A porch is basically an area that connects the inside of your house with its surroundings. While it serves for the same purpose, there are four different types of porches that explain how each type is different to another. Each type delivers unique offers. Let’s learn more on these types.
Read also: Tiny House Porch Design Ideas.
1. The Front Porch
The front porch is actually the most traditional type. It completes a house entrance by delivering a welcoming atmosphere on the entry for your guests. Many homeowners believe that it connects you with your surrounding and neighborhood, and it’s true. It also explains why this type is first to be popular among homeowners.
This porch doesn’t necessarily have to be large and wide. You can try adding a modest size of porch and it adds welcoming sense into your entry. Even the smaller porch can give a flat front house a little dimension and beauty. Meanwhile, it already gives your guests a little protection while they are waiting for you to open the door.
The good news about front porch is that you have a lot of options today. Front porch is advanced in architecture. You can build or remodel a front porch in ease and you still get the right sense of community in it.
According to Gilday Renovations architect, Dan Morales, 6 feet depth is a minimum for a front porch and 8 feet will gives you more chances to evolve.
The size is pretty important to consider here. It is because a front porch can look like an artificial addition when you don’t measure the right depth for it. Don’t worry. You can get the minimum depth even on a budget.
There are several styles that are easy to make and it doesn’t take too much money for the making while it gives you the right function of the porch as well.
2. The Back Porch
This type of porch is the next most popular among others. As its name, it is located at the back of your house. Comparing to the front one, the back porch is more casual than formal.
The purpose of the porch is also more advanced for this reason and rather different. While the front porch connects you and the neighborhood, the back porch connects your house inside with the backyard.
There are many purposes of this porch that people come up with. Some think this is the place where they can enjoy the weather or the view on the back of the house.
Some others think this is where they can have a tea while watching the kids playing. Many others believe that hosting a dinner on the back porch is something fun and intimate for close friends. And, there are more purposes too.
The main point is that the back porch is usually larger than the front one and more functional due to those purposes. It also means that you can improvise your own purpose for a back porch.
However, it is mainstream that the back porch connect your kitchen to the outside or backyard.
According to Crisp Architects senior project designer, thinking about how it connects your house and the backyard is the main thing about this porch.
You can try adding an outdoor dining area to connect it to your kitchen, and you can try mudroom too.
3. The Screened Porch
When you think about a porch with extra protection, the screened porch will be the answer. It is like the front and back porch. Architecturally, it is a more advanced version.
While the mainstream porch lets you feel the outdoor air, this one makes sure you are protected from too cold wind and dust as well. Yes, it has screen to limit the outdoor air from touching you.
Similar to the back porch, this one allows you to do even more activities in it and you can use it a lot more often due to the extra protection. You can host a dinner during winter in this porch while enjoying the snow as a view, and you can have ice tea party during the summer too.
There are several options for this porch depending on the material of the screen:
a. Fiberglass Mesh Screen
This is the most common material. It is easy to install but it is easy to break as well. It is more affordable and it looks pretty fine.
b. Aluminum Mesh Screen
This one is tougher and it fights well against corrosion. However, the color tends to fade over time, which isn’t a huge problem if you know how to deal with it.
c. Woven Screen
This screen makes a really good sun shade. It is commonly woven very tightly so enjoying the view can be a little problem.
d. And more…
There are more kinds too. You can find specific screen to protect your active children or your playful pets. You can also find screens with upmost security details to protect you from criminals. Also, you can also get one with remote control, in which you can control when to open or close the screen as you want it.
It doesn’t matter which one you see best for your house. According to Fine Decks, Inc. president, Clemens Jellema, you need well built posts to support the screen and planning everything ahead, including the design, is the key to a perfect screened porch. Well, trust the expert.
4. The Wrap around Porch
This porch is usually added as an extension to a family or living room. It is more of a casual addition, in which your guests can be invited for tea while enjoying the garden on the view.
Many houses now have this porch, which make them look more spacious and inviting. The house owner can consider adding sections as well if they want to, like reading section, seating section, or a hobby section.
The most important thing about this porch is that you need to study how the sun light moves on your house. This porch can shade the connected part of the house, and it isn’t recommended at all. Make sure it allows the light in instead.
