Log cabins are perfect for a peaceful and rustic retreat. With a porch attached to your log cabin, you can extend your outdoor living area. Sometimes called a wraparound porch, a log cabin porch plan typically rises above the main roofline, creating a more distinct entrance to the home. Balusters, railings, and posts with varying scale and lengths are all synchronized to create a grand and inviting outdoor entrance. Log cabin porch designs can include a swing or rockers and even a screened-in porch to keep out those pesky bugs. To ensure protection from the elements, decks and porches on log cabin homes are usually pressure-treated with a waterproof coating. This will help to keep them safe from rotting and infestations. And what’s more, with low ceilings and lots of wood walls and trim, your log cabin porch will maintain a cozy and inviting atmosphere.Log Cabin Porch Plans
Craftsman home plans are usually one-story and feature shallow-pitched roofs, exposed rafters, and decorative brackets on the eaves. A Craftsman-style porch extends beyond the rest of the house, and may be screened in for additional protection and comfort. These house plans are often seen in contemporary, Modern, and Prairie style houses. Often times, columns and thick posts frame a Craftsman style porch, providing an inviting entryway. Porch roofs typically run along the full length of the house, and can be accessed from the front or side entry doors. Some Craftsman porches include built-in benches for extra seating and architectural interest.Craftsman House Plans with Porches
Coastal house plans can be built in any area near the ocean, or even in a more inland location with a view of the sea. Coastal home plans often appear minimalistic, yet maintain an inviting exterior appeal. Horizontal siding, cedar shake shingles, and early Americana-style architecture complete these home plans, making them a popular choice across the globe. Surrounding the house, Coastal porches can go a few different ways. A wrap-around porch typically takes up the full length of the house, while a front-entry porch is usually much smaller and connected directly to the front of the home. If you’re aiming for a multi-level porch, use smaller steps leading the way or a high-level railing to control noise levels and maintain safety.Coastal House Plans with Porches
Ranch home exterior styles often are marked by simple, open-concept floorplans. Contemporary ranch houses feature split-level or bi-level home designs, often built on a slab or crawlspace foundation. The ranch house style often embraces large windows, low-angled roofs, and simple outdoor features and landscaping. The spacious and open interior floorplans, much like their exterior, are open and straightforward. To add extra outdoor living space, many Ranch house plans offer an open-air porch. Single-storied porches provide a change of scenery and easier access for the elderly and disabled. Porches could include a roof, railings, and balusters to enhance the home’s exterior design and to blend with the overall home shape. To complete the take on a traditional ranch home, homeowners may lay down stone, flagstone, brick, or tile for a finished look.Ranch House Plans with Porches
One-story house plans are perfect for anyone who is looking for a home with minimum hassle and fuss. They also thrive in smaller spaces, allowing for ease of accessibility and a more contemporary style of home. Commonly, these house plans feature hipped or gabled roofs with medium to large porches that are accessible from a variety of living spaces. Some one-story home plans may even include a second-story loft accompanied by a balcony overelook. One-story porches can be hidden along the side of the home or wrap-around the front of the house. To enhance the home’s exterior design, homeowners may choose large ornamental columns, bold posts, wide steps, and various materials and colors. The porch may also be enclosed with screens or glass depending on the desired look and layout.One-Story House Plans with Porches
Farmhouse style home plans are marked by their incredibly welcoming front porches. Built for leisure and daydreaming, farmhouse porches often feature swing beds, white railings, and intricate ceiling details. The farmhouse porch roof normally wraps around two sides of the home and is supported by large utilitarian columns--quite like a wrap-around entryway. Porches on farmhouse homes are usually wide, so opt for wider or freestanding benches to maintain a spacious and inviting layout. Ditch the regular wicker furniture and use rocking chairs or even interactive patios with a fire pit or pool table for entertainment. Farmhouse porches usually include a ceiling detail as well, such as a coffered ceiling, beaded ceiling, or tongue-and-groove paneling.Farmhouse Porch Plans
Single-level homes are typically the most popular form of modern construction for those looking for an accessible and practical layout. Single-level porches, like modern home designs, can be exceedingly stylish and inviting. Commonly, these house forms include one-level flat roofs, allowing for ample amounts of space for an outdoor area for cooking, sunbathing, relaxing, and grilling. For those that prefer modern architecture, a single-level porch should consists of pergolas, steel posts, and a solid foundation. Porch railings and steps, on the other hand, should be wider and more robust as to provide additional safety measures and non-slip elements. If you’re looking to add more character and decor to the exterior of your home, consider a teak or walnut finish for your porch railings.Single-Level Porch Plans
Two-story porch plans provide an elevated porch entrance and inspire a grand entrance. Instead of just adding a single level, these porch plans are larger and taller, allowing for more living space. Some two-story open porches come with a top-level balcony and a lower seated area, ideal for small get-togethers and social events. To enhance the two-story porch, you can add statement furnishings like day beds and chaise lounges accordingly. Incorporate trees and potted flowers to bring a breath of fresh air to the area, and use plants to create natural barriers or separation between porch levels. Two-story porches are also an effective way to give more stability and strength to an old two-story home.Two-Story Porch Plans
A Southern home porch plan is not complete without afront-entry porch. Traditionally, most Southern-style homes feature an inviting covered front porch at the entrance of the home. Porch roofs have a traditional pointed angle, with horizontal siding, columns, and white trim details. The length of the porch itself usually stretches the full length of the house, towards the back of the home. Many Southern front porches are accompanied by symmetrical steps with handrailings on either side. Below, the porch floor is usually constructed from bricks or stone designed with a more traditional style. Homeowners may also opt for a sun-room to warm up the entrance or a small screened-in area.Southern Porch Plans
Cottage house plans are usually marked by their cozy and quaint exterior details. Cottage-style porches also come with old-fashioned charm, from white-washed walls to Dutch doors. Front porch railings, on the other hand, are small and unobtrusive. For cottage homes, the porch size is often smaller than other home plans and is often surrounded by wooden fencing or other types of protective barriers. To enhance a cottage-style front porch, consider adding an inviting front door, double-hung casement windows or a graceful arbor. Try adding an outdoor seating area with wicker furniture or a play area for kids with a sandbox and swings. Cheerful shutters, flower boxes, or hanging baskets are also great ideas for sprucing up the entrance.Cottage House Plans with Porches
House designs with porches can take many different forms and styles. From modern and contemporary porches to traditional country wraparound porches, the possibilities seem endless. While the interior of the house is important to its function and flavor, the porch is where the structure really comes alive. When it comes to porches, the trick is to choose the right design for your home. Decorative columns, decorative woodwork, and large open porches can all bring added beauty to the design of the home. Railings and steps should also be considered, as well as railings and yoke posts to provide the perfect finishing touch. You can also add awnings or pergolas to help frame the front porch and create an inviting atmosphere. House Designs with Porches