Give your home a grand entrance that combines form with function
A portico is a small roof supported by columns over your front door, providing shelter while you unlock the door and enhancing your home's curb appeal.
Typical costs range from $2,000 to $4,500 to build a portico, making it an affordable way to add visual interest and protection to your front entrance.
Your portico protects your front door, paint, and stoop from sun, rain, and snow while keeping you and your guests dry as you enter and exit.
Hiring a local porch company ensures proper installation and material selection, helping you match the portico roof and columns to your existing home design.
Many homes feature a small, covered entryway. It’s common across most home styles, but you may not know it by name. If it’s not quite large enough to be a porch, it may actually be a portico. These timeless structures take otherwise plain facades and make them feel luxurious. If your home needs a facelift, but you don’t want to break the bank, a portico may be the solution.
A portico is a small roof supported by columns over a front door. Homeowners can build porticos over small patios or raised stoops with steps, but the roof and columns are always essential elements of this structure.
The portico design dates back to ancient times, when ornate columns decorated temple entrances in ancient Greece. Though less ornate in modern home design, porticos are still used consistently across many architectural styles.
Porticos enhance the look of the front of a home while providing shelter as you search for your keys in bad weather. Porticos are also great for keeping guests or packages dry, and portico lighting can improve home security at night.
You can use any building material to create a portico. Most match the materials to the existing home. For example, a house with white siding and an asphalt roof pairs well with white portico columns and an asphalt portico roof.
Consider common local pests when choosing a material for your columns. Wood columns can become a home for wasps, termites, and other unwanted guests. Opt for fiberglass or concrete instead to mitigate these risks.
Although similar to a front porch, a portico has distinct characteristics. For one, porticos are too small to house furniture and aren't a space for relaxing or spending much time. They function more like an awning for protection and visual interest at the front of the home.
In contrast, a porch is a gathering space for sitting, dining, or lounging. Porches can be located on a home's front, side, or back, sometimes wrapping all the way around as one continuous structure. Porch screens can also protect them and create indoor/outdoor living spaces.
For many, the main perk of building a portico is the instant curb appeal. Adding a portico provides an immediate return on investment thanks to the added visual interest. Though commonly seen in colonial architecture, the portico design is often adapted to craftsman homes, bungalows, and many other styles.
A portico can do more than simply enhance a front door’s curb appeal. Other benefits include:
Protection for the front door, paint, and stoop from sun, rain, snow, and natural wear
Protection for residents and guests as they lock and unlock the front door
A smaller footprint that takes up less land and budget than a full porch
A timeless look that fits most home designs and never goes out of style
The average cost to build a 40-square-foot portico is around $2,500 to $4,000. This total will depend on the materials you choose for the roof and columns and the labor cost of your local porch contractor.
Many homeowners use a portico project as an opportunity to install a new type of front door or to update their existing entrance with a new front door paint color. Wiring a portico with outdoor lighting can further enhance curb appeal and home security.
One of my old tall evergreen trees was suddenly leaning toward the busy street in front of my house. I submitted a request for an emergency tree inspection, and Alejandro, owner of Cajete Tree Service, contacted me immediately and arrived to look at it just 20 minutes later. We agreed the...
Cajete Tree Service LLC1 tree was cut down and 5 others including a large willow tree were trimmed. The Grant Tree Service men were professional and cleaned up afterwards. The cost of the 6 trees were affordable. I am very happy with the results. I would hire them again.
Grants Tree ServiceArchie did a good job cleaning up the driveway before he laid down the sealer. It looks good. He was gracious and even helped me bring up my groceries. His rate was comparable to another company who came out to give me a quote and he talked to me personally rather than just text me a quote...
Pro Seal Roofing & PavingWe have bought and sold numerous times over the past 50 years. Sherman Hall and Top Line are top notch. Thorough and detailed, he explains every possibility, probability, and eventuality. High class and pleasant. The best.
Top Line Home Inspections, LLCD1 Roofing delivers outstanding service from beginning to end, backed by a strong warranty and expert teams. I highly recommend them for their excellence in meeting and surpassing expectations with unmatched communication. Choosing D1 Roofing was flawless decision
Division 1 Roofing LLCCouldn't ask for a better company. Josh and Dee were Very professional, efficient, courteous and takes major pride in their work. They will travel to come to your home and will still give you a fair price. They are honest and trust worthy. Their focus is on their work and their work is...
Supreme brick & chimneyWindow Depot did an amazing job on my deck. I wasnt sure what I wanted to do, but their composite decking was affordable and will last a long time. I am excited to have family over, and I am no longer embarrassed by my backyard. Jeff and the ground crew were polite, respectful, and caring for...
Window Depot USA of Central OhioWonderful. I am going to have them remove and replace my driveway in the spring.
All Star Paving and SealingWe were having 2”x 2” tile installed . There was a small installation error and the new additional replacement tile was from a different lot and the colors didn’t match. Joe assured us that he would rectify everything , which he did without hesitation. We decided to go with the 18” x 36” tile...
CarifaTileMaple Tree Service should serve as a mentor for other business! Customer service was superior and beyond expectation. Response to request was prompt. The representative was very courteous and proud of the company. Quote was given during initial visit and work date established. A follow up...
Maplewood Tree ServiceFrom average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Looking for ways to jazz up your entryway or hallway? Make your guests feel welcome, and express your style and personality by using our eight front entrance and hallway decorating ideas for your home. These simple tips will make a big difference.
The front door is the first thing most people will notice about your home, which is why even small upgrades can give you curb appeal a big boost. This guide lists seven changes you can make to your front door that will have a big impact.
Choosing the right front door means weighing factors like style, security, and durability. Use this guide to compare the best front door materials to find the right fit for your home.
Looking for a front door that adds character to your home? Check out these unique front door designs for craftsman homes to inspire your next project.
Want to add personality and character to your front porch? Discover some front porch decorating ideas to instantly boost the curb appeal of your outdoor space.
Are you in the market for a new front door? Read on for tips to choose the perfect front door as well as advice on style, material, and more.
