17 Different Types Of Porches (With Pictures)

By
Kimberly Crawford
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Last Updated on December 19, 2021 by Kimberly Crawford

As people approach your home, the porch is the first thing they see. Your home’s atmosphere is set by the porch. There are many different types of porches, ranging from modest and basic to wrap-around porches, all of which have something special to offer. 

As a result, it’s critical to understand the many sorts of porches so that you can make the most of this beautiful and practical place.

What is a porch?

In general, a porch is an enclosed space linked to a building’s entryway. A porch usually has open sides and provides a seamless transition from interiors to outside.

Porches, like every outdoor room, are merely an extension of your living area. Even though all porches give an area that connects the outside world to the inside of your house, they are not all made equal. 

Some porches are built to welcome visitors, whereas others are built to rest and seize the outdoors in a safe environment. When it comes to deciding on the style of porch you desire in your house, you have a lot of options.

17 Different Types Of Porches (With Pictures)

1. Arizona Room

Arizona rooms are a type of home expansion that may be entered from other areas of the house, including the living room or the kitchen. They usually feature huge windows that may be fully opened. Many individuals may open their windows to enable the air to flow during the cooler months. 

As a result, Arizona rooms vary from sunrooms in certain ways. This is due to the fact that sunroom windows are not often built to be left open for months at a time. Close the windows and install air conditioning to keep the space cool in the summer.

The moniker “Arizona rooms” comes from how common they are in the state of Arizona. They’re designed to blend indoor and outdoor life by appearing to be a part of the house’s design and general appearance.

2. Back Porch

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Although most porches are placed in the front of the house, some homeowners may like the notion of a back porch. Consider it a covered deck.

A back porch is more than simply a covered back entrance; it’s an architectural element located on both sides of the home, looped around the overall infrastructure, or at one corner. 

Their primary purpose is to give cover for those going into the house when it is pouring or just when they want to make the most of the outdoors from the back of the house.

Back porches nowadays exist in a variety of forms, sizes, and fashions; yet, they all have a few characteristics, which boil down to the roof, sides, and doorway.

 A back porch must be joined to the house for at least 50% of its area, and the roof should be supported by the foundation.

3. Bungalow Porch

The bungalow porch is usually capped by a pergola or a roof, however some newer designs mix the two together for the best of both worlds. The roof is usually supported by strong pillars or columns and is contained under a front-facing gable. 

The most frequent supports are damaged (tapered) timber posts on massive brick or stone plinths. These posts can also be divided into groups of two to four.

Bungalows are known for their attention to detail, workmanship, substance, and architecture, and the porch is no exception.

4. Deck

A deck is a wooden structure that is usually positioned next to the house. When most people think of a deck, they picture the structure at the back of the home. A deck, on the other hand, can be built anywhere on the land. A deck might be built on a front porch. 

A deck can be made up of a stairwell and a landing that leads to a door. In Spite of where it is located or what it is named, if the structure is built like a deck, it is a deck. The deck building criteria apply if the structure is a deck.

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5. Detached Porch

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A Detached Porch, as the name implies, is distinct from the house and is not connected to it.

A different pathway, either wooden or gravel, is built to connect it to the home. Pavement can also be constructed as an alternative.

Because it is a distinct structure, it has a lot of flexibility built in. It may be left open on all sides or its screens can be deployed to seal off the space. Glass barriers can also be employed. However, because it is built independently from the home, the cost is necessarily higher.

6. Farmer’s Porch

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Farmer Porch is designed to seem like a farmhouse. Even when it’s facing the street, it’s kept that way so that passers-by might be welcomed within.

It is retained at the same width as the front of the house. It is either raised or brought to ground level. The porch has been covered, and wooden beams have been added. Railings have also been erected.

The porch is large enough for everyone to gather and enjoy themselves.

7. Front entry porch

The Front Entry Porch is a tiny concrete slab located directly outside the house’s front entrance.

This porch is a pretty basic space, and it is hardly a place to unwind.

It includes a few stairs that go to the house’s main door, and various ornamental features have been placed here to add to the visual value. This area can be filled with chairs or plants.

It is a cost-effective solution since it uses less resources in its construction.

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8. Gable-Style Porch

A gabled style porch has two descending sides that meet at a ridge to form end walls with such a triangular projection at the top known as a gable. Gable roofs, often known as peaked or pitched roofs, are among the most common roofs in the United States. 

Gable roofs drain water and snow easily, give extra space for an attic or arched ceilings, and provide better ventilation. Because of their intrinsic simplicity, they are simple to construct and less expensive than more sophisticated designs.

Related: 30+ Cheap Porch Ceiling Ideas and Designs

9. Lanai

A name used to identify a particular style of porch in Hawaii. It’s most commonly used to describe a concrete or stone-floored enclosed porch. Lanais vary from sunrooms in that they often have concrete flooring and are located on the ground next to the house.

The style and idea are similar to the porch, but the living rooms are larger. There is a roof attached. It does, however, lack more than one wall, allowing for the enjoyment of the natural environment.

The purpose of screening or paneling is to keep the house at a comfortable temperature. Glass or plastic panels can be used as paneling.

10. Loggia

A loggia is a luxury addition to your home’s façade. It is a declarative structure found in great constructions such as palaces all throughout the world.

The loggia is in the shape of a corridor and runs parallel to at least a single side of the house. It is covered by a roof and has exterior walls as well.

The ceiling of this porch is supported by decorative columns or arches.

11. Open porch

The term “open porch” refers to a structure that is completely open on all sides. It has a slab or a deck composed of concrete or wood on the bottom. It may, nevertheless, be reinforced by a roof at the top.

Because there are no sides on this style of porch, it feels more like an outside space. Over the pillars, the ceiling material is supported. You may take in the fresh air and relax in the natural setting.

In a hot environment, the air inside this shed is roughly 10-15 degrees cooler than the outside air. What a great idea it would be to go on a wonderful outing with your buddies. However, due to its openness, this porch compromises privacy.

12. Patio

Patio is a Latin word that refers to the area of your building’s courtyard. They’re on the ground level and close to your house.

They can be made out of concrete or gravel. They’re usually not made of wood and aren’t elevated at all. A patio does not need to be surrounded by walls.

The Patio has a paved surface that is preserved at floor level only. However, the surface must first be leveled. Furthermore, it lacks a roof.

It is not required to create it in conjunction with the home; it can be built separately. Its design is also unnecessary. This allows us more flexibility in terms of size and design.

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13. Portico

A column-supported roof defines and protects porticos, which are tiny porches. The straightforward frames range from sleek modern entrances to classic colonial constructions to ornately decorated Victorian enterprises.

The roof covers the top of the portico, which is built in front of the home entry. The portico’s roof is supported by a series of columns.

It provides an appealing aspect to your home’s entry because it opens immediately to the front door. You may also make it as elaborate as you like or keep it basic. They aren’t meant to be entertaining. You are not permitted to congregate on this porch.

14. Rain Porch

It shields you from the rain, as its name implies. For this porch, the ceiling has been enlarged. The roof is stretched 3-6 feet further than the porch to guarantee that it does not get wet.

The rain porch is a protected outdoor residential living area that comprises a pitched roof with independent supports in front of a wharf, balustraded deck.

In addition, the extension is sunk at an inclination to totally cover the porch from the rain. This porch allows you to enjoy the rain without getting soaked.

Typically, the structure is seen connected to classic Carolina plantation homes or elevated cottages with either tavern or central hall designs, as well as regional versions of the Greek-revival style.

15. Screened Porch

A roof is present on a Screened Porch, and screens cover all four aspects of the porch. If you want extra living space, consider adding a screened porch. It may be used as a living room addition.

This allows for proper air circulation while also keeping mosquitoes and other bothersome insects at bay. During the summer, you may sit inside a covered porch and relax.

Because of the variety of alternatives, this is one of the most popular porches. You may improve the usefulness of the displays by using a remote control.

This porch may be enclosed with either railings or short walls reaching a height of 3-4 feet.

16. Veranda

The term ‘veranda’ is sometimes used simultaneously with other outdoor constructions such as pergolas and porches, which can be misleading. The veranda, on the other hand, is a unique and historic construction with American roots.

First and foremost, a veranda is a covered, open-air porch with a railing running the length of it. It usually connects to a bigger residential structure and wraps around many walls.

The veranda has a roof and is open-air, which means there are no screens or windows to block the view of the outdoors. It is seldom raised and usually rests on the ground. Verandas are usually accompanied by railing and span around one or more walls.

Their posts and railings, especially if they’re tied to a bigger and older property, may have exquisite patterns and decorations.

17. Wrap Around Porch

Wraparound porches are one of the earliest types of porches.

The term comes from the fact that it wraps around your house. Either the entire house or a portion of it has been wrapped. The wrapping begins at the front of the house and continues around at least one corner.

The roof has been preserved, but the porch does not have any walls. This design results in a large and expansive porch. Due to its enormous size, distinct locations may be set aside for various outdoor activities.

If you prefer to read books, for example, you may set aside an area for it. A gazebo, for example, may be placed in one of the corners. It will not only improve the structural element, but it will also allow you to spend quality time with your family.

Conclusion

If you enjoy outdoor activities or relaxing in nature, you might want to consider adding a porch to your house.

Porches of various types may add beauty to your property while also increasing its value.