Front Porch Extension IdeasExpand Your Porch for Added Outdoor SpaceThese front porch extension ideas can be used for nearly any porch size or design and fit most budgets. Mary and I discovered a wide variety of front porch extensions on our travels and we like how they provide extra space for entertaining and relaxing, not to mention the boost in curb appeal.
Front porch extension idea: Add a patio area like you see aboveEnlarging an existing covered porch, when feasible, is a matter of installing additional footers and foundation and then extending flooring, columns, railings if required, and a roof.Often however, a front porch's depth cannot be extended due to setback requirements or structural issues. In many locations, local building or zoning codes have set-back requirements prohibiting your home from extending closer than a specific distance to the road, which prevents extending your porch for more depth. The architectural style or exterior design of a home can also often preclude extending the length of the existing porch. But you have other options. The home's style, featured below, precludes easily extending the existing porch structure. However, notice how the front porch extension with the pergola roof adds needed outdoor space. 
Front porch extension with stand alone pergola style roofAdding a seamless porch extension that is adjacent to, but not necessarily attached to the home or existing front porch, can also add lots of curb appeal as well.We highly recommend checking with your local building codes department to determine specific requirements for your locale prior to any construction project. Front Porch Extension Ideas Using Available SpaceThis two-story home is fairly typical of many homes today. The existing porch is small and not very usable.Let us work some magic and show you what is possible without too much effort or cost. Not only will you increase your outdoor space but also create curb appeal. These options can be modified to fit almost any home. We start with a rather small 4 foot by 8 foot front porch. Note the landscaped area to the left of the porch that is potential space for a porch extension. 
Two story home with a small front porchThe expandable area is 8 feet by 8 feet, large enough to accommodate several chairs and a small table, and pleasant for enjoying a morning cup of coffee. ***z-ad-bfc-336x280.shtml** Below is a rendering of a patio area constructed next to the front porch. Mary and I like to call these "patio porch extensions".
Patio porch extensionTo make this space appear larger, replicate the same type flooring as the existing porch. In some cases, you may have to build a step up or down depending on your specific topography.For more privacy, opt for taller growing shrubs or bushes in the front or on the side depending on your desires. Patio porches can be easily integrated into your existing landscaping, are economical to build, and can be configured how you like.
L-shaped homes or homes with alcoves offer challenges when constructing a traditional porch, due to existing roof design.
A patio porch may be an excellent option as it does not need a roof, yet it provides extra outdoor living space.
Front Porch Extension Idea with Pergola RoofWe take the same porch extension and now add an attached pergola style roof. To support the roof, an additional column identical to the existing porch columns was added. The pergola some shade and adds a touch more appeal to the home.Usually, a pergola roof does not have to meet specific slope requirements, making them compatible on most porch extensions. You also have the option of a stand-alone pergola roof by installing columns to support the structure. 
Front porch extension with an attached pergola roofFront Porch Extension Idea with Shingled Porch RoofThis is the same porch but now shown with an extended porch roof attached to the home's roof, maintaining the required slope.
Front porch extension with a roof extensionMore Front Porch Extension IdeasPatios, in general, are constructed at ground level, but in some cases, a raised patio extension may be a more viable option.Extending your existing porch with an adjacent patio area at the same level increases your outdoor living space and can make adequate room for furniture and other amenities. Depending on the height of the patio floor, you have several options upon which to build. Concrete is perhaps the most common, but we discovered another option described below you might consider. Be aware; however, that you may need to install a balustrade (porch railings) if the floor is 30 inches or more above the ground. Check with your local building codes departments for the requirements in your specific area. The home below is a good example of a patio porch extension that is raised to meet the existing porch floor height. Note how the same brick flooring creates a more cohesive look. 
Home with an attached front porch extension covered with a pergola roof and extended brick flooringAnother Porch Flooring OptionThanks to deck construction innovation, you now have the option of covering a deck-like frame with materials other than wood. Products like Silca System® grate inserts like those shown below can easily transform a wooden porch foundation into a beautiful porch floor.By using specially designed grates that fit between deck joists, you can use stone, slate, brick, or a number of other materials as your raised patio flooring in lieu of wood or constructing a platform for concrete. You can even use the grate system to create porch steps. The grate system opens up many different design options you otherwise would not be able to use. You can now easily use them to extend your porch in lieu of stepping down to a patio area. 
Silca System® Grates
Brick Pavers Over Silca System® GratesSee more Silca System® decking ideas.Covering your porch extension with a pergola can allow you to hang a porch swing! Below is a good example of a stand-alone pergola over a patio area adjacent to the front porch. 
Front porch extension using a patio and pergola roofBelow is an L-shaped home with a patio porch with room to relax and entertain.
Patio porch extensions work well on L-shaped homesIntegrating your porch extension into your landscaping makes for an easy transition and definitely lots of curb appeal as shown below.
Porch extension patio area makes an inviting entranceFront Porch Construction Pros and ConsExtensions, especially patio porches, can be:
Patio porches do not:
A front porch extension need not be expensive to add additional outdoor living space. For more front porch extension ideas see our Patio Porch section.
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