While we truly believe that (almost) any porch is better than no porch, where you decide to build it can have a huge impact on how and how often you use it. A front porch that soaks up the morning sun and adds a cheery disposition to your home might be a better option for you than a moody screened-in back porch overlooking the neighbors. Or perhaps your vibe is a cozy back porch with a fireplace feature facing some lush pine trees and a front porch would simply feel too exposed. At The Porch Company, we frequently advise about the best placement for a new porch while taking into consideration all the needs and desires of the homeowners.

Before we can advise on location we have to ask you a question first: How do you want to use this porch? Only when your answer is clear will we be able to recommend the best placement for your screened porch.

Some things to consider when thinking about your addition. Will it be:

• Exclusively for private use

• Primarily for family use, although guests are welcome

• For frequent entertaining in the casual sense of having friends over

• For entertaining large parties

• Specifically for guests

• Primarily for the kids as a place for them to hang out and have their “own” space

• Primarily in conjunction with another activity such as swimming or enjoying the garden

• Connecting with neighbors

You can likely already see how each of these purposes would influence your decision about porch placement. If you and your spouse want a screened porch for your private retreat, then building it off the primary bedroom would make perfect sense. Off the primary bathroom? Why not? If your overall plan includes adding a sauna or outdoor shower that would make perfect sense!

Perfect porch placement for family and friends requires a natural flow.

To thoroughly enjoy your porch with family, and to share it with guests, you might consider placing it off the most frequently used room in your home, such as a family room, den, or kitchen. We think of these rooms as public rooms––but not all public rooms make the best gathering rooms (think living room or kitchen vs formal dining room). The most successful porch is one that’s designed to complement your lifestyle and the natural traffic flow through your home. You want the screened porch to become “one” with your home. You want to be drawn to your porch as you are drawn to your favorite comfy chair––naturally without having to encourage its use.  

Additionally, you might want to consider having a screened porch for kids or grandkids to use. If they’ve reached an age where you don’t need to watch them constantly, a porch is a great place for them to enjoy. As teens, they’ll have a place to hang out. By adding a screened porch off the children’s room(s) or a bonus room, you give them their own space. If you have a second-story screened porch, you may be able to use the space beneath it as a porch for them also. Using the porch as a kids’ game room gives them a place for ping-pong or cornhole and keeps those “rowdy” activities separate from your relaxation spaces.

Using a detached porch as a “destination.”

We rarely advise adding a detached porch as the extra effort to access it often means it gets less use. However, there are scenarios where a detached porch can be a great option. Never say never, right? 

We’ve found that if your detached porch is accessible by a connecting breezeway or walkway, there is a better chance you’ll use it. We’ve also noticed that our party people often appreciate a detached porch. If you give large parties or host groups at your home, a detached porch can be a desirable destination. For this kind of usage, it doesn’t matter that the porch is not part of the traffic flow through your home. That actually becomes an advantage!

Our client wanted this porch specifically for large parties. We designed it to offer lots of circulation and plenty of areas for people to gather.

Another “destination” use of a detached screened porch would be adjacent to a pool or garden. Adults watching the kids splash about in the pool need a covered area so they can stay comfortably out of the sun and away from seasonal insects. A screened porch that’s poolside offers the perfect place to relax and enjoy being bug-free while staying within earshot of the children swimming.

Along those same lines, a gardener may enjoy a screened porch next to their plant babies. A porch is a lovely place to sit and enjoy the flowers you’ve nurtured! We’ve created a garden for this exact scenario and the client loved being able to mill around her garden while her friends relax on the porch. 

And finally, if your home includes a guest suite or a detached guest cottage you may want to offer your guests a screened porch solely for their use, placing it off the detached guest suite or cottage is ideal. The only downside is that when you have no guests in residence, the porch will probably not see much use.

Working around structural issues.

So what happens if you decide your favorite porch placement is off a room you later find out has an issue like HOA guidelines, rooflines, or other setbacks?

While your dream location may not always be possible we will help you determine the “next best” porch placement and even though this may not be ideal.  If that’s all that stands between you and your porch, we’ll make it work! Once you are clear about the purpose of your porch, we’ll handle the structural issues.

Are you ready to let The Porch Company design and build the perfect porch for you? Then look no further. You can give us a ring for a free consultation at 615-662-2886, email us at hello@porchcompany.com or click this link here.