Front Porches

Design Tips

If you want to add a porch on the front of your house, H. Dale Contant, a certified remodeler from Atlanta, says the first things you need to consider are the style of the house and how you want to use the space. For a front porch, he recommends dimensions of at least 8 feet deep and 16-20 feet wide. Contant says screen porches on the back of a house have grown from an average of 200 square feet to 300-400 square feet to make room for comfortable furniture, a dining area, and even a fireplace.

Choose the right width
You need a porch width that will serve your purpose, but you also have to be sensitive to the shadowing created from a covered porch and how it affects the light in adjacent rooms. Think about how you will use the porch and plan accordingly.

Pick a porch floor that reflects the style of the house
Saltillo clay tiles, colored concrete, and wood or wood substitute are all good choices. All require some degree of maintenance so be sure to check with the manufacturers before making a decision.

Keep furniture and accessories simple and carefree
All-weather wicker furniture and outdoor fabrics that can withstand the elements are good choices.

Select lighting that's functional and stylish

Consider an eye-catching chandelier or pendent light over your front entry door.