A porch — whether it’s a wraparound, two-story or an enclosed variety — links a home to the outside world.
Houses designed with porches are gaining popularity with today’s homeowners, says Stephen Melman, National Association of Home Builders spokesperson in Washington, D.C.
“What was old is new again, and that definitely applies to building porches in new-construction homes,” Melman says. “Census data reports the share of new homes with porches increased from 42 percent in 1992, to 60 percent in 2008.”
Porches have been part of the American homestead since colonists first started settling the land. But the popularity of porches declined in the 1950s. Today, however, more homeowners desiring to create functional outdoor living spaces has renewed interest in the porch.
Lee Mackenzie, an award-winning Texas builder, considers himself a porch person. A major part of his Austin bungalow renovation was redesigning a porch that had been torn away from the house years ago.
“Porches are a time-honored solution to a critical human need for both protection and prospect,” Mackenzie says. “From the beginning of time, people need to feel safe and also have a range of vision. A porch provides both.”
Before building a porch on a new or existing home, Mackenzie says the covered structure needs to fit both the house’s architecture and the character of the neighborhood. “A front porch gives homeowners a connection to the street and community,” he says. “A back or side porch connects people to nature or a personal sanctuary.”
Mackenzie prefers porch plans with materials that are inspired by the natural world with exposed structural elements.
Painting or staining a wooden porch is one of the quickest and easiest ways to freshen an existing or new space. When choosing a paint color, a homeowner must consider the amount of sunlight a porch will receive. The color should also complement a house’s hue.
Color also can be used to emphasize architectural details on a porch, such as moldings. Solid stains hide the color of the wood, while semi-transparent stains allow the natural wood color to show.
As an alternative to gray cement, an existing concrete porch may be acid-stained or painted with a concrete acrylic coating. If pouring a new porch, the concrete can be tinted and stamped to emulate real stone or tile.
Porcelain tile, brick or natural stone make lovely natural accents on a porch. Choose materials that have a matte, honed or textured finish and are frost-resistant. If used as a floor covering, these materials should be laid on a moisture-proof substructure and sealed if they are porous.
When a porch is lit properly, it can create a warm, inviting atmosphere, Mackenzie says. It’s important to choose lighting fixtures that complement a home’s architectural style and that are rated by the Underwriters Laboratories (UL Wet) as safe when exposed to the weather.
Porch furnishings made of sturdy materials that will withstand the elements can still be comfortable and attractive. The outdoor furniture you choose should complement and coordinate with the home’s exterior style, colors and materials.
