Porches are constructed in a variety of ways. Some are constructed to welcome visitors, while others allow residents to relax and enjoy quality time outdoors in a safe atmosphere. When it comes to choosing the style of the porch for your home, there are many options available.
In this article, we have listed down different types of porches that can enhance your home.
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What is a Porch
A porch is an extension of the main structure that serves as a shelter cover for the building or house’s front entry. It is a feature that can be incorporated into your house plan to increase its functionality. Additionally, it increases the aesthetic value of your home. A front space covered by a shelter at the house’s entry is a porch.
You cannot prepare for a porch without learning about the many varieties. Porches come in a variety of styles.
Types of Porches
Portico
A portico, which is another name for a front entry porch, is a good porch option for individuals with a tight budget. Visitors will feel right at home on a front porch, the most conventional style. For the most part, porticos are small in size and cover a small section of stairs leading to the front door.
A broader portico is more likely to accommodate plants and seats if you choose to install one. Porticos of any kind can protect visitors from the elements as they wait to enter your home. As a bonus, it may be used to create a beautiful outside area where you can relax and enjoy the weather.
Open Porch
There are no screens or other barriers on an open porch. It is an elevated structure of concrete slab or timber deck with a roof and open support structures. An open porch makes the area feel more like an extension of the outside world than an enclosed space. Open porches don’t have sidewalls, either.
Open porches are great for letting in the fresh air, but they sacrifice some privacy.
Back Porch
Having a back porch may be a more appealing option for some homes than a front porch. Think of it like a deck that’s been protected from the elements.
More than just a rear door, the porch is an architectural element found on both sides of the house, looped around the whole infrastructure, or at one corner. When it’s raining, or if you want to enjoy the outdoors from the back of the house, these awnings are there to shield you from the elements.
Although back porches can be found in various shapes, sizes, and styles, the roof, sidewalls, and entryway all share a few common elements. The foundation must support the roof of a rear porch for at least half of its surface area.
Screened in Porch
In other words, a screened-in porch is just what it sounds like: a porch with a screen over it. It is a great idea to have a covered porch when you want to enjoy the fresh air and scents of nature without being bothered by the sun and insects. If you have a screened porch, you may use it for more activities and enjoy it more frequently.
Insects and weather won’t affect your porch with screened-in porches, but you can still enjoy your porch in a more comfortable setting.
There are two common materials for porch screens: fiberglass mesh and aluminum mesh (resist corrosion but can discolor over time). Homeowners with energetic pets or children can use pet-proof screens, while those who are concerned about burglars can use security screens manufactured from thick mesh steel set in sturdy frames.
Ensure your displays are supported by high-quality supports manufactured or machined for screens. Preparation is essential: Designing your porch’s screens and storm windows from the outset will save you money and effort while also resulting in a more attractive porch.
Read More: How to Build a Screened-In Porch on a Concrete Patio
Wraparound Porch
Wraparound porches are porches that “wrap” around the house, typically on two sides of the entire structure. Their popularity is understandable. These expansive home additions frequently associated with Southern or Caribbean design create an enticing space to unwind, kick back, socialize, and entertain. Additionally, when constructed properly, with use and style in mind, they give any home a sense of tradition and elegance.
The porch began its life as a communal space in American architecture. This is an area where you may relax in a rocker, wave at passing cars, and drink cold tea and lemonade with neighbors and loved ones. That is why the porch was originally located in front of the home. For better or worse, sometime in the mid-twentieth century, America’s porch priorities shifted from community to privacy, and the porch began its long journey to less visible areas, most notably the backyard, where a person could put up their feet, drink a cup of coffee, and read a good book without being bothered.
Today’s homeowners desire the best of both worlds: a porch that provides a sense of community while maintaining a sense of solitude. That’s why the wraparound porch is an ideal choice.
Farmer Porch
As the name implies, a farmer’s porch is characteristic of a farmhouse-style residence. It is a covered terrace that faces the street to best greet guests. The porch is supported by solid timbers and has customized railings. For maximum visual effect, the farmer’s porch should span the width of the front of the home. This porch type can be built on the ground level or elevated.
There is sufficient space for a large group to congregate and unwind. The sheer expanse of this style of porch may necessitate additional time for maintenance.
Detached Porch
Detached porches are distinct from the main structure of the home. Whether it’s made of pavers, gravel, or wood, a walkway usually connects it to the home. The detached porch has a wide range of styles and features that can be tailored to suit your needs.
Detached porches come in a variety of options, including screened-in, open-air, or glass-enclosed. Costs may be greater because it is independent of the main house.
Arizona Room
Arizona rooms are a type of semi-outdoor space typically found in Arizona homes. They function similarly to an extension of the house, with easy access from inside living spaces as well, such as the kitchen or living room. Typically, the rooms feature expansive windows that can be entirely opened.
You can chill down in this room without having to rely solely on the home’s air conditioning machine. Due to the contained nature of the area, you can incorporate more luxurious furnishings.
Rain Porch
An awning-like extension of the roof, known as a rain porch, shields you from the rain while relaxing on your porch during a downpour. The porch is protected from the rain and wind by a slight dip in the roof expansion.
Ideally, the roof extends a few feet beyond the porch floor for maximum safety. Ventilation is provided through slats on the ceiling.
Deck
There are no roofs on decks. Thus they’re open areas outside. Many of them are made of wood to make them appear cozy. Railings around the structures are built at various heights. Relaxing on the terrace will allow you to take a stunning view of the surrounding area.
Decks may be pricey. As a result, its construction and maintenance must be meticulously planned to keep it in the same state. Then, their look scares the other people around them. It may be necessary to obtain permission from the city to construct a deck, depending on where you live.
Loggia
Arches and columns distinguish most loggias, typically attached to a house. When used to describe an outside area of a home that is not a historical monument and is simply a “glamorous name” for a patio, porch, or balcony, the term is generally just being used as a marketing tool by a real estate agent or the creative committee of a home tour. But that doesn’t mean that loggias can’t be found in non-historical homes.
When facing a courtyard, a loggia is exclusively accessible from the inside of the house. In other words, you must first enter the structure before proceeding to the loggia. A loggia’s primary function is to enable air to circulate throughout the home.
Lanai
Lanai originated in Hawaii. Any porch, veranda, or patio might be considered a lanai in a larger sense. However, the name refers to a larger space similar to an extra room outside a house.
A lanai’s principal function is to provide homeowners with an outdoor living space. There’s no need to leave your deck chairs outside now that you’ve got this lovely addition. Instead, the lanai can be decorated with the same materials as the rest of the house.
Veranda
A veranda is an open-air porch or platform with a roof that runs the length of the home’s front and sides. Frequently, a veranda is surrounded by a railing. A veranda is primarily level with the home’s ground level. It provides an ideal location for outdoor leisure and entertainment.
Contact Paragon Remodeling to learn more about types of porches
Porches offer a great opportunity for homeowners to add extra living space and style to their homes. They can also be used to provide outdoor spaces for entertaining guests or relaxing in your home. If you’re interested in adding a porch to your home, contact Paragon Remodeling. As we provide you with our screened-in porches services, we can help you choose the perfect porch that will meet your needs and style preferences.
We look forward to hearing from you soon!
