• A back porch can be converted to a three- or four-season space.porch image by MLProject from Fotolia.com
  
  Back porches serve many functions, such as shedding rain from the back door, holding boots and other outdoor paraphernalia, a space to feed the dog or a staging area for potted plants, to mention a few. But if you long to make your porch more usable in all forms of weather, then consider closing it in. With the roof already in place, there are several options available to cover the perimeter walls and create a three- or four-season space.
  
  

Screening

• Although not an all-weather option, creating a screen room on your back porch will make a lovely place to sit during mild weather and let you still feel like you are outside. The advantage of keeping the bugs and mosquitoes at bay also summons dreams of summer nights smelling honeysuckle and watching fireflies.
  
  

Multiple windows

• Build a sunroom by covering the sides of your back porch with multiple windows. A totally glassed-in porch or one with "knee walls" is one of personal preference. Knee walls are 2- to 3-foot high walls that stretch from the floor to the bottom of the window. Gables could be glass or siding. A four-season room will need ceiling insulation and its own heating and cooling system or units.
  
  

Siding, Stone or Brick

• If what you want is an additional room, such as an office or bedroom, consider placing a few windows and having the rest of the walls made of drywall or paneling. The outside covering should match the existing house, if possible. Vinyl or aluminum siding is easy to match because paint can be mixed to any color and applied to the new covering. Brick or stone can be difficult to match. Think about using a contrasting material that will complement your present house covering, such as cedar shakes or board and batten. A new stoop or small porch will help your new addition fit in harmoniously with the rest of the house.