Wrap-Around Porch House Plans: Inspiration for Outdoor Living!

A house plan wrap around porch is an architectural design that features a porch that extends along two or more sides of the house. It provides a sheltered outdoor living space, offering versatile uses such as relaxation, entertaining, and outdoor dining.

The wrap around porch can significantly enhance the aesthetic appeal of a home, adding a touch of charm and elegance. For instance, a Victorian-style house with a wraparound porch evokes a sense of nostalgia and grandeur, while a modern home with a wrap around porch exudes a sleek and inviting aura.

In this article, we will delve into the benefits, types, and design considerations of house plans with wrap around porches, providing valuable insights for those considering incorporating this architectural feature into their dream home.

When designing a house plan with a wrap around porch, consider these eight key points:

• Size and scale
• Roof style
• Railing design
• Flooring material
• Seating and furniture
• Privacy and screening
• Lighting
• Overall aesthetic

These elements will impact the functionality, style, and overall enjoyment of your wrap around porch.

Size and scale

The size and scale of your wrap around porch will significantly impact its functionality and aesthetic appeal. Consider the following factors when determining the appropriate size:

Overall home size: The porch should be proportionate to the size of your home. A small porch on a large house will look out of place, while a large porch on a small house can overwhelm the structure.

Desired use: Think about how you plan to use the porch. If you want to use it for large gatherings, you’ll need a porch with ample space for seating and entertaining. If you plan to use it for more intimate gatherings or relaxation, a smaller porch may suffice.

Available space: Determine the amount of space you have available for the porch. Consider the setbacks from property lines, as well as the need for access to the backyard or other outdoor areas.

Scale and proportion: The porch should be in scale with the rest of the house. A porch that is too large or too small will disrupt the overall balance and harmony of the design.

Once you have considered these factors, you can start to determine the appropriate size for your wrap around porch. It’s always a good idea to consult with an architect or designer to ensure that the porch is properly sized and proportioned for your home.

Roof style

The roof style of your wrap around porch will impact its overall look and feel. Here are four popular roof styles to consider:

• Gable roof: A gable roof is a classic choice for wrap around porches. It features two sloping sides that meet at a ridge in the center. Gable roofs are known for their strength and durability, and they can be easily customized to match the architectural style of your home.
• Hip roof: A hip roof is a four-sided roof that slopes down from all sides to meet at a central point. Hip roofs are more complex to build than gable roofs, but they offer greater protection from the elements. They are also a good choice for homes in areas with high winds.
• Flat roof: A flat roof is a modern choice for wrap around porches. It features a level surface that is supported by beams or trusses. Flat roofs are easy to maintain and they can be used to create a variety of different looks. However, they are not as durable as gable or hip roofs and they may not be suitable for all climates.
• Shed roof: A shed roof is a simple roof that slopes down in one direction. Shed roofs are often used on small porches or additions. They are easy to build and they can be a cost-effective option. However, they do not offer as much protection from the elements as gable or hip roofs.

When choosing a roof style for your wrap around porch, consider the architectural style of your home, the climate in your area, and your budget.

Railing design

The railing design of your wrap around porch will impact its safety, functionality, and overall aesthetic. Here are four key factors to consider when choosing a railing design:

• Safety: The railing should be high enough to prevent falls, and it should have balusters or spindles that are spaced closely enough to prevent children from falling through. The railing should also be sturdy and well-constructed to withstand the elements and everyday use.
• Functionality: The railing should be easy to grasp and it should not obstruct your view. If you plan to use the porch for entertaining, you may want to choose a railing design that includes a built-in bar or counter.
• Aesthetics: The railing should complement the architectural style of your home and the overall design of the porch. There are a wide variety of railing designs available, from traditional to modern, so you can find a railing that matches your taste.
• Maintenance: The railing should be easy to maintain. Consider the material and finish of the railing when making your decision. Some materials, such as vinyl, require very little maintenance, while others, such as wood, require regular cleaning and sealing.

When choosing a railing design for your wrap around porch, it is important to consider all of these factors to ensure that you choose a railing that is safe, functional, aesthetically pleasing, and easy to maintain.

Flooring material

The flooring material you choose for your wrap around porch will impact its durability, comfort, and overall appearance. Here are four popular flooring materials to consider:

• Pressure-treated wood: Pressure-treated wood is a popular choice for wrap around porches because it is durable and affordable. It is also resistant to rot and insects. However, pressure-treated wood can be slippery when wet, and it can fade over time.
• Cedar: Cedar is a naturally rot-resistant wood that is also insect-resistant. It is a good choice for wrap around porches in areas with high humidity or rainfall. Cedar is also a relatively softwood, which makes it easy to work with.
• Composite decking: Composite decking is a man-made material that is made from a combination of wood fibers and plastic. It is durable, low-maintenance, and resistant to rot and insects. Composite decking is also available in a variety of colors and styles, so you can find a deck that matches your taste.
• Concrete: Concrete is a durable and low-maintenance flooring material that is also fire-resistant. It is a good choice for wrap around porches in areas with heavy foot traffic. However, concrete can be cold and uncomfortable to walk on, and it can crack over time.

When choosing a flooring material for your wrap around porch, consider the climate in your area, the amount of use the porch will get, and your budget.

Seating and furniture

The seating and furniture you choose for your wrap around porch will impact its comfort and functionality. Here are four key factors to consider when choosing seating and furniture for your porch:

• Comfort: The seating and furniture should be comfortable to sit on, even for extended periods of time. Consider the height of the seats, the depth of the cushions, and the overall support of the furniture.
• Durability: The seating and furniture should be durable enough to withstand the elements and everyday use. Consider the materials used to construct the furniture, as well as the finish. Some materials, such as teak, are more durable than others, such as wicker.
• Style: The seating and furniture should complement the architectural style of your home and the overall design of the porch. There are a wide variety of seating and furniture styles available, from traditional to modern, so you can find furniture that matches your taste.
• Function: Consider how you plan to use the porch when choosing seating and furniture. If you plan to use the porch for entertaining, you may want to choose seating and furniture that is easy to move around and reconfigure. If you plan to use the porch for relaxation, you may want to choose seating and furniture that is more comfortable and inviting.

When choosing seating and furniture for your wrap around porch, it is important to consider all of these factors to ensure that you choose furniture that is comfortable, durable, stylish, and functional.

In addition to the four key factors above, there are a few other things to keep in mind when choosing seating and furniture for your wrap around porch. First, consider the size of the porch. You want to choose furniture that is proportionate to the size of the porch. Second, consider the amount of traffic the porch will get. If you plan to use the porch for entertaining, you will need to choose furniture that is durable enough to withstand heavy use. Finally, consider your budget. There is a wide range of seating and furniture available at a variety of price points, so you can find furniture that fits your budget.

Privacy and screening

Privacy and screening are important considerations for wrap around porches. You want to be able to enjoy your porch without feeling like you are on display to the neighbors. There are a variety of ways to achieve privacy and screening on your wrap around porch, including:

• Landscaping: Planting trees and shrubs around the perimeter of your porch can provide privacy and screening. You can also use trellises and arbors to create privacy screens.
• Curtains and drapes: Hanging curtains or drapes around the perimeter of your porch can provide privacy and screening. You can also use sheer curtains to let in light while still providing privacy.
• Privacy screens: There are a variety of privacy screens available on the market. You can choose from freestanding screens, retractable screens, and even screens that can be attached to your porch railing.
• Window film: Applying window film to the windows on your porch can provide privacy and screening. Window film is available in a variety of styles and opacities, so you can find a film that meets your needs.

When choosing privacy and screening options for your wrap around porch, consider the following factors:

• The amount of privacy you want: Some people prefer complete privacy, while others are okay with a little bit of exposure. Consider how much privacy you want when choosing privacy and screening options.
• The amount of light you want: Privacy and screening options can block out light, so it is important to consider how much light you want when making your choices. If you want to keep your porch bright and airy, choose privacy and screening options that allow light to pass through.
• The style of your porch: The privacy and screening options you choose should complement the style of your porch. For example, if you have a traditional porch, you may want to choose privacy and screening options that are also traditional in style.
• Your budget: Privacy and screening options can vary in price, so it is important to consider your budget when making your choices.

By considering all of these factors, you can choose privacy and screening options that meet your needs and create a wrap around porch that is both private and inviting.

In addition to the four factors above, there are a few other things to keep in mind when choosing privacy and screening options for your wrap around porch. First, consider the size of your porch. You want to choose privacy and screening options that are proportionate to the size of your porch. Second, consider the amount of traffic the porch will get. If you plan to use the porch for entertaining, you may want to choose privacy and screening options that are easy to move around and reconfigure. Finally, consider your own personal preferences. Some people prefer complete privacy, while others are okay with a little bit of exposure. Consider your own personal preferences when choosing privacy and screening options.

Lighting

Proper lighting is essential for creating a safe and inviting wrap around porch. Here are four key points to consider when planning the lighting for your porch:

• Safety and security: The lighting should provide adequate illumination to ensure that the porch is safe to use at night. This means that the lighting should be bright enough to see clearly, but not so bright that it is glaring or uncomfortable. You should also consider installing motion sensor lights to deter intruders.
• Ambiance: The lighting should create a warm and inviting ambiance on the porch. This can be achieved by using soft, warm-colored light bulbs. You can also use dimmer switches to adjust the brightness of the light to create the desired ambiance.
• Functionality: The lighting should be functional and provide adequate illumination for the activities that you plan to do on the porch. For example, if you plan to use the porch for dining, you will need to install lighting that is bright enough to see your food. If you plan to use the porch for relaxing, you may want to install lighting that is more subdued.
• Aesthetics: The lighting should complement the architectural style of your home and the overall design of the porch. There are a wide variety of lighting fixtures available, so you can find fixtures that match your taste and the style of your porch.

By considering all of these factors, you can create a lighting plan that will make your wrap around porch safe, inviting, and functional.

Overall aesthetic

The overall aesthetic of your wrap around porch should complement the architectural style of your home and the overall design of your outdoor space. Here are four key points to consider when choosing the overall aesthetic of your wrap around porch:

• Architectural style: The overall aesthetic of your wrap around porch should complement the architectural style of your home. For example, a traditional home would look best with a wrap around porch that has a classic design, while a modern home would look best with a wrap around porch that has a more contemporary design.
• Materials: The materials you choose for your wrap around porch will impact its overall aesthetic. For example, a wrap around porch made from natural materials, such as wood or stone, will have a more rustic aesthetic, while a wrap around porch made from man-made materials, such as vinyl or composite decking, will have a more modern aesthetic.
• Color: The color of your wrap around porch will also impact its overall aesthetic. You can choose a color that matches the color of your home, or you can choose a contrasting color to create a more dramatic effect. You can also use different colors to create different zones on your wrap around porch, such as a seating area and a dining area.
• Accessories: The accessories you add to your wrap around porch can help to complete the overall aesthetic. For example, you can add outdoor furniture, planters, and lighting to create a more inviting and comfortable space.

By considering all of these factors, you can create a wrap around porch that is both beautiful and functional. Your wrap around porch should be a space that you enjoy spending time in, and it should reflect your personal style.