A porch addition is a shaded exterior section that is built onto a standing house. Building a porch addition is a great way to maximize space and provide an outdoor location that is safe from the elements. There are many different designs and styles of porch addition to choose from; look for one that complements the architecture of the main house while providing for the type of outdoor space desired.
The basic elements of any porch addition are the floor and the roof. These can be made out of a variety of materials and may be built to match existing structures in color or material. Usually, the flooring is made from concrete, wood, stone, or brick. Tile may be incorporated for a decorative appearance, but is often not as sturdy as other materials. Porch roofs are often wood or concrete, but may be made out of other materials as well. It is important to decide how much of the porch will be covered by the roof; while some people want an entirely sheltered space, others may prefer a porch addition that offers patches of both sun and shade.
One interesting consideration for a porch addition roof is a pergola. This is a latticed roof that is usually made of wood, often used for growing vines and hanging plants. While a pergola may not provide shelter from wind or rain, it does provide a lovely garden-infused roof for an outdoor dining or seating area. Plants that can be incorporated with a pergola-covered porch addition include grapes, ivy, climbing roses, or wisteria. It is essential to use a building material that can withstand the weight and invasive growth of plants when creating a porch with a pergola roof.
Some porch addition plans call for an low exterior wall or fence around the outside of the porch. This can create a nice divider from the garden or yard, but may reduce the feeling of flow from porch to other exterior spaces. Consider using decorative iron fencing to add an elegant, Southern Gothic look, or poured concrete or brick to create both a fence and exterior seating.
In areas where bugs are a problem, it may be wise to consider a screened-in porch. These porches provide total protection from the outside while still being breezy and open to pleasant breezes. A screen porch can provide shelter from nasty biting insects like mosquitoes, thus making it easier to spend hot or humid summer nights outside without fear of bites and stings. Screened porches will also have an exterior door to allow access without leaving a gaping hole.
While a porch addition can be crafted by handy homeowners, it may be wise to consult with a professional builder. A poorly built porch can be hazardous, prone to collapse, and unable to withstand storms or natural disasters like earthquakes. It is important to build a porch addition that meets all local building standards and will not become a danger in an emergency.
