What is a Porch?
The porch is the first thing visitors notice as they approach your home. The structure is exterior to the building’s walls; however, it may be surrounded by frames extending from the main structure, such as walls, columns, or screens. As a result, the porch enhances the visual appearance of the structure. Therefore, a porch is vital for maximizing the functionality of a home.
As people approach your home, the porch is the first thing they see. The porch sets your home’s atmosphere. There are many different porches, ranging from modest and straightforward to wraparound porches; all have something unique to offer.
Purpose of a Porch:
- It is the first thing visitors notice when they enter your home.
- A porch is a great place to spend time outside.
- It has the potential to increase the aesthetic value of your home.
- It protects you from the rain and strong winds.
- If appropriately designed, it adds to the home’s grandeur.
Types of Porches:
1. Open Porch:
Fig 1: Open Porch
Courtesy: oakmaster.co
An open porch has no screens or other barriers. It’s a roofed structure with open support systems elevated by a concrete slab or wooden deck. An open porch, rather than an inside chamber, gives the impression of being closer to the outside. On an open porch, there are no side walls either. While an open porch is light and breezy, keep in mind that it provides less privacy.
2. Back Porch:
Fig 2: Back Porch
Courtesy: houzz.com
A back entry porch is the polar opposite of a front entry porch. It connects at the back door and is positioned at the back entrance. It’s usually open and has a roof, and depending on the house, it can be huge. On the other hand, a back porch offers a great deal of privacy.
3.Front Entry Porch:
Fig 3: Front Entry Porch
Courtesy: bhg.com
A front entry porch is connected to the front door immediately. It can be relatively modest, with mere stairs leading up to the door and a little slab of concrete between them. There’s enough area to add some ornamental flair without any unnecessary features or distractions.
Although the front entry porch is modest, it will undoubtedly give aesthetic value to your home’s entryway. However, if you enjoy the outdoor porch area, this is not the front porch style for you.
4. Farmer’s Porch:
Fig 4: Farmer’s Porch
Courtesy: gardenpuzzle.com
It is a covered porch that is usually found in a farmhouse-style home. It includes a cover, support beams, and railings. It runs down the front of the house, extending the breadth. It’s long and narrow, wide enough to hold vast gatherings of people, and decorated in various ways.
5. Detached Porch:
Fig 5: Detached Porch
Courtesy: porchco.com
This porch is not attached to the house, unlike other porches. Instead, it’s a free-standing structure that looks similar to a pavilion or gazebo. It can be connected to the main structure via a walkway or a footpath, and it can be designed in various ways. However, the cost of constructing the detached porch is higher because it is a distinct structure.
6. Patio:
Fig 6: Patio
Courtesy: architechtureartdesign.com
A patio is a paved outdoor area adjacent to a ground-level residence typically utilized for dining or recreational purposes. The term originates in Spain, where it has a different meaning (inner courtyard). Concrete, stone, bricks, and tiles or cobblestones are commonly utilized to construct these types of outdoor constructions. In addition, plants and outdoor furniture are commonly used to beautify patios.
7. Rained Porch:
Fig 7: Rained Porch
Courtesy: homenish.com
A rain porch, as the term indicates, is designed to keep the rain out. It features a canopy that extends outwards like an awning, allowing rain to fall. It also provides wind shelter, allowing people to enjoy the porch no matter the weather.
8. Deck:
Fig 8: Deck
Courtesy: decks.com
A deck is a flat, elevated platform that connects a house to the outside. Decks are usually composed of wood and are raised above the ground. Barbecuing, dining, and seating areas can all be included. A railing is usually required to surround a deck. In some circumstances, a canopy or pergola might cover this outside construction.
9.Portico:
Fig 9: Portico
Courtesy: decks.com
A portico is a shaded porch that leads to a home’s front door. Several columns support the roof. Porticos instantly add character and beauty to your home’s exterior. There are various styles of entrances to choose from; it all depends on your preference.
10. Verandah:
Fig 10: Verandah
Courtesy: gharexpert.com
A verandah is a covered structure that runs the length of a house’s exterior. It’s level with the ground floor and often stretches over the structure’s front and sides. It’s an outdoor living space with a railing that can be partially enclosed.
11.Arizona Room:
Fig 11: Arizona Room
Courtesy: mesaawning.com
An Arizona room is a screened-in, covered outdoor extension of a home often used for relaxation and leisure. They’re usually situated in the back yard, connected to the kitchen or the living room. Rooms in Arizona are typically decorated in the same decorative style as the rest of the house to create a unified look. As a result, all of the colors and decorations blend inorganically.
12. Screened Porch:
Fig 12: Screened Porch
Courtesy: houszed.com
A screened porch is a porch with a roof and screens to offer year-round outdoor living. Air can freely circulate across the space while bugs and other pests are kept out. It is a beautiful approach to increasing the size of your living space.
13. Loggia:
Fig 13: Loggia
Courtesy: britannica.com
A loggia is an open-air hallway or gallery with a fully covered ceiling and an exposed exterior wall. Traditionally, loggias ran along a building’s exterior or might be used as a standalone element. Several columns of ornamental arches usually support the loggia’s open outer wall.
These places were lovely, but they served an efficient purpose in the hot and humid weather. Loggias were an attractive architectural feature because they gave a room that was connected to the outer environment and cooler air while also giving a shady and covered retreat from the sun in which to relax or dine.
14. Lanai:
Fig 14: Lanai
Courtesy: deavita.net
These places were lovely, but they served an efficient purpose in the hot and humid weather. Loggias were an attractive architectural feature because they gave a room connected to the outer environment and cooler air while also giving a shady and covered retreat from the sun in which to relax or dine. A lanai can be screened or covered in panels (glass or plastic) to control the internal temperature.
15. Wrap-Around Porch:
A wraparound porch extends around your house. The term porch is derived from the Italian word “portico,” which refers to a home’s raised entrance. Wrap-around is a more basic phrase. A wraparound porch is simply one that wraps around your house. The porch does not have to wrap around your house, a common misperception. A wraparound porch can even go around the back of your house.
Fig 15: Wrap-Around Porch
Courtesy: howmuchisit.org
Benefits of Porches of Your Home:
- Designed to keep you safe from the elements like heavy rain, hail, and the sun’s harmful UV radiation.
- Because the sun rays are stopped, your carpet and furnishings (both indoor and outdoor) will last longer.
- Increases the livable area of your property, increasing its market value.
- Creates an additional area for outdoor gatherings with family and friends.
- Keeps your home colder, lowering your energy expenditures and saving you money on your electric bill.
- Retractable porch awnings allow you to manage the amount of space and, as a result, the quantity of sun you get on your porch.
- Adds a stunning design look to your home’s exterior, giving it more curb appeal
- In all types of weather, outdoor entertaining is possible.
- Maintain your outdoor space’s elegance without sacrificing your view of the great outdoors.
- Homeowners can create any look they want with customized options.
- Start vacationing in your backyard now that your patio area has been updated with a porch awning.
Conclusion:
If you prefer resting in nature or participating in outdoor activities, you may need to try and add a porch to your home. Porches of various forms can enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home while also improving its value.
References:
1.Porches And Their Types – CivilEngineeringBible.com. (n.d.). CivilEngineeringBible.com. https://civilengineeringbible.com/article.php?i=286.
2. 15 Types Of Porches Every Homeowner Should Know – Home Decor Bliss. (2020, August 4). Home Decor Bliss. https://homedecorbliss.com/types-of-porches/
3. What Are the Different Types Of Porches? | Archadeck Outdoor Living. (n.d.). Archadeck. https://www.archadeck.com/charlotte/resources/blog/2020/august/what-are-the-different-types-of-porches-/.
4. Gundaraniya, N. (2022, February 3). 15 Types Of Porch Used for Home | What Is Porch | How To Infer What Porch You Need. Civil Jungle. https://civiljungle.com/types-of-porches/.
5. 15 Types Of Porches Every Homeowner Should Know – Home Decor Bliss. (2020, August 4). Home Decor Bliss. https://homedecorbliss.com/types-of-porches/.
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Nice explanations