Country Porch Designs for the Whole Family

A country porch is a place where life moves at a relaxed pace. A forum for families, friends, and fun, a porch is less of an extension of the stairs, and more of a summertime living room. Whether it's new, old or not yet made, it's never too early or too late for your porch design to improve.

The Standard Country Porch
A country porch, though hard to define, is supposed to feel like a mini vacation every time you use it. This requires at least three things: shade, space, and seating.

The best country porches are large enough for a medium group of people and a card table. The optimal seating is of the rocking or swinging variety, with some folding chairs kept handy for extra company. Shade is the last and most important factor. It's hard to relax if the sun's beating down on you. A porch design with lots of shade (and maybe some breeze) is a refuge from the stress the sun can put on a body.

Before Porch Design
Those looking to add a porch to their home should consider a few factors. How important is privacy? Spending a lot of time on a front porch will naturally lead to interactions with passersby. Those who desire a more intimate setting might be better off with a back porch. Which way does the house face? The light on an east or west facing porch will vary greatly depending on the time of day. A north or south facing porch will have more consistent light, but no sunrises or sunsets. If there is enough room on the property and the means are available, you can have the best of both worlds with a wrap around porch.

Existing Porches
A country porch is a comfy porch. If your existing porch needs an increase in comfort, there are multiple options. For some, the shadier a porch is the better option. To increase shade you can extend the overhang on the porch roof. If you're in it for the long haul, planting a tree now will provide shade and charm (maybe even food) in the future. Installing screen around a porch won't make too much difference in direct sun, but will keep bugs from becoming a bother in the evenings.

A rocking chair is a tried and true concept in country porch design. A porch swing, hammock, or outdoor couch could also be a welcome addition. Whatever you choose, make it comfortable and plentiful.

While "lived in" is comfortable by definition, upkeep walks a very fine line. If your porch is peeling, a bit of time spent sanding and painting will not only improve appearances and increase property value, it will also preserve the wood, and in turn the porch.

Lastly, there's nothing like a cool evening breeze after a hot day. A porch that doesn't receive a lot of wind could greatly benefit from a fan or two. Those wishing to really country up a porch can install an outdoor ceiling fan. They're not only a cost effective way to cool off, they also look great over a rocking chair!