Material for building a porch
At the beginning, you need to decide what material you plan to build the object from. For various houses, you can choose a wooden building, a model made of stone or concrete, or metal structures. The porch can also be supplemented with a roof or canopy to protect it from various weather conditions.
To begin construction, we select the porch design project in the photo, determine the budget and production capabilities.
Forged entrance groups
Their choice should be approached with a greater degree of responsibility, because forged elements allow you to give the porch, canopy and other elements of the entrance group an original design. After all, hand forging is a kind of specific type of art that allows you to create original works of metal. Almost all workshops today provide their clients with a full range of production, from project development to installation of structures.
This solution is perfect for those owners of country real estate who want to make their country house individual, original and unique. Designs with decorative forging elements can consist of a porch, canopy, railings, benches and even lanterns for street lighting.
An integral component of the architecture of any country house is the entrance to the cottage. And the appearance of the building will directly depend on how carefully the design is thought out.
Porch design options
The porch can be of several types of structures:
- Built-in - initially included in the planned design of the house, has a capital, completed structure, executed in the intended style of the house.
- Simple - requires the presence of a roof or canopy. When building an elementary model of this porch, a foundation must be laid.
- Attached - similar to the built-in model, slightly modified, the manufacturing process is much simpler than the first two types of structures.
Stylistics, textures
The decoration of the veranda must correspond to the general style of all elements of the territory:
- façade;
- fencing;
- gate.
The following basic styles can be identified; design solutions will be outlined below. But the combination of different textures looks interesting.
For example, a path that smoothly turns into brick railings with wooden balusters. Try to smooth out the sharp roof with the smooth shapes of the path, and connect the round balcony and rectangular steps with the sidewalk.
The decoration of the veranda must correspond to the general style of all elements of the territory
Classical
Characteristic features: strict, seasoned, moderate style . The extension is equipped with a gable roof, which can be supplemented with beautiful columns and railings with rounded balusters. Facing materials suitable for classicism - natural stones, ceramics, painted wood.
Strict, seasoned, moderate style
Russian style
The entrance has long been distinguished by its sophistication. The extension is decorated:
- carved elements;
- turned balusters;
- pillars made in complex shapes;
- various ornate patterns.
Now the Russian style is especially popular. It involves the use of natural materials and handmade decor.
In Russian style
Middle Ages
Quite a modern style. This veranda is similar to ancient fortresses, which are decorated with natural stone. You can decorate the front entrance with torch lamps, forged gratings, and rough-hewn logs.
This type will attract the attention of others with its luxury.
This veranda is similar to ancient fortresses
Country
A wooden structure with carved pillars and railings. For decoration, you should use the maximum number of colors in a variety of readings:
- Hanging flowerpots.
- Containers with flyers.
- Decoupage with flowers.
- Dried flower compositions.
Country style
European
Distinctive features are the presence of regular shapes and restrained lines . The extension has the appearance of a small, discreet structure, for the cladding of which natural stones and ceramic tiles are used. Figurines and flower pots are used for decoration.
Discreet design
Mediterranean
Has two readings:
Combines Greek and Roman culture. A characteristic feature is a stone courtyard, complemented by multi-tiered steps. Sandstone is used for finishing, and metal elements are used for decoration.
A combination of Italian, Spanish, French style. The difference is maximum unevenness and relief. Exterior – open terrace, located in several tiers. The floor area is covered with paving stones, sometimes with clinker. The flooring near the house is made of deck boards. The canopy is built on columns. Concrete balusters are placed throughout the veranda. Fountains, flower tubs, and sculptures are used as decoration.
Mediterranean style
French
One of the varieties of European style with charm. The highlight is the presence of a glass door with an openwork grille. The structure should be decorated with figured elements, beautiful wicker furniture, and a variety of fresh flowers (pots on the floor, hanging vases).
French style
House-fortress
Massive veranda, decorated with natural stones. Relevant details are the presence of forged grilles and torch lamps. The trellises can be decorated with flower pots.
"Gingerbread"
Combines metal gratings and decorative brick elements. Covered with a gable roof. The decoration is made up of climbing plants. Occasionally, wooden parts are used and painted in natural shades.
Patio
Beautiful patio
A patio is an open terrace that is adjacent to the house. There is a table and benches on it. In such an area you can happily receive guests in the summer. The only difference is the absence of a canopy or roof. Most often, the patio combines a porch and a garden gazebo in its functionality.
Porch decoration
The porch can be made in various models. It may consist of only a few steps for convenient entry into a house with a high foundation.
For convenience, some owners complement the building with railings and a canopy over the porch.
You can also find huge entrance groups, additionally protected from cold and wind by walls, roof, furniture, decorative elements and even a fireplace area.
Furniture
Decorating and landscaping the veranda requires the correct selection of furniture. Garden furniture is suitable for this:
A simple yet stylish set of patio furniture
- Wicker rattan (can be artificial or natural).
- Forged with additional glass inserts.
- Folding with a metal frame with a wooden surface, pre-impregnated with a composition that repels moisture.
Wooden furniture that you can make yourself is popular:
- Wicker rattan (can be artificial or natural).
- Forged with additional glass inserts.
- Folding with a metal frame with a wooden surface, pre-impregnated with a composition that repels moisture.
If you show a little imagination and take the time, the terrace will turn into a wonderful place. Such elements add color and originality; every owner can be proud of them.
Rattan wicker
Dimensions
Before you start building a porch with your own hands, you need to familiarize yourself with the basic comfortable dimensions for human convenience.
The minimum size of the step width is from 200 mm, the height is from 100 mm, the angle of inclination of the structure is from 20 to 45 degrees.
The size of the width and height is adjusted based on who will be using the porch. We also determine the area of the building’s base.
Light up the entrance to your home
You don’t want to look for the right key and open the door in complete darkness, do you? A pair of inexpensive designer lanterns mounted on the sides of the door will provide plenty of light and make your home look brighter at night. Of course, in order to save money, you can install a motion sensor, but usually the lighting of the entrance group is combined with facade decorative lighting, installing lamps also on the stairs and path leading to the entrance.
Having a lighted area in front of the house significantly increases safety. Cameras capture the image better, and the light that comes on from the motion sensor will draw attention to the uninvited guest.
Foundation
To build a porch from various materials, you initially need a foundation. Its depth should correspond to the foundation of the main building (house). The base must be strong and able to withstand the expected load.
To strengthen the foundation, before pouring the cement mortar, a reinforced structure (mesh or frame) is installed. The service life of such a porch is much longer.
If, during the construction of a porch to a house, it is planned to install a canopy, it is necessary to additionally plan a place for supports, and accordingly increase the size of the pit by 20 cm. An area of 20 * 20 cm must be left at the installation site of the supports.
At each site, prepare openings for driving in supports, which, after installation, are thoroughly secured with concrete mortar.
Strengthening and waterproofing
Next, you need to install a modeling structure (formwork) made of wood or metal. Strengthening is necessary to avoid serious deformation when the concrete hardens, especially if the structure is located on soft soils. After the concrete has hardened (from 7 to 12 days), the formwork is removed.
In order to make a high-quality porch, there is one of the important points - waterproofing. We line the bottom of the pit and the surface inside the protective fastening with roofing felt.
We strengthen it with highly resistant bricks and metal mesh and secure it carefully. So we complete the entire structure, then fill it with concrete.
To avoid accumulations of air and voids, compact the solution thoroughly. After pouring and until completely dry, cover the porch with a protective material, because water makes concrete brittle
Country ideas
Here are some interesting ideas regarding the design of a country terrace:
- For coziness and comfort of communicating with guests in the fresh air, install a wooden bench.
- Winter is a time of miracles, so why not decorate the extension with garlands, lanterns, and other bright details.
- The main part of the design are beautiful flowerpots with flowers.
An interesting option for a country terrace
- Lots of space? Then add a small table and a few stools with cushions.
- Place flower pots on the steps and walls.
- A woven or knitted rug will add warmth.
- Climbing plants are a natural decoration for the veranda.
- You can hang compositions of dried fruits, plants, and flowers on the walls.
- An unusual idea for autumn is to use an old watering can and rubber boots for planting flowers.
The main part of the design are beautiful flowerpots with flowers
- Home furnishings are provided with a carpet, a wicker table, and small rocking chairs.
- You can make a small rug from shells with your own hands.
- Dim, light-colored curtains will save you on a hot day.
Porch decoration
After the concrete has hardened, we remove the auxiliary elements and begin designing the structure. A porch for a private home can be decorated with wood, stone or tiles.
The author selects the desired idea for execution, subject to the availability of technical capabilities.
The porch railing is not a mandatory part, but serves for comfort as an auxiliary structure. They can be made of metal or wood, or a combination of these materials.
After installing the railings, they are treated with fixing agents to increase their service life and protect them from adverse factors.
Textile
The small veranda, of course, does not allow your imagination to run wild. But the large terrace allows you to create a real relaxation area for the whole family. A comfortable stay is possible with:
- pillows;
- blankets;
- capes;
- rugs.
In addition to such details, you need to take care of the presence of curtains and blinds that protect from sunlight, bad weather, and strong winds.
Use more colorful pillows
The fabric must be resistant to moisture and ultraviolet rays. But the design must correspond to the general finishing concept. A lightweight option is polyester, a durable option is canvas. An alternative could be a decorative grille.
Protective visor equipment
A canopy over the porch is not only protection from the sun, snow and rain, but also an additional decorative element that is easy to build with your own hands.
For the frame, metal pipes or boards made from coniferous trees are used; wood or plexiglass is suitable for exterior decoration; it is possible to use metal sheets with tiles.
Do not forget about periodic treatment of wood with special products against insects and external factors. The area of the canopy must exceed the size of the porch to ensure its full protection.
The canopy is installed according to a principle similar to the installation of a metal ladder. The main thing is, when pouring the foundation, do not forget to prepare a place for a support on which the canopy will be located.
The canopy is built at an angle, in order to avoid the accumulation of water or snow, it is advisable to install a drainage system.
Build it yourself
Everyone wants to save money, so they prefer to build with their own hands.
Stages
- Preparation. First you need to mark the area, clear a place for convenient work. We buy the necessary building materials, cement, reinforcement, sand, tools.
- Foundation. In order for the construction to please with its quality, you need to adhere to the rules. We make a foundation pit (the depth must correspond to the foundation). This allows you to connect two structures into one, thereby reducing the risk of destruction. After this we prepare the base. There is a chipped brick, we are installing a reinforcement network - strengthening the foundation, the connection of the foundations. The final point is driving in the vertical reinforcing pins and pouring concrete.
- We settle the base with bricks. Be sure to consider waterproofing, since when exposed to moisture, the brick quickly collapses. The base of the structure is covered with double roofing felt. We are under no circumstances saving at this stage.
- We lay the steps. We prepare the brick and lay it on a special mortar.
- To ensure the durability of the structure, we cover the threshold with iron corners, install overlays on the contours, and connect them into a single whole by welding. This aspect prevents the destruction of the threshold and preserves its original appearance for a long period of time.
- To increase overall comfort, we install railings, canopies, and lighting.
All this can be done with your own hands
Material for making a porch
Among the most popular materials for the manufacture of the entrance group are: wood, concrete, metal or stone. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages. These materials are used for the construction of various porch options.
Flowers, decor
Flowers and plants are a win-win idea for suburban areas. We note the following options for proper design:
- A tub with a perennial.
- Creeping, climbing flowerpot.
- Flowerbed with flowers.
We celebrate garden figures and figurines - they will add originality.
Plants are a win-win idea for suburban areas
Handmade crafts look impressive, so show a little imagination and show off your skills.
Concrete and stone (or brick)
The concrete structure is distinguished by its solidity and durability. Making such a porch requires some skill and patience.
It is important to take into account all possible changes in size during shrinkage and deformation of the foundation, both the porch and the house. Concrete stairs are decorated with tiles, stone or wood.
Stone or brick are rarely used to make a porch. Working with this material is very difficult. It is necessary to constantly monitor the level of masonry.
But if you have the necessary skill and a sufficient amount of inexpensive material, you can make an excellent and durable structure.
Lighting
The important part is the choice of lighting. If the canopy has a strict shape, it is better to choose built-in lamps; they will not disrupt the overall composition. The same lighting is ideal for highlighting active decor, drawing attention to the desired accents.
Lighting is an important part when planning a porch
For classic extensions, it is better to choose small pendant chandeliers. A universal idea - wall sconces. Neon lights and figures with artificial light look unusual.
Tree
To make a wooden porch, the main thing is clarity of simple calculations, high-quality material and a great idea. The best material for building a wooden porch is coniferous trees.
To install the stairs, you can use a foundation, but a simpler option is the base of a wooden beam (stringer). Steps are attached to its plane.
During construction, you can use from 2 to 4 beams (depending on the size of the structure; it is optimal to place them at a distance of 50 cm).
For wooden steps, it is important to make a barely noticeable angle of inclination so that water does not accumulate. Railings for a wooden porch are made according to the planned design.
It is very important to treat the material with a protective coating after completion of construction.
Projects
The choice of size and shape depends on:
- architectural features;
- the size of the house itself;
- owner's personal tastes.
Designers believe that the canopy and railings should be made in the same style as the roof and balcony of the house.
Porch project
Let's take an example: a house with a gable roof requires a similar porch canopy, but if there are bars on the windows, the railings should have a similar wrought iron pattern. The type of columns, arches, and other decorative details is no exception.
Let us note several main types of projects and design:
- Openings are a popular type; most often has a canopy and railings; decorated with decorations that are carried into the house in winter.
- Closed - has transparent or translucent walls made of materials: glass, polycarbonate, mosquito net. Such canopies decorate the entrance, hallway, and provide a place to rest in any weather.
- Wall-mounted - this type is built if the house has a basement floor, as well as if the area near the house requires such a need; the structure resembles a balcony.
- Terrace - an extended porch used as a place to relax.
Another project option
In addition, it is worth noting the possible types of protrusions - round or rectangular.
The closed porch has a high level of heat and sound insulation. Glazing is recommended to be done using a composite.
To create a project, you first need to measure the area in front of the house. Of course, if you have a large space, it is better to make a porch-veranda, which will become an excellent protector from rain, snow, and will also play the role of a family resting place. If there is not as much space as you would like, a semicircular veranda is an excellent option. If you do not overload the interior with decor, a monochrome structure will visually expand the space.
To create a project, you first need to measure the area in front of the house
Important points:
- Excerpt from one style.
- Correct selection of sizes, designs, materials.
- Guaranteed safety when moving on steps or stairs.
Metal
The most difficult material for making steps is metal. To work with it, certain knowledge and tools are required.
Of course, you can make a version of the simplest design like a wooden staircase. But if you choose this material, it is better to contact a specialist and decorate the house with a porch with massive forged elements.
The steps and upper landing of a metal staircase can be decorated with wooden boards or porcelain stoneware boards. Special metal sheets are rarely used.
steps
Now let's look at the options for steps:
- Concrete stairs should be lined with ceramics, natural or artificial stones; the latter option will save money. An excellent option for concrete and brick buildings. It is recommended to finish treads with rough tiles (without relief or pattern).
- Wooden steps can be decorated using completely different methods. Of course, you don’t want to hide the natural texture of the wood, so you can cover them with oil or varnish.
Beautiful option for steps
You can paint the steps. An elegant, cheerful option is alternating shades. But it is better to choose dark colors.
Wood finishing using the firing method looks good.
Metal steps are most often finished with wood, but there are stairs made from tin sheets. Although this looks aesthetically pleasing and elegant, it is not the best option, since wet or icy material can lead to injury.
The steps will be completed with original railings, which can become a highlight. For decoration, vertical type balusters and horizontal crossbars are used, the main thing is an interesting shape that suits the style.
Solid porcelain stoneware steps
Ideas:
- For metal - use openwork forging.
- Wood – through carving.
For handrails, you should use wood (chopped, cobblestone, frame stairs) or plastic (concrete, brick). The parapet of the steps can be laid out with beautiful facing bricks of a suitable shade.
It is recommended to install heated steps. Harsh winter climates turn your porch into an icy patch. If concrete was chosen as the base, a heating cable can be laid under it. For wooden buildings, a special anti-icing system is provided.
Wooden steps can be decorated using completely different methods
Photo of the porch
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