What Makes a Good Porch?

The magic of a front porch comes from the way it is both private and public—belonging to the household, yet open to passersby. Sometimes it’s the perfect spot for reading a book or taking an afternoon nap. Other times it hosts a laptop supper or good conversation with friends.
 

Making a good porch is both an art and a science.

Start with the right location.
A front porch is a place of transition, so make it part of the primary entrance. It should be connected to the front yard and in clear view of the street or public walkway.

Make it a living space.
A good porch gives a house its personal scale and animates the life of the street. Compare a porch that’s simply tacked on—more surface décor than function—to one clearly made for living. The latter will invite far more use and enjoyment.

Make it large enough.
Lingering hellos and goodbyes need a space at least 5 feet wide. Six feet allows for a table and chairs, or a pair of porch rockers. I prefer 9 to 10 feet wide by about 12 feet long. At that size, the porch becomes a true room—an extension of the home’s living space.

Don’t cut through the middle.
Avoid running a walkway straight through the heart of the porch. Instead, position the path to the front door off to the side. If the porch is wide enough, the door can be centered between two separate gathering areas.

Keep it open.
It’s tempting to enclose a porch—but remember, its openness is what contributes to the life of the street. Enclosing too much shifts that balance. For seasonal comfort, consider roll-down canvas curtains or removable storm panels instead.

Define the edge.
A low railing creates a subtle but important boundary between the public and private realm. Don’t leave it out! I like railings between 24 and 30 inches high—just enough for a sense of enclosure, and perfect for perching or setting down a cup of tea. (If the deck is more than 28 inches above the ground, building codes usually require a 36- or 42-inch railing—check your local requirements.)

Build flowerboxes.
What’s more delightful than raised flowers? They add brightness, fragrance, and a changing palette of color. Tending them is personally satisfying and also brings beauty to the shared commons.

Of porches there are two sorts: the decorative and the useful, the porch that is only a platform and the porch you can lie around on in your pajamas and read the Sunday paper.

—Garrison Keillor