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What Is a Porch?
A Porch is a structure extended from the main structure to form a shelter cover that is attached to the front entrance of the building or house. It is an element that can be included in your house plan to make it more functional. It also improves the aesthetical value of your house. For those who are confused about What Is a Porch, let’s get a brief idea about it. The front area covered by the shelter at the entrance of the house is called a porch.
The different types of porch designs and styles to enhance the exterior of your home. From front porches to screened-in porches, learn about the various options available and find the perfect porch for your home.
Can you imagine yourself sitting out in the open in the evening enjoying a cup of coffee or your favorite beverage while the cool breeze swept through your face?! Yes, you can enjoy yourself out in the open on a porch within your premises itself!
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Types of Porch
You cannot plan for a porch without knowing how many types are there. There are different types of porches are prevalent in the market. Some of them are discussed below:
1. Open Porch
Open Porches are actually open- they do not have an enclosure on any side. On the base, it has a deck or slab made out of concrete or wood. However, on the top, it may be supported by a roof. As the sidewalls are absent in this type of porch, it is more like an outdoor area. The roofing material is supported over the columns. Here you can enjoy the breeze and bask in the natural atmosphere.
In a hot climate, the temperature inside this shed is lowered by about 10-15 degrees as compared to the outside atmosphere. How nice would it be to have a nice outing with your friends? But, privacy is compromised on this porch because of its openness.
2. Front Entry Porch
Front Entry Porch is in the form of a small concrete slab just adjacent to the front door of the house.This porch is a very simple place and it is not a place for you to relax.
It has a few steps that direct towards the main door of the house and some decorative elements are placed here to increase the aesthetic value. Chairs or plants can be placed in this space. It is a budget-friendly option as less material is required in its construction.
3. Back Porch
As inferred from its name, a Back Porch is constructed at the backside of the home. The design is similar to the front porch, just its location is shifted to the backside of the house.
It is covered and attached to the back door of the house. A kitchen can be connected to this porch and the porch might be decorated too. The back porch can be made a place to enjoy the outside views.
Unlike the front porch, a back porch offers considerable privacy. You can sit here without being disturbed by commuting people or other sources. You can add decorative elements to make it more attractive. Also, chairs or other seating arrangements can be placed.
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4. Screened Porch
In a Screened Porch, a roof is there while screens occupy all four insides of the porch. You can think of going for a screened porch if you want more living areas. It can serve as an extension of the living room.
This ensures the circulation of air and at the same time, mosquitoes and other trouble-making insects are kept away. In summer, you can sit inside a screened porch and spend a relaxed time.
This is one of the most widespread porches because of its number of options. You can increase the functionality of the screens by making them controlled by a remote. The enclosure of this porch can be made by either railing or short walls up to a height of around 3-4 feet can be constructed too. In roofing also, different options are available for you to choose from- skylight, gable roof, etc.
5. Farmer’s Porch
Farmer Porch is constructed in the form of a farmhouse. While it’s facing is kept towards the street so that the people can be welcomed inside. Its width is kept equivalent to the front side of the home. It either is kept elevated or up to ground level.
The porch is covered and support beams are installed too. Even railings are installed. The porch has enough room so that the people can get together and enjoy themselves together.
6. Deck Porch
Decks are open spaces outside without roofs. To make it appear warm, it is mostly made out of wood. They are constructed at different levels and are surrounded by railings.
You can have an amazing view of the surroundings from the deck and also relax along the way. Decks are costly. Its construction also needs to be well planned while it requires timely maintenance to keep it in a similar condition. Else, their appearance is daunted.
A permit may be required from the local authorities to build a deck on your premises.
7. Patio Porch
The floor of the Patio is paved and it is kept at ground level only. But, the surface is leveled first. Moreover, its roof is also absent. It can be detached from the house too- it is not necessary to construct it joining the house.
Also, its design is not necessary. This gives freedom with respect to size and design.
8. Detached Porch
As indicated by its name a Detached Porch is separate from the house- it is not attached to the main house. For connecting it to the house, a separate pathway of either gravel or wood is constructed. Alternatively, pavement can also be made.
A lot of flexibility is included in its design as it is a separate structure. It can either be kept open on the sides or its screens can be used to enclose the area. Or even glass walls can be used. However, the cost is naturally more as it is constructed separately from the house.
9. Arizona Room
It is an extension of the main structure of the house, which is a feature of Arizona houses. It is a semi-outdoor structure. Their access is granted from the living room or kitchen. Large windows are also included in their design that can be opened completely.
Arrange the furniture as per your comfort and you can easily get rid of the heat without using air conditioners much.
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10. Rained Porch
As understood from its name, it protects from the rain. The roof is extended for this porch. The roof is extended beyond the porch to ensure it does not get wet by about 3-6 feet.
Also, the extension is dipped at a certain angle so that the porch below is completely protected from the rain. You can enjoy the rainfall on this porch without getting wet.
11. Portico
Portico is constructed in the front of the house entrance and the top is covered by the roof. Columns are constructed for supporting the roof of the portico.
It adds an aesthetic element to the entrance of your home as it directly opens to the front entrance of the home. Moreover, you can make it as grand as you may like; or just keep it simple. They do not serve entertainment purposes. You cannot gather on this porch.
12. Loggia
Loggia is a luxurious element to enhance the exterior of your home. It is a statement of construction found all over the world in grand structures like palaces.
Loggia is kept parallel to at least one side of the house and is in the form of a corridor. A roof covers it while it has outer walls too.
13. Arche Porch
Decorative arches or columns are used to support the roof of this porch.
The veranda is an open-air porch that is located on the front and sides of the house. It has a platform as a floor and it is sometimes enclosed by railings. Its level is mostly kept the same as ground level. You can enjoy the outdoors on the veranda.
14. Lanai
Lanai is constructed mostly for houses constructed in a hot climate. The design is original to Hawaii.
The design and concept are similar to the porch except it has wider living areas. A roof is attached. But, it lacks more than one wall so that the natural atmosphere can be enjoyed.
Screening or paneling is normally done to maintain the temperature inside the house. Paneling includes glass panels or plastic panels.
15. Wrap around Porch
Wrap Around Porch is one the oldest style of porches. It wraps your home- hence the name. Either the entire home is wrapped or a part of it is wrapped up. The wrapping starts from the front part of the house and turns at least one corner of the house.
The roof is kept but walls are not included in this porch. A large and spacious porch is achieved by this concept. Different spaces can be allocated for different outdoor activities considering its large space.
Like you can dedicate a space for reading books if you prefer to read books. Or even a gazebo can be included in one corner. It will not only enhance the architectural element but also let you spend quality time.
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