Choosing a new front porch

Porches come in various shapes and sizes and can be used for a number of different purposes, making them a practical and welcoming addition to any family home.

A porch is a simple, attractive
extension to your home

Unlike in America, where porches often extend right across the front side of the house, a porch in the UK doesn’t have to make a loud or dramatic impact. Whether you choose an open or enclosed design, these modest extensions can merely be used to improve the overall visual quality of your home and simultaneously provide extra space and comfort to suit various household needs.

The most suitable size for your porch will depend on the type of house and environment in which you live. The most important thing when considering your preferred design is to make sure your porch will complement the scale and style of the house and local area; otherwise you may end up with an extension that looks too garish and uninviting. Here are a couple of quick pointers to make sure you choose the right porch for your home:

Open porches

Grand, country buildings and large, detached homes in suburban areas tend to be most suited to open or longer, decked porches to bridge the gap between lawn and home. If you are simply looking for an open porch that acts as a small gateway to the front door, stone columns provide an imposing and regal effect sure to impress visitors. Using timber for a wooden lattice design, on the other hand, offers a more homely and rustic feel that can be combined with supporting brickwork at the base or climbing and trailing plants to complement a garden.

A longer, more extensive porch is altogether different; these are generally built on raised decking with a wooden roof, providing protection from both sun and rain and perhaps even accommodating a small seating area. This type of porch provides the perfect spot to get friendly with neighbours or simply relax and unwind in the outdoors. Look out for wood that is pest and rot resistant and make sure the colour and style match the overall aesthetics of the house; even a larger porch can appear unattractive if it clashes with aspects of the main property.

Enclosed porches

Enclosed porches are better matched with smaller, terraced houses in tightly-knit urban areas or semi-detached buildings in busier, inner-city areas. A great advantage of an enclosed porch is that, unless you live in a listed building or conservation area, you will not generally need to get planning permission; so long as the extension does not exceed three m² in floor space or three metres in height. This should be confirmed with your Local Planning Authority though. Brickwork or uPVC with standard double glazing are the most appropriate porch materials, offering added security to your home as well as letting in light and still trapping that much needed warmth in the colder winter months; just be sure the shade and texture of the materials echo those of the house. Many find that this little extra space makes for a great storage facility for coats, shoes, hats and umbrellas – keeping your hallway tidy and clutter-free! Depending on the gradient of your front garden a step or two may also be necessary outdoor additions to the porch for ease of access.

Porch decoration

Finally, your porch can be decorated to match your own personal taste in home improvement. Flowers and plants really add a welcoming touch to those entering your home, as does a small lantern or light for practical purposes. For a bit of extra privacy a low wall makes a great addition to a raised open porch and a thin screen acts as the perfect insect repellent for when you want to enjoy the outdoors on a hot summers day. Little extras such as welcome mats and wind chimes will also really make your new porch feel like a part of your home.

How much does a porch cost?

Remember, these guidelines are based on generalisations and you may find that the style or location of your home doesn’t exactly correspond with the advice given – each house is unique, so make sure you examine yours carefully to judge what it is best suited to. When you have decided on the type of porch you want, get in touch with a number of professionals and look around for the best quote. A porch can cost as little as £2,000 - £4,000, but this will depend on how much work you want done.