Need tips on a new look for front porch

2 years ago

Hi Houzz,

We recently removed a rotten deck that served as our front porch. Deck is now removed (see unpainted shingles where deck once was), so we have a blank slate. I’d like add more substance / definition / character to the entry way of the house. I’m considering some combination of a new front deck design, stairs that come straight out from front door, columns, front door, extending roof, or pergola. With such a flat front of the house, just adding stairs makes the front look more like a mobile home rather than the California craftsman we are hoping for. Looking for any thoughtful tips or ideas to get us going on a new design. Thanks!

Featured Answer

littlebug Zone 5 Missouri

2 years ago

It’s hard to get a feel for how big the new/current deck is. It looks quite small. What is its intended use? To have space in which to sit?

The roof over the door is now obviously much too small. It should be at least cover the whole deck.

Could we get a couple of new pictures, including one taken from further back so we can see how the deck relates to the whole house, driveway (if there is one) and yard?

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Comments (6)

N D
Original Author
2 years ago
Hi littlebug Zone 5 Missouri,

Thanks for the response!. Great questions. The main intent of the space is attractive access to the front door. And secondary is a place to sit with at least a bench or 2 chairs.

Please find more pictures attached, including one with measurements. The widest part of the roof that overhangs the door is 4 ft from the siding to the gutter. The rest of the overhang is 20 inches. The old deck extended 5 1/2 ft from the house, which is just past the edge of the flagstone patio. Thanks for any inspiration.
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littlebug Zone 5 Missouri
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
The old deck pictures/measurements are of no use. That deck is gone and we don’t need to know what used to be there.

The measurement I was curious about is the flat surface area of the new deck. I’m guesstimating 5’ x 8’ or so? To be able to use it for seating, 5’ is not hardly enough. A porch chair is maybe 2.5’ x 2.5’. How much room do you need to walk up to it and sit down? Have you tried it?

I would think you would want the roof to completely cover the new deck area to protect visitors coming to the door from the weather and to shade a sitting area.

Is the new deck high enough off the ground to require a railing? Your municipality most likely has regulations about that.

Below is a picture of a porch, cottage-style. I believe the porch roof is called a ”shed roof” style.
N D
Original Author
2 years ago
Nice, that's a really good example. Thanks for sharing.

The deck will be above 30 inches high in some areas, so will require railing. The old deck was 5.5 ft wide x 18 ft long which was was sufficient to comortably walk along. Though more width would be better for sure. We had a small bench in the left corner which also had enough room to sit.
elcieg
last year
last modified: last year
Really like this idea with pergola and a planting wall.

I like this idea because the steps lead up to the front door. You could make this one wider to run past the last window.
ShadyWillowFarm
last year
You appear to have a stone patio that leads to a front walk? I would do a larger deck, with steps to the front walk and steps to the driveway. Do not do large planters or a solid wall or anything that will block the front view of the house. I would use a composite or something you can paint to coordinate with the house. Then put some colorful planters near the front door to draw the eye.