Building a new porch gives you one big advantage: you can plan the openings around the windows and doors from the beginning.
That means cleaner framing, easier installation, and more flexibility in how the finished porch looks and operates.
Plan the Window Openings Before You Frame
With new construction, you are not stuck working around old posts, trim, or railing locations.
That gives you options.
You can choose:
- Fewer, wider windows
- More, narrower windows
- Large openings with horizontally mulled windows
- Smaller openings with posts between each window
- Transoms above doors or windows
- Fixed glass panels where needed
For most projects, we like individual Xtend windows in the 36" to 42" wide range.
Why? Because windows 42" wide or narrower do not require a center bar, which gives you a cleaner view and keeps the sashes easy to operate.
Xtend windows can be built up to 48" wide, but in many layouts, staying in that 36" to 42" range gives you the best combination of appearance and operation.
Large Openings? Think Mulled Windows
If you want a wider opening, Xtend windows can be horizontally mulled together.
That lets you combine multiple individual windows into one larger opening while keeping each window in that ideal 36" to 42" width range.
There is no maximum overall width for a mulled assembly. Additional units can simply be added across the opening.
That gives you:
- Easier-to-operate sashes
- No center bars when each window stays 42" wide or narrower
- A cleaner overall layout
- Quicker install
- More flexibility across wide porch walls
If you have a wall layout in mind, send it to us before framing. We are happy to help figure out the best combination.
Plan Door Openings at the Same Time
Doors should be part of the wall layout from the beginning too.
Xtend doors are sized by the rough opening, just like the windows.
Our standard door opening is 36" × 80", and custom sizes are available up to 42" × 96".
We build the finished door frame 1/4" smaller in both width and height than the opening size you provide.
Planning the door location early also helps with post placement, transoms, railing locations, and how the windows line up around it.
Give the Window a Solid Mounting Surface
Xtend Porch Windows install using an exterior flange.
You need at least 1" of flat, solid mounting surface around all four sides of each window opening.
This is easy to plan during new construction and much easier than trying to add it later.
We often recommend 5/4 trim because it gives you about a 1" thick mounting surface and creates a clean area for the window flange.
Think About How You Will Cover the Flange
The exterior mounting flange can be left visible, but many homeowners and builders prefer to cover it with trim for a more finished look.
If you plan for that from the beginning, the finished porch can look very clean and intentional.
Trim can be installed after the windows are in place to cover the flange and create a finished exterior appearance.
Watch Railing Depth and Other Framing Details
If the porch has railings, brackets, siding, or other trim around the openings, think about their depth before you finalize the framing.
The window needs to sit flat against the mounting surface.
Sometimes building the mounting surface out slightly allows the flange to clear railing brackets and gives you a cleaner finished installation.
Final Opening Size Matters
Xtend windows are ordered by the finished opening size.
Once you give us the final opening dimensions, we manufacture the window 1/4" smaller in both width and height to allow for installation.
So if you give us a 36" × 72" opening, the finished window frame will be approximately 35 3/4" × 71 3/4".
That means your framing should be complete before taking final measurements.
Think About the Whole Wall
New construction is the perfect time to look at the entire wall as one layout.
A little planning can help you avoid awkward window sizes, unnecessary center bars, or posts that end up in the wrong place.
If you are building from scratch, send us your wall dimensions, door locations, and any railing requirements before you finalize the framing.
We look at porch layouts all day and are happy to help you figure out what makes the most sense.
Once your openings are finalized, request a quote!
