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. We’ve researched and collected a lot of useful information that we’d like to share with you.
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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. Will you use your front porch for functional or aesthetic activities? A precise plan will help you determine the right proportions, 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.
We understand that that’s a lot to take in. For that reason, we’ve taken the liberty of elaborating 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?
Typically, a porch should be at least six feet deep, which is sufficient for potted plants and chairs. Extending to eight feet provides room for more furniture, including a porch swing.
Porch dimensions vary widely as there is no standard size for length or width; they depend on the homeowner’s preferences and the house’s design.
Practical use should guide the size of your porch. For instance, a porch that is six feet wide can comfortably fit a single chair without obstructing entry into the house.
If you want to house furniture on your porch to create an outdoor seating area, you will need to factor this in when designing your porch size.
For a porch to accommodate a sofa and a table, or a table with outdoor dining chairs, a minimum depth of 8 feet is recommended.
Ultimately, the size of your porch will depend on the dimensions of your property, your specific needs, and your design preferences.
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:
- Measure each side of the porch using a tape measure with visible markings.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- To find the average square feet on 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 scale of your house should determine the average width of your porch. Other factors to consider include the intended use and the budget.
Your primary goal should be to maintain an open and clear area that highlights and frames 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 quicker way to please the eye than small 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?
For a small back porch, aim for an area of approximately 6 to 10 feet by 8 to 12 feet. This size accommodates chairs and tables without requiring much space.
Medium-sized back porches should be 10 to 16 feet long. Even a 10 by 10 foot porch can fit a table for six.
Larger multipurpose porches are great for hosting guests and events. An ideal size is about 16 by 16 feet, but for more activities, consider 25 to 30 feet.
Consider your space and its intended use. Key factors include permeability, patio covers, location, and scale.
If you don’t plan on hosting parties, a smaller porch may suffice. Garden porch size is also influenced by foliage and surrounding structures.
Don’t Forget The Entryway!
It’s easy to get caught up in finding the right size for your front porch and 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 consider how your door’s position will fit into your design. Make sure to position it in a reasonably centralized point.
This is wonderfully and clear out fit.