Patio Vs Porch: Best Comparision
They are obviously comparable to some extent, and the names are frequently used interchangeably. This does not, however, make them synonyms. There are clear distinctions between the outdoor spaces indicated by all of these words. There are a few technical distinctions between the two.
What Is A Porch?
A porch is a covered shelter that extends from a house or building's front entryway. The structure is exterior to the building's walls; however, it may be surrounded by frames extending from the main structure.
The frames can be walls, columns, latticework, or even screens. They are at times even referred to as open-air living rooms.
Types Of Porches
Porches, of course, have gone a long way since their origin. In reality, the traditional porch has been redesigned in a variety of forms to suit a variety of homes. Because each style of the porch has its own set of characteristics, we've broken down the essentials below:
- Portico
A portico is a small, covered area in front of a home's entryway that reflects its Grecian heritage. A portico is almost always supported by columns.
- Lanai
Lanais may be popular in Hawaii, but they have a wide appeal worldwide. A lanai is an enclosed porch by definition. A lanai, unlike a sunroom, usually has a concrete floor and is located on the ground close to the house.
- Loggia
Do you want to elevate your indoor-outdoor living experience? Prepare to fall in love with the loggia, which is essentially an outdoor walkway that is covered. Loggias can be found on both the ground and upper floors, and are sometimes used as a fancy word for porch.
- Rain Porch
Do you want to make your porch a house extension? A rain porch, fortunately, has ample space for a seating area. This type typically has a roof extension that allows rainwater to drain away.
- Screened-in Porch
A screen porch can be used all year if it is outfitted with a screened enclosure. This design is often known as a Florida room or a sun porch.
- Wraparound Porch
A wraparound porch, which encompasses at least two sides of a home, allows you to make the most of your outdoor area. Isn't that the same thing as a veranda, though? A veranda, on the other hand, has an open-air design.
- Veranda
A veranda is a broad porch that wraps around a home or building's entire front, including the sides. The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, Michigan, is one such example. It has the world's longest porch, which is 660 feet (200 meters) long. (The Spruce, 2021)
ProTip Takeaway: A porch requires a professional to install it. Involve an interior designer if you want outdoor furniture, ceiling fans, or even built-in lighting and speakers...
What Is A Patio?
Patios are not connected to the home in any way. They're usually found in the front or backyard, on the ground level. They're usually made of brick, stone, or concrete, however, decomposed granite can also be used in some situations.
Investing in a structure such as a pergola or a gazebo to create a covered patio is great. You'll still want to choose weather-resistant materials because they are more exposed than porches.
Patios are quite simple to construct and can even be a do-it-yourself project. To begin, make sure you have a flat area of ground that has been properly prepared for the patio surface.
The Differences Between a Porch and a Patio
A porch and a patio are two types of house additions that differ in a few ways:
Attachment: A patio is often an exposed, detachable landscape design element positioned at ground level in the back of a house. A porch is an attached element located at ground level in the front of the house.
Sharing components: Patios are not part of the home's design or structure. They don't have to share the same flooring, paint color, or other interior aspects like porches.
Covering: A patio is a paved surface with no covering, whereas a porch is generally attached to the home’s outer wall and is covered by a roof. (TNT Home Improvements, 2021)
Factors to Consider When Choosing Between a Porch and a Patio
Type of Flooring
Porches can be made of brick, tile, or stone put over poured concrete supports. They can be made of wood-framed and finished with wood or composite materials. The width of the material used for wood flooring is usually smaller than the width of the material used to build a deck. This gives it a more "finished" appearance and makes it look more like the interior of your home.
Poured concrete, brick, stone, or another type of masonry are commonly used to construct patios. A patio is constructed directly on the ground and is subjected to a variety of weather conditions. It is advisable to choose durable, water-resistant materials.
Appearance
Porches are usually part of a home's general architectural style. They may contain ornamental stairwells, skirting, and columns that complement the outside. The roof of a porch will match the main floor of a house. The underside will be finished with wood-trimmed to a smaller width to give the impression of being inside.
In most cases, a patio should be integrated into your backyard's landscape design. When choosing a place, you may want to make use of specific characteristics in your yard, such as a giant tree or a swimming pool. Patios are constructed on the ground and can be any size or shape.
Cost
When deciding between a porch and a patio, the cost is an important factor to consider. Even a simple wooden porch will require expert installation, which will increase the cost of materials and labor. A covered and enclosed 16 x 20-foot porch, expect materials can cost around $4,000.
The entire project cost is a little over $21,000, with labor costs averaging $17,000.
Patios are less expensive and easier to install, so many homeowners undertake them as a DIY project. For a DIY project, a 16 by 12-foot concrete patio made with thick cement pavers will cost roughly $700. Professional installation of a similar-sized poured concrete patio costs between $2,000 and $4,000 in materials and labor. (Fivr, 2020)
ProTip Takeaway: Patios and porches both can increase the value of your home when it comes time to sell it.
Durability
The type of weather your porch or patio is exposed to, as well as the amount of wear and tear you place on the space, will determine its durability. Porches are prone to water damage, and wood rot may be an issue if you live in a humid region. Patios are subject to cracking and heaving in extreme conditions. It's important to be sure that the patio materials you choose are acceptable for your area and can resist the weather.
ProTip Takeaway: Keep in mind that the ground surface on which your patio is built may change. This may be as a result of erosion, ground settlement, or other factors that could compromise its endurance.
Maintenance and Repair
Maintenance and repair vary depending on the type of material used to build the porch. Regular sanding, staining, or painting is required for wood-framed constructions with wood flooring. If you're using pressure-treated wood or composite materials, you can skip this step.
Replacement of damaged or old wood frames or flooring might be difficult for some homeowners, so it's best to leave it to the pros. Porches made of stone, brick, or masonry should be inspected for cracks and other deterioration on a regular basis.
Patios are easy to clean and can frequently be hosed off. Checking for cracks or other issues that could compromise the patio material or the ground beneath it is a pretty simple task. (Apartment Therapy, 2021)
Resale Value
A well-maintained porch may improve your home's curb appeal, which is a significant factor in how quickly and for how much a property sells. Building a new porch will not increase the value of your property. Replacing an old porch that is in poor shape with a new porch that is in better condition will help your home retain its existing worth.
It's also difficult to estimate how much a patio will increase the resale value of your home. This is because it depends on the materials, furniture, and upkeep. Building a patio, on the other hand, will increase the marketability of your home, as well as its curb appeal. (Master Class, 2021)
Conclusion
It is entirely up to you to design your outside space. Many people mistakenly believe that all house additions are the same, but this is far from the case.
Each addition brings something new to the table. If you're considering adding something to your home, develop a list of your goals and needs. Then you can decide which of these possibilities the best fit is for you. Both the porch and the patio are excellent compliments to rooms designed for leisure, relaxation, and serenity.
There may be restrictions on the usage, upkeep, and modifications of patios and porches depending on where you live. Be sure to check with your local authority if any permits are required before building either of the structures.
Ready To Choose which addition You want?
Smart Remodeling LLC has the best contractors in Houston, Texas. You can contact us at any time to help you with your home addition project. Let us help you in selecting materials, styles, and colors once you've decided which additions to make to your home. You can discuss these matters with a skilled contractor by calling 32 800 8889 or sending us a message through our contact page.