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The wraparound porch is a special place. A great wraparound porch not only welcomes your visitors at the front of your home, but when designed well, it can be a great place for you to enjoy along the side of your home as well. It’s the perfect place to get away from it all. The right wraparound design will make your outdoor space feel welcoming and comfortable. It’s also an important extension of your home that offers space to relax and socialize with family and friends. Imagine if every home had one! When you work with our experts at First State Building & Design, they will help you design what’s perfect for your home. Here are some top tips for an exceptional wraparound porch design.
Plan Ahead
When designing your new wraparound porch, be sure to plan ahead with FSBD. At our first consultation, our experts will share with you the high quality materials we use and recent designs we have installed for our customers. You let us know your budget and specifications you’d like us to meet for the project and then we’ll take it from there to present a great design that meets your needs. You’ll also want to keep in mind any structural changes that may need to be made to the home, such as changes to the roof or flooring. Now’s the time to figure out the electrical needs for your wraparound porch as well. The design process is also an excellent time to think about your needs as a homeowner. Ask yourself questions like, Are you looking for a space to entertain large groups? What other use will the wraparound porch serve for you to really enjoy?
Choose the Right Materials for Your Space
Part of planning ahead will help you choose the right materials for your porch. A great choice for a wraparound porch may be different for your space than it is for someone next door. Think about what will go well with your home’s exterior before you start choosing materials. A porch that’s covered in dull gray shingles is going to clash with your home’s beautiful red brick. Wood species, stain color, and finish also come into play when it comes to choosing the right materials for your wraparound porch. Choose a species, color, and finish that work well together with your home’s exterior.
Decide on the Flooring
Choose a flooring that complements the existing exterior and interior of your home. These two factors are often overlooked when it comes to designing a wraparound porch. And what about the other elements of your home, from the roof to the trim? These elements may also be clad in the same type of siding as your home. Having a flooring that matches all these elements and goes well with the exterior of your home is essential to a great wraparound porch design.
Consider Roof Height
As you start to visualize the design for your wraparound porch, estimate the roof height. This will help you decide whether you need to make any structural changes to the home. For example, you may need to raise the roof height by a few inches to make room for a new deck. You can also add a few feet of height to the roof with some dimensional shingles.
Dress Up the Railing for a Polished Look
Railings are available in different materials, shapes, sizes, and colors. Our designers will work with you to determine what works best with your home and meets the latest building codes. This can be done in a number of ways, but the most common is by using molding around the porch railings. If you have the budget for it, you may also want to use ornamental metalwork to dress up your railing. You can pick out patterns or designs that complement your home exterior or other elements of your wraparound porch. Railings are a great place to decorate year-round with greenery and flowers, and during the holidays with special lights.
Change the Lighting to Add Ambiance and Brightness
Before you start to finish your wraparound porch design with our experts, take some time to consider the lighting. You don’t want to skimp on this aspect of your wraparound porch design. Lighting is essential to creating a welcoming space. It should be warm and inviting, so that people feel at home in your new space. While traditional outdoor lamps are a great choice, they aren’t the most efficient lighting option. LEDs have become much more cost-effective, providing sufficient light with lower energy use.
Wraparound Porch Checklist
- Contact First State Building & Design for a free quote on your wraparound porch
- Meet with FSBD experts to talk and design your project and cover the various aspects discussed: flooring, railing, materials, lighting and greenery
- Decorate and finalize with your personal details after FSBD builds your new wraparound porch
Learn more about porches and see our gallery of latest projects.
Interested in learning more from our experts? Learn more about our porch design and installation, and request a free quote so we can contact you today.
