am | #5

   Thank you,
   Expence and ease? Which method would be best?
   Mike