I need to completely rebuild the (covered) front porch for our 1870's Italianate clapboard house.
I am looking for 1 or more books for the following two purposes:
- Basic construction plans, tips & techniques for constructing the bones of the porch. This should not be too style dependent. I am looking mostly for general rules & codes for choosing the spacing and size/span of the various beams, joists, posts, and footings. Also, best practice suggestions on how to attach & flash the ledger, etc. I need to first draw up a plan that will pass muster with my local building department.
- Design ideas for the railings, roof support posts, and trim that would be consistent with Victorians in general and with the Italianate style in particular. For this I am focused on style suggestions more than construction details
Any recommendations would be much appreciated! Thanks