Ranch House Porch Designs

by Ben
(Warrenton, VA)

QUESTION about Ranch House Porch Designs: I am looking to add a front porch to my house this summer and need help with porch ideas. I finally was able to realize my dream and move to the country and keep my horses in my backyard!

I bought the property primarily for the pasture and use it to "rescue" various unwanted animals. I remodeled the inside of the original house in 2007-2008 and resided the house last year.

I feel like my ranch house is very plain and I want to add some pizazz and curb appeal but I am totally confused on what type of porch design would accomplish this. Cost is always a concern and I am concerned about blocking too much of the natural light.

Any creative porch ideas would be appreciated! Attached are pictures of my existing house.

ANSWER: Thanks Ben for contacting us. It is always fun to consult on front porch ideas! Hopefully, we will hit upon some ideas you may not have previously considered.

Your home is like an empty canvas to an artist. You have several wonderful ranch house porch design options. Aesthetically, your home has long lines - so let's break them a bit to create more interest and appeal.

I'd opt for a gable roofed porch. Reason being is that your windows extend almost underneath your current eaves which doesn't leave much room for a shed-type roof. It would block too much light. An advantage of a gable roof is that you can also install sky lights in them for more light if you are so inclined.

Next comes size. Your options range from building a small portico over your front door to a rather large roomy front porch.

Here's a sample portico with a gable roof over a front door. Although this is on a two-story home, hopefully you can visualize something similar over your front door. The gable would extend up onto your existing roof. I'd choose square or rectangular columns; however, for your home.

Because we love porches and you have the space, I'd opt for a larger one if your finances allow.






As a minimum, I'd extend it past the windows on either side of the front door. Make it at least 8 feet deep to accommodate a porch swing and comfortable seating. I think your ranch home would look great with an open porch (no railings) but you will have to check with your local building codes department to see if one is required for your area.

From your description it sounds like you really like the outdoors. You could screen in all or part of your porch. See our screen porches section for some pictures of custom designed screen porches. It would give you additional living space as well.

Use our porch landscaping section for ideas of how to landscape around your porch. Landscaping adds lots of appeal to any home and porch.

It is always difficult to visualize what a porch addition will look like on your home. Here's a super way to see it before you invest in building materials and construction time...

Brian, with Cumberland Landesigns, can create a 3-D rendering of your home complete with landscaping and a porch addition - before you build. It is a good investment because you will know exactly what your home will look like.

Here is a link so you can see examples of his conceptual front porch design work and to contact him directly if you so choose to do so.

Hope these ideas get your creative juices flowing.

Another visitor asked a similar question about ranch house porch designs. You may benefit from that reply also.

Best,
Dave

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