If memories make a house a home, then a porch helps make those memories. It’s a venue for long talks, lazy days, relaxation and peace. It’s a retreat of sorts, a lookout where you can watch the world go by without getting caught up in the flurry of daily life. Here in the South, porches are especially important. We have some great ideas on adding one to your custom home.

Construction

Porch, patio, deck…what’s the difference? Unlike a patio, a porch is always attached to a house, often at the primary front or back doors. And unlike a deck, a porch always has a roof. The result is an outdoor area that feels a bit more enclosed. You can control just how enclosed it feels through railings, surrounding foliage, or screening (which we’ll get to shortly.)

Materials and color can really change a porch’s ambience. The classic Southern porch leans heavily on white-painted wood, sometimes with a blue ceiling as an accent. Tiles give things a coastal vibe, bricks have more of an old world/vineyard feel, and carpeting can even make it feel more like a sunroom.

Screened or Open?

A screened porch uses a metal mesh screening to between the ceiling, floors, and a central railing. Many porch enthusiasts love a screened porch for the added privacy and protection from the elements.

There are some things to consider before screening a porch. The first is aesthetics; are you okay with something that may look drastically out of place with the rest of a house? There’s also maintenance. Birds and pets may poke larger holes in the screen, and pollen can be a problem in the Spring.

Areas and Amenities

No porch is complete without appropriate furniture, and the rocking chair is always a popular choice. You may also opt for rugged outdoor furniture, but may regret that decision when it comes time to clean it.

A porch can be greatly enhanced by a ceiling fan for outdoor months, and plenty of extra surfaces for drinks and entertaining. Depending on the size, you may even want to add a minibar or a gas fire pit!

Are you looking for a beautiful custom home in the North Carolina Triangle area? Tingen Construction has been building custom homes in Raleigh since 1980. Whether you’re interested in a fully custom project or purchasing one of our homes in an existing neighborhood, we can help make your custom home dreams a reality. Contact us today and let’s get started!