A well-designed and professionally installed front porch is a great asset to any home. It can add value to a property, boost kerb appeal, and create a convenient sheltered area at the front of your home. At DW Windows, we install bespoke porches, designed to suit your exact requirements. Here are some front porch ideas, perfect for any British home in 2020.
Open front porch/door canopy ideas
A canopy porch will transform the look of your home’s exterior. It is easy to install and you probably won’t require planning permission, unless you live in a conservation area or listed building. It is an extremely popular choice with British homeowners. It’s often installed as a way to shelter your front door from the often inclement UK weather.
An open front porch consists of a roof installed onto the exterior brickwork of your property, which covers the area around your front door. It is usually supported by side beams and can be made from a range of materials, including:
- Tiles
- Slates
- uPVC
- Metal
- A combination of these
Whether as an apex roof or flat roof, it provides a convenient shelter for any visitors arriving at your home. It also creates an attractive symmetry to the front of your property.
Enclosed front porch ideas
An enclosed front porch is a mini extension to the front of your property. As it essentially creates an extra room for your home, you may require planning permission. It is always sensible to check with your local authority before starting any work.
An enclosed front porch is usually made from a combination of uPVC, brickwork, and a tiled roof. You can incorporate sections of timber to suit older properties. Alternatively, you can install a composite door for a more contemporary finish.
At DW Windows, our front porches can be supplied and installed in a range of styles and sizes. Choose a tiled roof option or a weatherproof rubber flat roof depending on your preference. For uPVC porch frames, choose classic white or one of our authentic wood grain effect finishes.
When you install a front porch, you improve your home’s energy efficiency, security levels, and style. You also create a convenient storage space for coats, shoes, or anything else you want to keep safe and dry.
Which is better for your UK home: uPVC porch vs timber porch?
There are many benefits involved when you upgrade from a timber porch to a uPVC porch.
| Front porch features | uPVC porch | Timber porch |
| Cost-effective | ✓ | ✘ |
| Low maintenance | ✓ | ✘ |
| Energy efficient | ✓ | ✓ |
| Secure | ✓ | ✓ |
| Environmentally friendly | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pest-resistant | ✓ | ✘ |
| Rot-resistant | ✓ | ✘ |
2022 front porch trend predictions
As we move forward, out of COVID-19 restrictions, we believe 2022 is the year of straight lines. Arched windows were certainly popular in the 90s and 2000s and they still look great on certain homes. However, switching out the ornate starburst windows for contemporary and clean straight-line designs can instantly give your home an updated look. Modernise your porch; take it into the future and keep it there.
We also expect to see the same level, if not more, interest in front porches for 2022. Homeowners looking to add that extra ‘wow’ factor to the front of their home and increase kerb appeal in a cost-effective way will definitely benefit from adding a front porch.
We also expect homeowners who already have a front porch to turn their interest in improving what they already have. Modernising design, improving thermal efficiency, and updating security will be at the forefront of homeowners’ minds for 2022.
How big can a porch be without building regulations?
Generally speaking, a porch can be built without building regulations if its base is under 3 square metres. However, you should ensure that the porch’s glazing and any fixed electrics also comply with building regulations before construction begins. Failure to comply with building regulations could see your porch be forcibly removed.
For more information, read our extensive blog on porch-building regulations.
How much does it cost to build a uPVC porch?
All of our porch prices are bespoke. Please call us on 0800 999 0909, send us a message online or book an appointment and we can begin the process of generating a comprehensive quote for your new uPVC porch.
We can also discuss any planning permission issues you may have. Our friendly team of industry specialists will be happy to offer advice on the best type of front porch for your home.
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