By Dave and Mary

Porch Anatomy

Use Our Directory Of Porch Components

Porches have a lot going on: porch anatomy is those porch components that you can see and even those that you don't.

We are referring to everything from the porch decking to porch ceilings - and more! Each component is either essential to the structure of your porch or as a decorative feature that expresses your style and creates curb appeal.

Selecting the right components can make for both a beautiful and functional front porch. Woodwork that reflects your architectural style also ensures authenticity.

Porch railings, balusters, porch columns, trims, porch steps, and porch lights. Wow! Let's sort through it all.


Porch anatomy illustration example


You don't have to know the specifics of porch construction unless you are either building a porch or hiring a contractor to do it. But it's a great idea to be knowledgeable so you can spot potential problems and ensure additions fit both the architectural style and structural integrity of your porch.


Building, Remodeling, or Repairing Your Porch?

Whether you are building, remodeling or repairing your front porch or deck, it's important to understand your porch's anatomy. We've made it easy by addressing your porch's components so you can make decisions regarding your own porch.


From the Ground Up

pier foundation under construction for front porch
Porch Foundations

Essential to having a well-built long lasting porch, we discuss posts, piers, and beams...

porch joists, beam, and footings
Porch Flooring Components

We address your porch's flooring components: the footings, joists, and bridging




ledger flashing
Ledgers and Ledger Flashing

An essential component to a long lasting porch, secure and flash your ledger to ensure both longevity and safety...

flashing on ledger board attached to brick wall
Brick Flashing Made Easy

Easy to do once you know the process of attaching flashing to brick...





carpenter installing front porch decking material
Porch Decking Options

Find the perfect porch floor material for your porch or deck: treated wood, concrete, interlocking deck tiles, etc., and more
colorful front porch steps on decorated front porch
Porch Step Options

Create curb appeal and increase functionality with the right porch stair design; see your options!




mosaic tile front porch steps
Porch Steps for Curb Appeal

Use your front porch steps to make a statement. We show you examples along with plenty of ideas...
Porch stair hand rails
Stair Hand Rails

Select the right design for both appeal and safety; you have more options than you think...




decorative porch stair hand rails
Porch Hand Rails

Building codes and options for outdoor hand rails

white custom vinyl lattice as porch skirting under front porch on home
Porch Skirting

Discover your porch or deck skirting options along with a myriad of design patterns...



vinyl lattice panel as front porch skirting
Vinyl Lattice Panels

Make your porch unique with custom vinyl panels that come in a myriad of styles and lots of colors....

Return to top of Porch Anatomy page

From The Top Down

roofing materials
Choose Your Porch Roof Design

When building a porch roof, the design should fit the architecture of your home; learn more...
roofing materials
Different Types of Roofing Materials

Discover your options to ensure you install the right roof material over your porch....



red metal front porch roof
Metal Porch Roof

Use our photo gallery of metal roofs to find one that's right for your porch...



copper metal roof material
Metal Roof Material

Let us help you select the right metal roof material for your porch or home; you have options...
tongue and groove porch ceiling with hanging light
Porch Ceilings

Don't settle - find the right porch ceiling style in the right material....
Return to top of Porch Anatomy page

Porch Features

triple porch columns columns on front porch
Striking Porch Column Options

Use our porch column gallery and design options to select just the right columns for your porch...
chippendale front porch railings on front porch
Porch Railings and Kneewall Options

From railing photo galleries to design options, visit our porch railings section....





<
outdoor sconce porch lights and fans
Light Up Your Porch

Find just the right lighting combinations for strategic areas of your porch.




screen porch windows on furnished porch
Porch Windows

Use porch windows to enclosure your porch and make it "perfect"

Return to top of Porch Anatomy page

Exterior Doors and More

tangerine colored exterior front door
Exterior Front Doors

Enjoy the beauty of an exquisite porch front door; don't settle for ordinary...

screen porch windows on new back porch
Add Windows for a Porch Enclosure

Easy to build a screen porch enclosure with porch windows....



Return to Top

Porch Electrical and Accessibility

exterior electrical receptacle on porch
Porch Electrical Systems

Learn about your porch's electrical system. Determine what options you have.

wheelchair porch lift on front porch of home
Wheel Chair Porch Lifts

Learn about accessible porch equipment to make your porch and home more accessible...



wheelchair ramp attached to farmhouse porch and home
Wheel Chair Ramp Design

Discover what you need to know before you build or install a wheelchair ramp....



Add Porch Appeal

exterior house trim on front porch and home
Exterior House Trim

Use running trim, spandrels, and brackets to create instant curb appeal

before and after porch with trim ideas
Porch Parts

Instant curb appeal with handcrafted porch posts, balustrades, railings and exterior house trim



Victorian porch painted in beautiful colors
Porch Paint

Select the right porch paint to enhance your home and save time and money later
porch floor painted with beautiful porch floor paint
Porch Floor Paint

Floor paint dries harder, adheres better, and meant to handle heavy traffic; see your options!



haint blue front porch ceiling
Haint Blue Porch Paint

For your porch ceilings - learn why and how to get the authentic formulas



We hope this information helps you understand porch anatomy a bit more.




Mary and Dave, Founders of Front Porch Ideas and More
Hi! We're Mary and Dave, lifelong DIYers, high school sweethearts, and we both love porches. You've come to the right place for thousands of porch ideas.

Our Sponsors
The Porch Store


Shop for Porch Parts at Vintage Woodworks.


Use the PCA Visualizer to design your screen door

End Sponsors



Helpful Links

Enjoy shopping Amazon (affiliate link)

Popular Pages

What's New

Join Our Newsletter Family

Porch Designs

Porch Ideas for Mobile Homes

Find a Local Contractor

Build a Porch | Small Porches

Porch Columns | Porch Railings

Screened Porches

Porch Curtains | Porch Enclosures

Porch Landscaping | Vinyl Lattice

Porch Decorating | Porch Ideas

Shop

Navigation Aids

Home | Top of Page

Site Search | Site Map

Contact Us

Policies

Disclosure Policy | Privacy Policy

Legal Info


Please Join Us Here Also

Join us on Facebook for porch talk Join us on Pinterest Subscribe to get our updates. Thank you!


Get in touch with pre-screened local professionals for work you need done
Find a Trusted Local Pro




Copyright© 2008-2024
Front-Porch-Ideas-and-More.com All rights reserved.
No content or photos may be reused or reproduced in any way without our express written permission.

At no extra cost to you, we earn a commission by referring you to some products on merchant sites. See our disclosure policy.
We, Front Porch Ideas and More, confirm, as stated on our privacy policy, that we do not sell personal information.

All content here is solely for presenting ideas. We recommend consulting with a licensed, experienced contractor before you begin your project.
We make no guarantees of accuracy or completeness of information on our site or any links to other websites contained here.


Thank you for taking your time to stop by. See what's popular and new here.

small rocking chair



Mary and Dave, Founders of Front Porch Ideas and More
Hi! We're Mary and Dave, lifelong DIYers, high school sweethearts, and we both love porches. You've come to the right place for thousands of porch ideas.
--- Our Sponsors ---
The Porch Store

Use the PCA Visualizer to design your screen door

Shop for Porch Parts at Vintage Woodworks.

--- End Sponsors ---
Find Top-Rated Service Pros
Get in touch with pre-screened local professionals for work you need done

Our Newsletter, Front Porch Appeal
Learn more!


Thank you for being here!


small rocking chair
At no extra cost to you, we earn a commission by referring you to some products on merchant sites. See our disclosure policy.
We, Front Porch Ideas and More, confirm, as stated on our privacy policy, that we do not sell personal information.

All content here is solely for presenting ideas. We recommend consulting with a licensed, experienced contractor before you begin your project.
We make no guarantees of accuracy or completeness of information on our site or any links to other websites contained here.


Front Porch Home | Return to Top
Contact Us | About Us | Advertise with Us | Search | Site Map
Media | Privacy Policy | Disclosure | Legal Notice | What's New

XML RSS   Add to My Yahoo!  
By Mary and Dave Morris, Copyright © 2008-2024 Front-Porch-Ideas-and-More.com. All rights reserved.
No content or photos may be reproduced or copied in any way without our express written permission.


Page copy protected against web site content infringement by Copyscape