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We have a modest cape cod style house and are planning to add a covered front porch that will run the full length of the house. We were thinking to do a depth of 8', but now we're wondering; is there a rule of thumb in regards to porch depth to keep it in scale with the rest of the house? The house is roughly 38x26, so a porch depth of 8' is going to be almost a third of the overall depth of the house. Does that sound about right or should we go with a narrower depth? We want to make sure everything looks in scale and the porch doesn't dwarf the rest of the house.
On most CC style plans I have seen with moderately size front porches the depth is about 4'-5'.
However, in your scenario the depth will be determined by the building setback line. And if the house was built as most are it's just about on that line. Which would mean you're not putting a porch on your house unless you can get a variance. Or you live in the sticks and you're 100's of feet from the road- in that case, build to your heart's content!
Depends on how you plan to use the porch. If you want to put some chairs or a glider on it you need to make it deep enough to get past the chairs (or rockers without falling off the porch.
Also how much slope do you want on the roof? The width of the porch combined with the slope of the two roofs will determine where they meet. How will this match up with any windows or dormers on the original house?
I do recommend a design review with a firm/individual that can use computer software to show various options.
When we built our portico that is very high I asked about the material used on the posts that are 25'+ high and the designer was quick to show the formula used where the dimensions are based upon height so the look is pleasing. So when constructed the core of the posts were special order 6x6 posts anchored top and bottom but engineered panels were added to make the columns the designed size and better take a finish.
Part of the design was a check of setback and before a permit was issued it was again checked.
Ha, yeah, we do live "in the sticks" on 5 acres and are 400'+ from the road so setbacks are not an issue. Thanks though.
Good! You're past the big hurdle.
Size and scale are paramount (traditionally that style of house is small)- and as I previously stated most CC style house plans that I have looked at are in the 4-5' depth. It's usually deep enough for shading windows, covering the entry door and allowing enough walk room if there are chairs.
I have read that 8 ft is a minimum if you want to have a small table so you can dine outside there. But to me, the issue with depth of the porch is more one of the slope of the roof. Have you taken that into account? For example if the roof butts in just under the upper windows, then a really wide porch with an 8 ft ceiling would end up with a shallow slope, while a 5 ft deep porch would have more options for roof slope.
I have read that 8 ft is a minimum if you want to have a small table so you can dine outside there. But to me, the issue with depth of the porch is more one of the slope of the roof. Have you taken that into account? For example if the roof butts in just under the upper windows, then a really wide porch with an 8 ft ceiling would end up with a shallow slope, while a 5 ft deep porch would have more options for roof slope.
I have read too that 8 ft is the preferred minimum. Just wondered if there were any other alternative rules of thumb regarding size/scale. We do plan use the porch as a dining/hangout space, so maybe that is about right.
We have worked with a contractor who drew up a plan and at 8 feet the roof would have a 4/12 pitch and tie into the existing roof just below the dormers. This is not our house, but I think it would look similar to this: Cape Cod with Covered Porch.
We have a balcony off the master bedroom that is 4' depth and practically useless, so we definitely don't want to go too small. Tempted to split the difference and go 6' but once the kids, the dog, and my husband and I are all out there I bet I'd be wishing we went 8 feet! Decisions, decisions.
We have a modest cape cod style house and are planning to add a covered front porch that will run the full length of the house. We were thinking to do a depth of 8', but now we're wondering; is there a rule of thumb in regards to porch depth to keep it in scale with the rest of the house? The house is roughly 38x26, so a porch depth of 8' is going to be almost a third of the overall depth of the house. Does that sound about right or should we go with a narrower depth? We want to make sure everything looks in scale and the porch doesn't dwarf the rest of the house.
You may want to check with the zoning or building area of your city before you decide anything.
There may be size restrictions and you can probably find out when you go and pay for the building permits.
You may want to check with the zoning or building area of your city before you decide anything.
There may be size restrictions and you can probably find out when you go and pay for the building permits.
I should have probably mentioned in the OP that we are in a rural area on a small acreage so zoning/building restrictions are not a concern. Only concern is making the right choice as far as size/scale in relation to the house and usability. Heck, this county didn't even have building permits until 1999! Gotta love rural America.
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