How to enclose back patio?

[motherdough]

Hello, 

We have done some minor DIY eg installed new kitchen and laundry (mostly flat packs), built some draws ourselves for custom fit etc.. But this project is more complicated.

Provided we get council approval, we would like to enclose the open wall of the back patio (raised section attached to house), as we have a sleepout type room that opens onto this, but isn't really used much because you have to go outside to access it. We have recently started a family so the extra space on patio could also serve as a safe playroom etc. 

So thinking timber frame the areas between the metal posts, install sliding door and sliding aluminium windows (2nd hand) to cover most of area. Just wanted advice on a few problems; 

- The existing roof doesn't cover the whole patio area, at the end there is an awkward area. I am not sure how to handle enclosing this corner

- Should we repair the concrete at the base of the poles (still very secure), and if so, how? 

- Also any other tips on framing, window/door installation, insulation of ceiling (if possible?), or exterior cladding, would be great. The sun hits this area in the afternoon and is hot in summer, so I would probably install blinds to exterior but any other ideas would help

Feeling a bit over our heads but keen to get this to work!

Thank you

Looking northLooking southNorth side (roof doesn't cover whole area)Pole/concrete support

[Nailbag]

Hi @motherdough 

 - For the stud wall, do we need to use treated pine? As even though the wall is raised, it is external. If so what grade?

A: No just standard MGP10 structural pine 90mm x 35mm for the studs and noggins, and 90mm x 45mm for top/bottom plates, headers and door openings.

 - Best way to fix the stud wall to the patio slab? Should we use galvanised for all the fixings in stud wall? Also what material needs to run between the slab and stud wall, some kind of flashing?

 A: Direct to slab and concrete/brick walls with masonry anchors. Flashing is after that prior to cladding

- How to fix stud wall to existing timber top plate/ceiling beam. And again, what material runs between these eg any flashing?

 A: Framing nails (gun required) or pre-drill and use batten screws. Again flashing afterwards prior to cladding.

- Any recommended flashing material around window and door frames? I was thinking to basically follow this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCDoJwKpsBg any other advice would be greatly appreciated 

 A: Perfect to follow this videos instructions as its to Aust standards

- How to best paint/cover the internal brick walls (most cost effective way) once wall is in ? Just paint ? We don't really think we need to plaster

 A: Its totally up to you in this. You could paint to start with and then decide down the track based on finances on any cladding. Plasterboard though cheap, is an involved process to apply the tapes and layers of jointing compound. You could use one of the many smooth ply options and use cover strap timber trim over the joins. A fairly easy project. 

- Any advice on a cladding that would match/suit the external brickwork (somewhat) that is cost effective?

A: It doesn't have to match exactly against the brick walls. You often see homes with multi-material walls as features. Weatherboards are relatively cheap, Colourbond corrugated sheets, external fibre cement sheets by Hardy come in various finishes to. Its important to decide on this before the frame goes up as there will be a setback of the frame required depending the cladding thickness to its flush to the existing brick walls.

As previously mentioned, it would be worth checking with council on your final plans to ensure what I have or any of my fellow brains-trusts suggest are within local guidelines.

Nailbag

[JacobZ]

Hi @motherdough,

@Dave-1 and @Nailbag have already provided some excellent advice.

One thing I would mention beyond what they have already said is that you should attach plascourse to the underside of your bottom plate. This will help prevent any moisture rising through the slab from coming into contact with the timber.

The other important point to note is that closing in your patio could have implications in terms of building approval. It is definitely worth getting in touch with your local council to ensure what you are doing is all above board.

Nice work with the concrete repair and good luck with the rest of the project.

Don't hesitate to reach out with any other questions.

Jacob