Hello, I am looking to have a screen porch built over my existing deck. I like the look of builds such as this: http://archadeck.com/images/screened_porches/screened_porch-018.jpg However, I am wondering how they get away with having no cross braces on these things. They look like right angles all the way through. They even have cathedral ceilings, but again no cross bracing. http://archadeck.com/images/screened_porches/screened_porch-033.jpg Is the attachment to the house the important part? I am just trying to get educated before I solicit some bids. Cheers, Ed.

I would like to build a deck over an existing 16' x 22' concrete patio that is 8" thick, and poured up to the back of the house. We replaced the old slider door that had a step down to the patio with a French Door. I am considering using 'Dek Blocks' from Home Depot on top of the concrete pad to build the deck flush with the level of a french door (which is 15" above the old concrete patio). I want the deck to be the same dimensions as the concrete patio- 16' x 22'. My questions are these: Are Deck Blocks only used on soil or can they be used on this patio? Even though the deck will be unattached to the house, will the fact that the old patio is up against the house prove to be problematic? I live in San Diego, and there is no frost to worry about. Earthquakes are a different problem, however. Any ideas? Thanks! OldFrenchy