What’s the difference between a front porch and a front portico?

Front porches and porticoes can dramatically improve the curb appeal of your home. An expansive front porch adds more livable space for entertaining and relaxation. A good portico definition is a covered entrance for the front door that helps accentuate the entry area.

The weather has wreaked havoc on my woodwork and threshold. Will a portico help?

Yes! A portico can help provide optimal protection for your guests, front entry, and even your foyer. Doors, hardware, and trim exposed to the weather eventually succumb to splintering, rotting, fading, and more. Sun and rain damage can create the need to replace interior wood flooring in the entrance, doors, door frames, side lights, and transoms. And, just think how your guests might feel waiting outside during a downpour. Porticos offer a solution to more living space, especially in modestly sized homes with a limited lot size. Builders of townhomes or cluster-style communities find this space necessary to decompress the feeling of attached living structures, making areas such as this standard for each home. Covering the entrance can substantially reduce and even eliminate those headaches. It’s a convenient amenity to protect guests on those cold, rainy nights as they wait for the door to be answered. And don’t forget front porticos make a perfect stage for holiday decorations. Georgia Front Porch will create several design options in a photo rendering proposal that will complement the architecture of your home. A new front porch or portico addition from Georgia Front Porch will help save your entry from costly repair or replacement, while adding real value to your home!

What’s the typical size for a front portico?

Porticoes can be any size. Some homeowners use their existing stoop footprint to base the roof size. Others increase the length by replacing or enlarging the existing stoop. The larger the portico, the more protection, and in many cases, a much more dramatic look. A popular size is 5 feet by 8 feet (40 sq ft), but it also depends on the number of columns desired.

How long does it take to build a front portico addition?

Based on the size of your portico addition, an average project may take anywhere from one day to 1 week.

How do I select a portico with the most curb appeal?

The portico is inspired by the design of community-oriented neighborhoods. We have numerous portico designs and styles to choose from and a variety of ways to customize. Basic styles are gabled, flat, curved, or hip. Important considerations include the following lines on the existing house while complementing the general style of the neighborhood. One preferred portico is flat with posts and railing above, simulating the elegance of a balcony. We also offer standing seam, coated metal roofs that match existing metal details or create a more upscale appearance. Because construction details can vary (e.g., roof styles, lighting, etc.), we will suggest an optimal design that will provide maximum curb appeal from any angle. Every front portico is custom-designed and tailored to complement your home’s unique architecture. We typically develop a photo rendering proposal for you to review, ensuring your satisfaction before any work begins.

What are the latest cutting-edge materials?

Over the years, construction materials have significantly advanced. These include composite decking, imported hardwood for porch floors, fiberglass columns, fascia, and ceiling materials. Most of these can be painted to match trim colors and will not split, rot, warp, or be ruined by termites. Low-maintenance alternatives to wood include fiberglass, polyurethane, vinyl, and wood composites.

What are some elements that help dress up the look of a front portico?

Practical and beautiful, front porticos can be one or more stories high, and may be as narrow as a door or as wide as an entire building. Roof material, trim, round vs. square columns, number of columns, floor material, hand railings, and step dimensions can all dress up the look of a front portico. Using a variety of materials is always eye-catching.

Can I use composite wood on my portico, and how much will that cost?

Expect to budget 25 – 30% more for composite materials.

How do I get started on my portico addition?

Simply call 770-781-8234 and speak to a Georgia Front Porch expert.

Do you have more questions regarding porch or portico cost, design, or installation? Click below to have one of our curb appeal experts contact you for a free design consultation.

You can also call us directly at 770-781-8234. If you want to remodel or add other outdoor spaces, such as a deck, fence, screened-in porch, arbor, or more, visit Atlanta Decking & Fence.