Southern Living House Plans With Double Porches

Southern Living House Plans With Double Porches: A Timeless Design for Outdoor Living

The double porch is a classic Southern architectural feature that offers a welcoming and charming addition to any home. Double porches provide a gracious space for relaxing outdoors, entertaining guests, and enjoying the beautiful scenery. They also help to create a sense of flow and continuity between the interior and exterior of the home.

Benefits of a Double Porch

There are many benefits to adding a double porch to your home. These include: *

Increased outdoor living space:

Double porches provide a significant amount of outdoor living space, making them perfect for entertaining guests, relaxing with family, or simply enjoying the outdoors. *

Improved curb appeal:

Double porches add a touch of Southern charm and elegance to any home. They can help to increase your home's value and make it more appealing to potential buyers. *

Increased natural light:

Double porches allow for more natural light to enter the home, which can help to brighten the interior and make it feel more spacious. *

Improved air circulation:

Double porches can help to improve air circulation in the home, which can help to keep the home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

Types of Double Porches

There are many different types of double porches, each with its own unique style and features. Some of the most popular types of double porches include: *

Full-width double porches:

Full-width double porches extend the entire width of the front of the home. They are the most traditional type of double porch and offer the most outdoor living space. *

Partial-width double porches:

Partial-width double porches extend only part of the way across the front of the home. They are a good option for homes that are not as wide as they are deep. *

Wraparound double porches:

Wraparound double porches extend around two or more sides of the home. They offer the most outdoor living space and can create a very dramatic effect. *

Screened-in double porches:

Screened-in double porches offer protection from insects and other pests, making them a great option for areas with a lot of bugs. They can also help to keep the porch cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

Choosing the Right Double Porch Plan

When choosing a double porch plan, there are a few things you should keep in mind: *

The size of your home:

The size of your home will determine the size of the double porch that you can build. A small home will not be able to accommodate a large double porch. *

The style of your home:

The style of your home will also influence the type of double porch that you choose. A traditional home will look best with a traditional double porch, while a more modern home may look better with a more contemporary double porch. *

Your budget:

The cost of building a double porch will vary depending on the size, the materials used, and the complexity of the design. You should set a budget before you start shopping for double porch plans.

Building a Double Porch

Building a double porch is a major undertaking, but it is a project that can be completed by DIYers with the right skills and experience. The following steps will provide you with a general overview of the process of building a double porch: 1.

Excavate the foundation:

The first step is to excavate the foundation for the porch. The foundation should be at least 12 inches deep and should be made of concrete or cinder blocks. 2.

Install the footings:

The next step is to install the footings for the porch posts. The footings should be made of concrete and should be placed at least 4 feet apart. 3.

Install the porch posts:

The porch posts can be made of wood, metal, or concrete. They should be at least 6 feet tall and should be secured to the footings with bolts. 4.

Install the joists:

The joists are the horizontal beams that support the floor of the porch. They should be made of wood or metal and should be spaced at least 16 inches apart. 5.

Install the decking:

The decking is the material that covers the floor of the porch. It can be made of wood, composite materials, or metal. 6.

Install the railings:

The railings are the vertical posts that line the perimeter of the porch. They should be made of wood, metal, or composite materials. 7.

Install the roof:

The roof of the porch can be made of shingles, metal, or composite materials. It should be sloped to allow for water drainage.

Conclusion

Double porches are a beautiful and functional addition to any home. They provide a gracious space for outdoor living, entertaining guests, and enjoying the scenery. If you are thinking about adding a double porch to your home, there are many resources available to help you get started.