front porch designs overview

Front Porch Ideas and More


An Overview OfFront Porch

Design ElementsTo Consider for Remodeling

Or New Construction

Find us at PorchIdeas.com

Front Porch Design Elements to Consider

There are several essential elements that make for a great front porch design.

Mary and I like to say that the true essence of a great front porch is greater than the sum of its parts.

In this overview we will introduce you to those elements and point out key factors for you to consider when remodeling or building a new front porch.


Porch Styles

It is important that the style of your front porch fit the architectural style of your home. It is the first feature anyone sees and can be designed for maximum curb appeal, functionality, and to make a statement.


This Romanesque-style front porch is inviting and reflects the personality of the owners.


Victorian porches never go out of style. Normally, exterior house trim is used to create a very ornate, colorful,

and curb appealing front porch. Find us at PorchIdeas.com

Side porches, common along coastal communities in the southeast, were built to catch the .



Farmhouse, or country porches, are very popular and replicated in many residential housing developments.


Ever consider having a front porch side-by-side with a screen porch? This beautiful home is an excellent example of combining the best of both worlds.

Photo courtesy of The Porch Company, Nashville TN

This large wrap around porch was previously remodeled to add a storage room.

Porch Remodeling Can Add Value and Functionality


Conceptual Drawing Shows Design Possibilities

Three-D renderings (like the one above) are an excellent way to design a front porch for a house. You can then easily see how a specific front porch design changes the overall appeal of your home.

This conceptual drawing shows the same house with a wraparound porch, balusters instead of a knee wall, and updated landscaping. Conceptual drawings allow you to “see” what your porch design could look like.


Porch Design Elements From the roof to the porch skirting, each porch component helps to create the overall porch design.

Selecting the right porch elements - rails, trim, even steps - will create a cohesive, beautiful, and functional porch.


Porch Railings

There are a myriad of railing designs and materials you can choose to create a completely different and unique look for your porch.


Porch Columns The porch columns you choose go a long way towards creating an appealing porch. Your columns should match the architectural style of your home to create a cohesive look.


Porch Roofs

Depending on the style of your home and your existing roof line, your porch roof can be flat, shed-style, hipped, gabled or a combination of styles. The style of your roof sets the tone for your porch.

Also important is the roofing material that you choose: shingles, tile, cedar, or metal in various colors.


Porch Steps and Exterior Trim

Never forget that porch steps can be beautiful as well as functional. While most porch steps are wood, they can also be made of concrete, tile, stone, and or other materials.

Exterior trim is optional but beautiful and includes ornamentation such as running trim, brackets, and arches. Trim adds a finishing touch to a well designed porch!


Our Front Porch Design SeriesTo learn more and to explore each design element in more detail, join Mary and I as we define for you, what makes a great front porch design.

Through video, photos, and renderings, we show you not only your many options, but also offer design and remodeling tips and ideas.

Join us for Part I – All About Porch Roof Designs


Photography Credits*Rowland-w

*Royal Corinthian

*Riggo Design

*MrFixUmm

*The Porch Company

*Michael Heit



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front porch designs overview

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