What Is A Good Size For A Front Porch?

So you finally decided to add a front porch to your humble abode? Good for you! Porches offer an ideal spot to receive guests, soak up the warm morning sun, and spend time with friends and loved ones. If you're undecided about the size to allocate to your porch, don't worry about it. We've researched and collected a bulk of useful information that we'd like to share with you.

Experts advise a minimum depth of six feet for several reasons; however, for your front porch to realize its intended function, there are many issues to consider. Here are some of them:

• House scale. Your home must have an open and clear area. This will make it easy for the porch to highlight and frame the entrance of your home. 

• Functionality. Do you want to use your front porch for functional or aesthetic activities? Having a precise plan will help you determine the right proportion, depth, and width for your porch.

• Back porch. It's a good idea to build a front porch that duplicates the one at the back in terms of size and structure. This will work out for you if the square footage of your back porch area is identically similar to the front.

In general, typical porch sizes vary widely between communities and neighborhoods. The size you settle for will depend on how actively you use your porch. 

That's a lot to take in, we understand. For that reason, we've taken the liberty to elaborate on each of these points and more. Read on to find out all there is to know about choosing the right size for your front porch.

How Many Square Feet Is An Average Porch? 

On average, a typical porch should have a minimum depth of six feet. This room is more than enough for incorporating potted plants, chairs, as well as other furniture. However, an additional two feet is even better. At eight feet, you have more extensive furnishing options and add a porch swing if necessary. 

For your information, a two to seven-foot swing is the ideal option for small porch sitters. You can't afford to skip them, especially if you have kids around.

There's often no standardization as far as porch length or width is concerned. Front porches can be established on any dimensions the owner sees fit. It's essential to take into account the practical use of your porch as you figure out its optimal size. For example, if your front door is 36 inches wide, the porch should be six feet wide. 

Six feet is enough to accommodate a single chair that won't hinder movement into the house. If you want to put two chairs and a smaller table, you need to set aside at least 0.6 to 0.7 square feet of space for your front porch. To fit a couple of 28 by 80-inch patio lounges, you need a longer porch dimension of at least 10 feet. 

In most cases, the measurement will be determined by the property's length, width, and height. Once you have these, you can begin calculating your porch's square feet in relation to the design. 

What Is The Ideal Size For A Front Porch Column? 

Columns are either skinny or substantial and are measured in terms of size and diameter. The slender columns should measure approximately eight inches in width diameter and 78 inches tall. If you prefer the more substantial columns, ensure they are at least 97 inches tall, and their diameter approximately 10 inches. 

The width or diameter of a column is measured at the bottom using a measuring tape. When planning for your columns, consider the view and depth of your porch. 

Front porch columns are as functional as they are decorative. Use them together with your porch railings to enhance the overall appearance of your porch and your home as well. 

If you already have a porch, the existing columns can be removed or replaced with newer designs. 

How Do I Calculate The Square Footage Of My Porch? 

A well-built porch is an excellent accent for any modern home. If you're planning on selling or remodeling your house, you'll need to find out the total square footage of every space – your porch included. 

Being aware of this calculation will assist you in planning for costs and materials. Also, you'll have a definitive description to offer your potential buyers. Here are the steps you need to follow to calculate the square footage of your porch:

1. Measure each side of the porch using a tape measure with visible markings.
2. Draw a rough sketch of your porch on a clean page. For each side, add the measurements you got from step one onto each side of the drawing.
3. Divide your drawing into smaller sections with shapes of triangles, rectangles, and squares. Do this only if you have an irregular shape. If you have a perfect square or rectangle sketch, there's no need to partition your drawing. 
4. Calculate the area of each shape in your porch sketch. Multiply the length by the width to find the area of the squares and the rectangles. For the triangles (if any), multiply the height by the base and divide the answer by two.
5. To find the average square feet in your porch, add all the areas of the shapes. If you have a rectangular or square porch, you don't need to add all the individual regions. Simply multiply the length by the width.

How Wide Should A Front Porch Be? 

Experts recommend setting aside at least eight feet for your porch (although ten feet will be even better). It will look slightly roomy, but it will allow space for necessities, including movement, breathing room, and furniture. The extra space will also be a beautiful living space that's fit for you and your family. 

The scale of your house should determine the average width of your porch. Other factors to consider include the intended use, as well as the budget. Your primary goal should be to maintain an open and clear area that will highlight and frame the entrance to your home.

For example, the neo-shingle style home has a 36-inch (91 centimeters) entrance door with a width of 12 by 18 inches (30 by 46 centimeters). The double columns are spaced seven to eight feet (1.5 to 1.8 meters) wide. 

To complete the breadth of your porch, space two additional outset columns equally on either side rather than the center's width. You may need to seek counsel from your local building department to determine the minimum spacing and size for your posts. 

The width of your porch should complement your home's architectural style. Spacious porches are typically considered a quick way to please the eye compared to the small-sized ones. 

Wider porches are associated with classical designs and ancient architecture. They often reflect all the beautiful details of your front porch, such as the garden, furniture, or patio chairs. Although they are costlier to set up, the end-result is longer-lasting and requires very minimal maintenance. 

What's The Average Back Porch Size? 

If you're aiming for a small back porch, it should be approximately six to ten feet by eight to 12 feet. Porches of this size do not require a lot of space to accommodate chairs and tables. 

Medium-sized back porches should be approximately 10 to 16 feet in terms of length and width. When you scale down the size to 10 by 10 feet, it will still be enough to fit square or round tables that can seat six.

More extensive multipurpose back porches are excellent hangout spots for guests and other special events. The ideal size for such a porch is 16 by 16 feet (approximately). If you want to do a lot more than meet up with guests, you need to set aside about 25 to 30 feet or more.

As is the case with the front porch size, it's essential to determine how much space you have, and how it will be used. A few primary elements to consider when looking into size matters are permeability, patio covers, location, and scale. If you don't plan on hosting parties regularly, you may not need a large back porch size. 

Garden porch size may also be determined by foliage, structures, and the relevant surroundings. 

Don't Forget The Entryway!

It's easy to get caught up in finding the right size for your front porch that you forget the essential part of the project: enhancing your home's entryway. Once you've considered the size and style you want to go with, step back and think of how your door's position will fit into your design. Make sure to position it in a reasonably centralized point.