Wrap around porch ideas


How To Make A Wrap Around Porch Work For You

By Emily Medlock | Published on Reviewed by Lance Crayon

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A wrap around porch was once an iconic American home feature. It’s hard to believe that wraparound porches once dominated the suburban landscape.

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The spaces were useful on many levels, but their presence has waned. Today, new homes rarely include porch house plans.  

Renee Kahn, author of the book “Preserving Porches,” said, “The front porch was no longer an idyllic setting where one could relax and commune with nature,” for the “exhaust fumes and the noise of a steady stream of cars and trucks had rendered it inhospitable and unhealthy.”

View in galleryDalrymple | Sallis Architecture

If you’re familiar with wraparound porches, we’ll show you examples that may inspire you to add one to your home. We will cover all of this and more with our wrap-around porch guide.  

What Is A Wraparound Porch?

A wraparound porch is a porch that wraps around a home. The word porch comes from the Italian word “portico” which refers to a raised home entrance. One misconception is how a porch wraps around the entire home. A wraparound porch can only include half of a home. 

Veranda vs Wraparound Porch

Most people know the differences between a gazebo and patio, however, a veranda is something quite different. 

Veranda Style

Veranda is the Portuguese word for “porch.” It is similar to a traditional porch as it has a roof and is located on the ground floor of a home. A veranda can be attached anywhere to your home and doesn’t have to be at the front. You could have side veranda or backyard veranda.

The space is intended to serve as a transition area from from outdoors to indoors. As long as it has a roof and is on the ground floor, then it’s a veranda.

Wraparound Porch

Wraparound porches can wrap around three or two sides of a home, but they don’t wrap around the entire home. The best thing about this porch style is how it provides great outdoor view from multiple angles of your home. 

A wraparound porch doesn’t have to be on the first floor. If it’s on the second floor, then you would call it a wrap around balcony. A wrap around balcony, unlike its porch counterpart, can circle the entire home. This is beneficial as it offers a clea view from each side of your home. 

How To Build A House With Wraparound Porch

View in galleryLexar Homes

A wraparound porch isn’t an impulse decision whereby you decide you want one and by the end of the day, you have a porch. To break it down further, buying a wraparound porch is not like going to the store and buying a shower curtain.

Wraparound porches require planning, preparation, and a building permit. Wrap around porch house plans should be taken seriously. You’ll need to enlist the services of a professional contractor. 

Is A Building Permit Required?

It depends on where you live. You should make sure that you don’t need a local building permit whenever you undergo any type of construction.  

When adding to your home exterior, you’ll need a permit from a local authority. Luckily, most permits last about six months. 

Wraparound Porch Size

With porch length, most wraparound porches wrap around the perimeter of the home. However, some only wrap halfway around while others may wrap a third of the way around. 

When determining the width, allow between four feet and 12 feet. However, six to eight feet is the standard. This allows space for furniture while still allowing plenty of room to walk.

Wrap Around Porch Materials 

Though you can get creative and build a porch with concrete or brick, most house plans with wrap around porches are wooden. Redwood is a popular choice and makes for stylish outdoor living spaces that add value and curb appeal to your home.  

A porch comes with added responsibilities like annual power washing, refinishing, and staining. Aside from that, any type of outdoor wood would be safe. 

Building The Porch

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It’s not recommended to build a wrap around porch as a DIY project unless you have construction experience. A porch requires a strong foundation, first and foremost. Next, you’ll need a level platform and a strong railing for support. 

Step 1: Prepping Area

Once you’ve decided where to build your wrap around porch, you need to secure a building permit from the local office. After that’s done, you can mark out where you want to build with stakes and level the land there.

Get rid of any bumps or uneven areas in the land with hand tools. It doesn’t have to be perfect as we will make things level in our next step. But do your best to level it out by eye and to get a good area marked out.

Step 2: Pour Concrete Footers

Next up, you will need to dig holes at the end of where the porch will be. Dig them no more than 12 feet apart, ensuring there are holes at the corners of the house. This is where you will add posts and secure them with concrete. 

Installing concrete footers is easier than it sounds. But it’s very important that each post is level and secure before you move on to the next step. So, learn how to ensure that they are level before you begin building them. 

Step 3: Install Framing 

If you’ve ever built a frame, this shouldn’t be a problem. This is the frame that your deck boards will lay on. It needs to be done after the concrete dries and it should be very, very stable. Use appropriate deck bolts. 

If you’ve never built a porch or house frame before, then make you get help at this point. It’s very important for your family’s safety that everything is done correctly. So get help even if it is just to walk you through the process. 

Step 4: Decking

After you find out that the deck is level and secure, you can start adding the deck boards. Find a board that works well for outdoor use and that you love the look of. Then, start securing them to the frame. 

After you add the deck board, you can add a railing and a roof. These two aren’t necessary but are recommended. Making a full wrap-around porch complete with these two things will add substantial value to your home.  

Wrap Around Porch Expenses

View in galleryGrand Floridian Builders, Inc.

A wrap-around porch can be quite pricey. But if you do things slowly, you should be able to afford one before you know it. The average cost for a wrap around porch is somewhere between $30,000 and $60,000.

Most of the cost will be on flooring or decking because this will be about 30-50% of the cost. Then, the second biggest cost will be the roof. After that, the costs are fairly low compared to the other two parts, which will be visible.

Breakdown Of Expenses 

Farmhouse With Wrap Around Porch Ideas

View in galleryPure Salt Interiors

The most popular type of wrap-around porch is a farmhouse with wrap around porch. That’s because the farmhouse was one of the original types of houses to offer wrap-around porches. These porches are still inspiring today. 

While you can make it your own in any way, here are some things to consider if you want to enjoy an original farmhouse with wrap around porch. 

Sunlight

Do you spend most of your time outside in the evening or morning? Think about this so you can decide if you want to watch the sunrise or sunset more often. You can choose both if you have a 360-degree porch.

Privacy

If you have close neighbors, you will want to make sure your porch isn’t facing them. At least not the area you will be sitting out on. So take this into consideration when you are planning where you will put your furniture. 

Size

Farmhouse porches are usually large than other wrap around porches. They need room for furniture, for family, and for strolling in the evenings. So make sure you get at least 6 feet out, more if possible. 

Furniture 

Swings, benches, rocking chairs, lanterns, and milk can stools. These are just a few things that can make a normal porch look like a farmhouse porch. It’s important to get furniture that looks like farmhouse furniture. 

Colors

Most farmhouse porches are either stained a rustic color or painted. If you paint them, make sure you stick with farmhouse colors. Whites, creams, greens, and other vintage colors work well. 

Repurposing

Finally, if you are building a farmhouse wrap-around porch, then repurpose something. This can be furniture, beams for your house, pillars, or even the wood you use for your steps. Make the materials matter. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)FAQ

How To Protect A Wrap Around Porch From Rain?

Large board and batten siding will protect your porch space during rainstorms. You could also until weather tarps to block the rain and prevent water from ruining your deck.

Can You Install A TV On A Wrap Around Porch?

Wrap around porches usually don’t have TVs because there’s too much natural light. If you do install a TV on your porch, you’ll need to install sun screens.

What Is A Sleeping Porch?

An outdoor enclosure connected to a home and protected by screen windows. Located on the second floor, the porch style was popular 100 years ago when people slept outside so they could get fresh air and not catch tuberculosis.

Do I Have To Use Wood Flooring For My Porch?  

Vinyl flooring for a wraparound porch would be the best substitute for wood flooring. The built-in advantages of vinyl flooring include temperature control features. Vinyl is also waterproof, making it the ideal material for homes in regional areas that receive heavy rainfall.   

Wrap Around Porch Conclusion

Your budget will determine your porch. House plans rarely include wraparound porches due to their expense. Adding a porch to your home isn’t cheap, and should you decide that your want one, do not cut corners so you can save a few pennies. 

A front porch is a greater status symbol today than it was 125 years ago. A wrap around porch house is worth the investment. Wraparound porches offer curb appeal and comfort, but if you don’t care of them, they can become liabilities. 

If you have space, money, and can secure a building permit, then there should be nothing holding you back. Not only will you receive pleasure from your wrap-around porch but your money will be returned if you choose to sell the house. 

82 Best Front Porch Decorating Ideas

David Hillegas

These days having guests over indoors can be a fraught experience, which is why many of us are moving our hosting events outside. You might have been dreaming up plenty of great backyard ideas for entertaining (or just relaxing when the weather is warm) but don't forget that there's plenty that you can do with even an relatively small front porch! The special space is really just an extension of your house itself—which means it's equally as important. In fact, because your porch and patio are the first things your guests are likely to see when they arrive, it might even be doubly important.

In that spirit, we've put together a comprehensive list of our favorite front porch ideas. These inspired displays, tutorials, and DIY projects are intended to elevate your home's curb appeal without requiring you to break the bank. And even if you don't plan on hosting guests anytime soon, you might find a personal reason to update your porch or back patio. Maybe you'd like to create a cozy corner for sipping your morning coffee, or maybe you're interested in the relaxing benefits of installing a porch swing. Whatever you choose, you're bound to have fun getting the job done—and an even better time enjoying the fruits of your labor with these best front porch ideas.

Feeling inspired? We've got tons of other ideas for front yards and backyards, including landscaping ideas, small backyard ideas, vertical garden ideas, and more.

David Tsay

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Stone Path

Here, a beautiful stone path leads the way to an elevated patio. It's a great way to upgrade the entrance to a home that's a little bit out of the way.

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David Tsay

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Vintage Tins Decoration

Terra-cotta pots are lovely, but why not opt for something a little more original this year? These particular tins once held potato chips, and their bright, cheerful colors make for a beautiful addition to this porch.

SHOP VINTAGE TINS

Helen Norman

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Grapevine Wreath

Who says you have to save wreaths for the holiday season? Made with a base of grapevine, the oversized one pictured here can be left up all year long — or customized with the colors of the month.

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Tim Furlong Jr.

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Painted Ceiling

Yes, colorful chairs and pillows are lovely enough all on their own. But why not take things up a notch with a painted ceiling? We love this inspired, out-of-the-box idea.

SHOP TEAL PAINTS

Helen Norman

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Rocking Chairs

There's a reason rockers are one of the most popular choices for front porches: They're weather-resistant, they require little to no cushioning, and they're fun and relaxing too!

SHOP OUTDOOR ROCKING CHAIRS

HELEN NORMAN

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Flower Power Porch

Country Living regular Nancy Fishelson, pictured here, has a longstanding affinity for whites and neutrals. But, to offset her upstate New York front porch, the renovation extraordinaire gives guests a warm welcome with vibrant hydrangeas and matching topiaries.

SHOP FAUX TOPIARIES

DAVID TSAY

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Vintage Furniture Display

There's no rule against showing off your favorite antique pieces from the safety of the porch rather than inside the house—they are the first things guests will see, after all. Make a worn table your new outdoor serving station.

SHOP DRINK DISPENSERS

Aaron Colussi

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Fall Flair

It doesn't get much cozier than this Colorado farmhouse, where lanterns, plenty of seating, symmetrical plants, and seasonal wreaths all contribute to an overall homey vibe.

SHOP LANTERNS

DAVID TSAY

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Family-Friendly Hangout

One dinner-party-obsessed California couple translated their love of entertaining onto their vineyard retreat's patio. A long dining table and string-light-adorned pergola make this the ultimate hosting hotspot.

SHOP STRING LIGHTS

RACHEL WHITING

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Countryside Chic

This homeowner and mother of three wanted to call it quits on city life, and thus moved to the English countryside. With a patio this exquisite—decked out in a rose arch, box balls, and benches—the pastoral shift makes perfect sense.

SHOP CLIMBING ROSES

ERIC PIASECKI

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Covered Porch

An old-meets-new Idaho farmhouse boasts one particularly classic design—awnings. Porch covers popped up in the 1800s to give farmers a shady spot to unwind.

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David Tsay

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Second Floor Galore

Who said anything about porches being confined to the ground level? If you're constructing your own from scratch, consider the setup of this incredible garage-turned-weekend-home, which boasts a wraparound porch atop two sets of breezy swing doors.

HELEN NORMAN

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Muted Patio

The best way to subtly contrast a white palette? Gray and black undertones, which this Orchard Park, New York patio implemented through seating and stone tiling.

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ROGER WADE

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Quaint Porch

Mossy window and door frames, along with an assortment of florals, give this cozy Washington cabin extra curb appeal in the porch department.

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DAVID TSAY

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Pot Shed Patio

If your patio backs up to your potting shed (or she shed!), complement the outdoor nook with an assortment of galvanized pots and old French beach chairs. This California-based family also laid Calstone pavers to match the plant storage and amp up the style.

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LISA ROMEREIN/RIZZOLI

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Marvelously Modern

Take a page from Diane Keaton's book—the star's Pinterest-worthy residence is an exposed brick-lover's dream come true. While the outdoor area is rooted in rustic allure, black French shower doors (even on the fire pit, mind you) give this space a refreshingly contemporary nod.

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Ryann Ford

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All Reclaimed Everything

This Texas facade, created by two antique dealers, is about as rustic as it gets. The homeowners pulled repurposed materials, like the metal sliding and iron trim, from barn roofs and a Victorian-era farmhouse in Iowa.

ANNIE SCHLECHTER

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Outdoor Urban Nook

City slickers, know that you can still seamlessly meld cozy and metropolitan, no matter how cramped your outdoor space is. These New Yorkers used climbing greenery, terra cotta pots, and matching rockers to turn their terrace into the ultimate cozy outdoor oasis.

SHOP KIDS ROCKING CHAIRS

Liz Marie Blog

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Church Pew Porch

The sky's the limit when it comes to porch seating, as evidenced by this church pew installation. We're also loving how the statement piece ties into this monochromatic scheme.

See more at Liz Marie Blog.

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Susan Handler

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Blue and Gray Hues

For longer porches, designate one corner as a spacious seating area. Cool-colored chairs and decor will make the section feel inviting year-round.

See more at Saw Nail and Paint.

SHOP OUTDOOR RUGS

David Hillegas

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Nature-Inspired Palette

This Low Country porch finds color inspiration (predominantly blues, browns, and greens) from the natural surroundings.

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Brian Woodcock

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Party-Ready Porch

Get your porch ready for summer parties, last-minute get-togethers, or casual hangouts with rocking chairs, ample storage, and a long table to display food and small bites. Then, set the scene by adding green garland and comfy floor pillows. Be sure to have a cooler ready to go (a wheel barrow also works!) and your favorite sangria recipe on hand.

SHOP OUTDOOR TABLES

David Tsay

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Al Fresco Dining

An umbrella from a French flea market, lush greenery, and a rustic farm table help the patio of this charming California home feels like it's in the French countryside.

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Helen Norman

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Retro Seating Area

A metal porch glider, a pair of retro chairs, and a table that doubles as a two-seater bench easily accommodate a half-dozen guests on the porch of this backyard cottage.

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David A. Land

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Seasonal Touches

Round zinc baskets are lined with sheet moss, then filled with soil and dried angel vine, which, like a flower frog, helps hold things in place. From there, anything goes on this Connecticut home's porch.

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Gridley + Graves

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Wall of Windows

In the far corner of this porch, battered windows portion off a seating area and provide respite from the lakeside wind.

Buff Strickland

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Picture-Perfect Porch

With ceiling fans, rocking chairs, symmetrical planters, and a loyal dog, this Texas home's porch couldn't be prettier.

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Annie Schlechter

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Warm Welcome

Max Kim-Bee

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Bright Colors

Add some punch to your porch by painting the exterior and ceiling contrasting colors and adding a bold striped rug.

Gridley and Graves

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Chic Garden Sitting Area

Hinged together, salvaged French doors add decorative oomph to the outdoor seating area outside this gorgeous garden house.

SHOP CHANDELIERS

How to decorate the porch of a private house

The porch is an obligatory element of the entrance part of the building and its “visiting card”. The desire to decorate your own home, taking into account fashion trends and personal taste preferences, is inherent in almost everyone. The design of the porch of a private house should emphasize the integrity of the entire structure and make it more attractive. There are many options for decorating the entrance part of the building, so we suggest that you consider the most popular and interesting of them.

Wooden porch

The most popular option is the installation of wooden decking on the porch. In most cases, such structures are made from pine wood, as the most inexpensive and popular natural raw material. If the porch is properly sealed, varnished and painted, it will look attractive for many years.

This is an up-to-date way of decorating a country-style façade. This design can be supplemented with wood-based porch decor, which will bring the atmosphere of a country cottage. Wood can be supplemented with stone, which is relevant not only for country style. In suburban private buildings, these two materials look quite harmonious together and are suitable for finishing scaffolds, doors and use as a decor.

Concrete porch

Concrete is considered a versatile material that is inexpensive and reliable, and is also optimal for making a porch. This is a monolithic structure that will not begin to stagger over time, which is sometimes inherent in wooden products. In addition, it can be easily repaired and decorated with any decor. Do not forget that the concrete porch can be of various shapes, which will not particularly affect the price and the amount of time to complete the task.

Concrete structures can be decorated with tiles, such as clinker tiles. There are options trimmed with stone, and also painted with paint, and processed with other materials. In modern buildings with a facade of wood, brick or siding, a concrete porch can be left without additional coverage. This allows you to emphasize the features of the texture of the walls and their colors.

Brick porch

A brick porch is a more expensive option than the previous ones, but it also looks attractive and is considered a fairly reliable solution for decorating a house. Installation of the structure may take more time and require serious effort, but in the future the work will pay off with a vengeance, since it does not require additional care.

Often, a brick porch has a concrete base or a step covering based on other materials. There are options with laying tiles on the steps. It looks at home, inspires confidence and adds reliability to the building. But be careful, as any step covering you choose should not be slippery, otherwise this area will become potentially dangerous in the cold season due to snow and ice.

Stone porch

Natural stone is considered a classic option. Such raw materials are durable, presentable and durable, which is especially important. There are many varieties of stone, with some suitable for the base, and a number of others for creating decorative elements (and the raw materials for making the base will cost much more). Although, in general, all types of stone are able to withstand adverse weather conditions, and it will not require additional maintenance for a long time.

If the building is made of stone, then you can fit a porch with columns into the overall structure. Natural stone can be combined with monumental elements. Such a composition will look harmonious.

Metal and wrought iron porch

Usually, when talking about a forged or metal porch, they mean decorative parts of the structure - canopies, railings, steps, which are made on the basis of metal. But sometimes a completely metal porch is installed in a private house.

The main advantage that such designs have is increased strength and durability. However, you will have to constantly paint and treat the porch so that it does not deteriorate due to corrosion. Moreover, the metal floor will be cold enough, so it is not suitable for arranging a terrace. The latter option requires a concrete base or wood flooring on a metal base.

Porch with canopy

In most cases, canopies continue the roof and, together with the porch, perform an important function of protection from the effects of precipitation and solar radiation. This is a great option for arranging a comfortable entrance to the building.

If the building has architectural features that would not allow a canopy over the main entrance, even a small one, replace it with a canopy. Such a detail will not only partially perform the functions of a canopy, but will also be able to diversify the appearance of the building, and if you choose the product correctly or make it in an original way, it will become a real decoration of the exterior.

Even a small canopy can make the entrance to a private house more presentable. The shade from it can protect from the sun, as well as save from streams of water during rain, if you open the doors or wait for the car.

Porch with steps and railings

If the house has a high foundation and you can install steps that will lead to the main entrance, the installation of railings will be relevant. This design will make the exterior of the building appear safer and more stable, and will also serve a very specific function and help residents and visitors enter the house in bad weather.

This is the traditional design of the entrance to the building. It can be combined with a canopy or canopy, as well as additionally decorated with various designs to make the composition look complete.

Terraced porch

If the area in front of the front door allows you to organize a place to relax, then you can equip an open or closed terrace. There may be a swing for children on it, or it will simply be a place for a comfortable stay near the house, and an opportunity to protect yourself from bad weather conditions.

On the spacious terraces, you can put garden furniture for comfortable relaxation, tubs with plants, and as a result get an attractive appearance of the building and a cozy atmosphere. Install pendant lights or place outdoor wall lights nearby. They will be able to illuminate the approach to the porch, for example, the paths leading to the building.

If the building has a high foundation, it is necessary to form a porch using steps. As a result, a terrace with a seating area will be at a certain elevation, when compared with ground level. Frame steps and flooring with stone or concrete, treated wood, or brick to provide protection from moisture or insects.

Glazed terrace is a must for those who live in cold climates. Compared to other options, this one is much more difficult to design. But it is this type of porch that can be considered the most functional.

When designing the design, you can choose different materials or options for arranging the entrance to the house. However, when choosing a design, remember that the porch is an important architectural element, so it should match the architectural style of the house.

100+ ideas!!! | Do-it-yourself porch to the house (50 photos)

A porch for a private house is an indispensable element in the arrangement of any modern home. Since the aesthetic and functional design of the entrance becomes a “business card” and a reflection of the preferences of the household, a competent approach is required for the construction of this structure, in particular, the selection of suitable materials. The design of the porch of the house should create a sense of integrity of the overall ensemble and enhance the attractiveness of the main building. In the article we will talk about how to make a porch to the house with your own hands and what nuances you should pay attention to in order to avoid gross mistakes.

Porch construction types

The general design of the porch is an open area, combined with a staircase, directly in front of the front door. Additional elements - a canopy, fences, walls and glazing can be made from a variety of materials and any shape if desired.

There are three main types of porch:

  1. Simple . It is carried out in the form of a platform at the entrance. A staircase is necessarily equipped and such a porch is often supplemented with a canopy.
  2. Built-in . It is designed at the stage of preparing the drawings of the whole house, therefore it has a common foundation with it and is being built capitally.
  3. Attached . It is constructed (attached) after the construction of the main building.

Porch steps to the house with beautiful lighting

An interesting style solution for decorating the porch made of concrete and brick

Foundation for the porch

To prevent deformations due to temperature differences, a foundation must be built under the porch. Its appearance depends on the material planned for use for construction, design and dimensions.

If a small porch is intended, oriented only to provide a convenient entrance to the house, then it is enough to equip a concrete pad.

Manufacturing technology: step-by-step instructions

Do-it-yourself foundation for the porch of a private house is carried out in several stages:

  • marking of the territory;
  • formwork installation;
  • reinforcement cage knitting;
  • pouring concrete mix.

Porch area marking

For formwork construction, you can use edged boards or moisture-resistant plywood. For the first option, boards sheathed from the inside with roofing felt, which has good water-repellent properties, will be required. To prevent excess mortar from flowing out, the boards must be laid tightly against each other.

The photo shows how to assemble the formwork for the porch from plywood and boards

To save concrete, the base of the steps can be filled with broken stone or bricks

When constructing an entrance from heavy blocks, bricks, it will be necessary to create a stronger reinforced foundation. Such a decision is also necessary in the case of the construction of a spacious porch, which involves the arrangement of a recreation area with the installation of furniture and other accessories.

Wooden porch

Wood is the most versatile porch material for DIY projects. Often used inexpensive and fairly durable when making a protective paint layer pine. More expensive larch will provide high strength after impregnation.

To work with wood, you will need a small set of tools

Porch steps should be convenient for climbing and descending

Wood structures allow you to decorate the entrance with elements of country style, Provence, classics. They are easily combined with stone, forged and wicker elements.

Photo examples of a wooden porch

Modern wooden porch

Concrete porch

Concrete is considered the most versatile, affordable and cheap material used to make a porch. A monolithic structure created in accordance with all the rules is durable and reliable. It has maintained its integrity for many years and is easily restored.

Concrete is a practical and reliable material that can withstand heavy loads

An important advantage is that a concrete structure can be given any shape. When decorating, you can decorate a concrete porch using a variety of decorative elements.

Finish similar structures with clinker tiles, stone. They are plastered and painted. If the facade of the house is made of brick or wood, the concrete entrance is often left without an external coating, emphasizing the overall static balanced composition.

Classic concrete porch

Monolithic concrete porch with a large number of steps

Concrete porch cladding is usually made of porcelain stoneware outdoor tiles with a corrugated pattern

Monolithic reinforced slab in front of the entrance acts as a kind of porch to the house

should be treated with a hydrophobic compound, this will significantly increase its resistance to moisture and frost

Metal porch

If you have the welding equipment and the necessary material, you can build a metal porch within one day.

This design looks ordinary, so often elegant forged elements act as an additional decor. They significantly increase the overall cost of the building, but allow you to get an original luxurious accent.

Luxurious wrought iron porch

Metal structures complement other materials used for decking and steps. Chipboards, wooden planks are used. The final durable coating can be made of porcelain stoneware.

Metal is best combined with wood, their tandem can decorate any home

Metal porch with a canopy made of polycarbonate

Porch made of stone, brick

Brick or stone masonry looks prestigious when erecting a porch. But these operations require specific skills, so if necessary, they turn to specialists.

The construction takes a lot of time, but the end result will please for decades, while the external decor does not lose its charm and nobility.

Red brick porch platform looks stylish and unusual

Installing a canopy over the porch

The main functional role of the canopy (single or double slope, figured, domed, arched), erected above the porch, is to protect it from any precipitation.

However, the aesthetic component of this structural element should also be considered at the design stage. This will add an additional decorative touch to the overall harmonious ensemble.

Materials used

  • Wood . It is not difficult to install, but requires mandatory impregnation from fire and additional application of several layers of varnish that protects against moisture.
  • Polycarbonate . Select options with a high degree of strength. You can use transparent or colored sheets, taking into account the general color scheme of the facade of the house and the surrounding landscape.
  • Roof tiles . When choosing as a material for the visor of the tile, they observe harmony with the overall design of the roof.
  • Metal tile . This modern, easy-to-install material looks original, has different shades, organically fits into the environment.
  • Profile deck . Due to the large dimensions of the sheets and low weight, it is quickly installed. Long service life at a low price makes this material very popular.
  • Roof tiles . It looks original, creates a feeling of aristocracy. Requires the construction of a continuous crate.

Open porch canopy made of painted wooden beams

Fabric porch canopy protects the entrance to the house from sun and rain

Porch design ideas (photo)

The main structure of the porch is usually planned immediately when designing the house. Later, ideas may arise for its further modernization, increasing space, introducing new functional roles.

Architectural options

  1. Open porch . It is a platform equipped at the front door. From above, a small canopy is usually built. For restriction, you can install on the edges of the railing. The advantages include simple installation, quick construction. The downside is the lack of wind protection.
  2. Closed porch . This variation with side walls allows you to get an entrance to the house, protected from external adverse influences. To preserve lighting, the side walls are glazed completely or in fragments. When calculating individual frames, take into account that their width should not exceed 120 cm in order to withstand wind loads. The main frame of the walls is made in metal or wood.
  3. Tambour . A fairly spacious extension, covering the porch from all sides along with the steps and providing for wall insulation, allows you to reliably protect the house from the penetration of cold. Inside, they usually equip places for storing outerwear, shoes, umbrellas.
  4. Double sided porch . When constructing such a structure, the stairs are located on both sides. When supplemented with openwork wrought iron railings, they create a respectable finished look of the whole house.

Tip! A porch with a reliable canopy, side glazed walls allows you to equip a comfortable seating area. It is enough to install a coffee table, a few light chairs and a cozy corner is created where you can pleasantly relax after a hard day's work.

Beautiful combination of white and green colors in the design of the facade of a country house

Elegant snow-white porch in the Scandinavian style

Porch with access to the backyard of the house

Large vases with flowers will gallantly decorate the entrance to the house

An example of decorating and decorating a porch

If the porch area is small, measures to expand it are carried out in terms of adding an open terrace or a capital closed veranda to it. In such a situation, they receive an additional summer room. By installing wicker furniture in it, they get a comfortable living room. To protect against insects, the open terrace is covered with a mosquito net or decorated with a light muslin.

More static wooden sofas and armchairs, complemented by soft pillows, will organically look on the veranda. Additional decor is given by floor or wall planters with plants. Often, a dining area is taken out to the porch, combined with a veranda.

It is important to provide and equip the entrance to the house with unobtrusive lighting

Porch with a low brick plinth

In addition to the table, chairs, there are compact shelving with closed facades for the necessary dishes and utensils. Increasingly, plastic pieces of furniture are used for this purpose. They are light, mobile, have a pleasant smooth texture and bright decor.


For furniture ensembles with metal legs, a durable floor covering is provided. If the frame is forged, this brings an element of luxury to the surrounding space.

White color radiates warmth and tranquility even in autumn days

Rattan furniture blends harmoniously with the stone finish of the house

On a fairly spacious terrace, a barbecue area is often equipped next to the dining area. It is important to choose a non-combustible material for wall and floor cladding.

Having provided a sufficient height of the porch with a combined spacious terrace, a hanging swing is equipped on it. Having made them in the form of a comfortable sofa or a wicker chair, they complement not only the recreation area, but also create a comfortable children's corner. Sun loungers and hammocks will bring comfort.

Suspended porch swing is a dream for many

When expanding the porch in the form of a veranda, it is necessary to install waterproofing under the floor or wall covering. After the competent performance of all work, they receive an additional room. It can be not only a living room or dining room, but also a bedroom or study.

After installing panoramic windows on the insulated veranda, they get an excellent space for a home greenhouse. To enhance the perception of comfort, a bookcase, banquettes or small chairs are installed. In such a corner it is pleasant to read or work on a computer.

Tip! For cool weather, the porch provides the possibility of connecting a mobile electric fireplace. Having picked up a model with imitation of bursts of natural flame, they create a calming romantic atmosphere.

Soft lighting delicately decorates the wooden beams

Porch decoration tips

Porch interior decoration is usually done in light colors, visually expanding the limited space. Different materials are selected for facing the platform, steps, part of the wall and the surface around the porch.

Porch facing materials

  1. Ceramic tiles . Among the advantages, a variety of textures and color shades are noted, which provides high decorativeness. Products with a rough surface are selected, which will prevent injury when moisture freezes on it. More often use frost-resistant durable clinker tiles. When laying out, certain skills are required, since it is necessary to maintain a constant thickness of the seams and to prepare a smooth rough surface with high quality.
  2. Paving slabs . When facing the porch planes with paving slabs resistant to any weather conditions, it is possible to obtain a reliable, aesthetic, durable coating. The range of this material allows you to choose both plain smooth and embossed or patterned planes. Having paved the path and the surface of the earth around the porch with the same material, they get a completed sophisticated look.
  3. Natural stone . The porch lined with natural stone looks prestigious and very decorative. Granite finishing lasts up to a hundred years without losing its solid decorative effect. Aristocratic elegant marble is becoming more and more common. It is advisable to select such material for closed porch types. Be sure to reinforce the anti-slip pads.
  4. Porcelain stoneware . Durable solid porcelain stoneware from the range with non-slip surfaces on the exterior decor is not inferior to stone. Its cost is lower, which leads to increasing popularity. It should be borne in mind that special equipment will be required to cut this hard material. Before laying, the surfaces to be trimmed are carefully leveled.

Perfectly organized home porch seating area

Classic gable roof porch

Building the porch of the house with their own hands, other materials are also used.


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