Ever dreamt of lazy afternoons spent sipping iced tea on a charming porch, watching the world go by? The allure of the farmer's porch is undeniable, a nostalgic symbol of simpler times and community.
The farmer's porch, sometimes known as an open porch, evokes images of a classic farmhouse. This style, deeply rooted in the architectural traditions of old New England homes, is more than just an addition; it's an invitation. Imagine a covered terrace that faces the street, welcoming guests with open arms. This type of porch often extends across the entire front of the home, whether raised or brought to ground level, and is characterized by its sturdy beams, typically crafted from solid timbers, and customized railings. The porch is supported by solid timbers and has customized railings. But beyond the aesthetics, what is the cost, what factors do you need to consider before embarking on adding a farmer's porch to your residence?
One of the defining features of a farmer’s porch is its design, intended to appear as an integral part of a farmhouse. It maintains the same width as the front of the house, creating a sense of seamless integration. Sturdy beams that support the porch are a hallmark of this style. Often, these porches incorporate white lattice work beneath the porch floor, lending an elegant, polished look. Consider this outdoor space as an extension of your living area – a place where family and friends can gather to dine next to a beautiful outdoor landscape, perhaps enhanced by a new exterior stone fireplace. A custom farmer’s porch is undeniably a charming and timeless addition to any home, harking back to a simpler, more relaxed way of life, when folks gathered on spacious, covered porches to escape the heat of summer or enjoy the crispness of a fall evening.
The functional appeal of a farmer’s porch is immense. They often offer enough space to accommodate a dining set, chairs, and small tables, making them ideal for outdoor meals and gatherings. Picture a sunlit afternoon, where a family gathers on the porch, sipping lemonade and enjoying the gentle breeze – such scenes encapsulate the porch’s timeless appeal. Furthermore, a farmer’s porch can wrap around the side entry, connecting to the rear yard via a gracefully engineered grade, providing a welcoming introduction to the home and facilitating easy access to different parts of the property. Our farmers porch is 6 ft deep and it wraps around a porch of the house to connect the front entry with the mud room.
Many homeowners appreciate the versatility of a farmer's porch, and front porch ideas are available from numerous sources to guide your creative process. If you're unsure what type of porch would look good on your home, the internet and books are brimming with inspiration. A farmer's porch, otherwise known as an open porch, is a covered deck that is often supported by sturdy beams and tailored railings. This type of porch faces toward the street and provides a welcoming introduction to the home.
But what about the practical considerations, particularly when building in a climate with significant snowfall? For those looking to add a 37’ x 6’ wide farmer’s porch to a two-story colonial home in New England (Massachusetts), snow is indeed an issue. We have about 34” between the top of our front entrance door, to the bottom of the second floor window, so I don’t think the roof will be very steep. Proper footings are essential, as porch footings have to support the weight of the structure, including the roof. I recomend spread footings for any deck that there is a slight chance of a roof being put on and require spread footing for anything that has a roof even the 6' farmers porch. I find that the center pier of anyhing over 10x10 the center tube need to be at least 16 diamater i tell customers it is easyer to fix it on paper than have to take a do.
Another aspect to consider is the flooring. While a porch can be floored with regular decking boards, that’s not the traditional treatment. The material choice contributes significantly to the overall aesthetic and durability of the porch. Framing pressure treated all trim work and decking is azek.
The construction details matter. A farmer's porch has sturdy beams, a broad staircase, and a country feel. Ground level farmer’s porches are a common variant. Like the preceding type of farmer’s porch, this one has a covered deck and durable posts. They can, however, only have one step instead of a full set of stairs.
And let’s not forget the quintessential porch swing! A porch swing is one of the most charming country porch ideas. When a farmer finished a long day of work, swinging back and forth in one of these seats can be soothing and relaxing, just like it’ll be for you. How many movies have you watched that had at least one scene where the characters are in a farmhouse porch swing? Porch swings, rockers, and comfy patio furniture, as seen on most farmers’ porches, are prevalent in this style.
Sometimes it is simply called a front porch, but a wide and narrow front porch extending across all or most of the home has traditionally been called a farmer’s porch. Farmer’s porches were around long before the term “outdoor living spaces” became popular, but that is exactly what they were built for: to provide a comfortable, welcoming space for relaxation and socializing. This type often runs along the front of the home and is elevated or resting on support posts.
In summary, the farmer’s porch is more than just an architectural feature; it’s a lifestyle choice. It's a connection to the past, a space for creating memories, and a welcoming beacon for all who approach your home. From the first time we drove up to the pretty but basic facade of this colonial over nine years ago, i knew it needed a front porch, also known as a farmer’s porch. Considering adding a farmer’s porch?
