When you bought a home, but you still don’t have the best outdoors to show. You have to choose, will you show up on your porch or patio? Or do you want to have both?
The perfect home for everyone is when it has a good exterior and interior to show. Recently, the perfect home is not only to stay, but also to make a content on social media.
Some people do this to give inspiration to others. If you want to follow this path, you have to build your perfect home, of course with a porch or patio there.
Both have different purposes, but can make your living space more functional. Building these, also need maintenance for the long term.
In this article, we will explore the difference between a porch and a patio which can help you decide which one suits with your needs:
What Is a Porch?Â
A porch is usually located in front of the home and attached to the exterior wall of the house. It is also covered by a roof.
The size of the porch has a range, you can make it large or small based on your needs. This is used for a greeting area or just for a few steps before leading up to the front door.
There are several types of porches, which have each other design and comfort:
- Front porch, the positioned at the entrance, this is ideal for show curb appeal of your home
- Back porch, positioned at the back home, this is good for enjoy and relaxation
- Covered porch, a porch with a roof that offers weather protection of the home
What is A Patio?
Patio is a Spanish language which translates to English. It means paved area or courtyard which is used for entertaining or dining.
This area, unlike porches, is usually more open and built on the ground. Most patios are located in the backyard of the house.
But it is common to have this area on the side of the house. People used this area for many activities. Example for recreational purposes, firepits, and playing games.
If you want to have a patio back of your home, you need to furnish it with outdoor furniture sets. And you need to protect the furniture by covering it all.
Patio vs Porch Key Differences
- Cost
The Spruce explains that the difference between patio and porch is cost. The average cost for a built 200-square-foot porch will need $8.000 – $ 24.000.
That cost depends on the materials, size, and of course the design. To build a medium sized patio like 144-square-foot will need $750-$ 7.200 depending on the same factors.
- Decoration
Either a Patio or a Porch, need decorating much like an interior room. But first things first, make sure the purpose of the building is.
If you need a patio for entertainment, maybe you need to put lighting, some chairs, a firepit, and a projector screen.
If you just want to decorate your porch simply, just put the furniture sets and some greenery for enjoyment.
- Maintenance
Don’t you think that the patio or porch doesn’t need to be clean. It is the same as your indoor room, it must be clean and protected so you can feel comfortable there.
At least for both, you can clean for once or twice a year. You need to check the dirt and pollen, after that you remove it.
Check also your furniture, if you set it there. Clean it with a cleaner or just swipe it. It is a must, even if your patio or porch is covered.
- Location
As we knew before, the difference between patio and porch is location. The porch is located in the front of the, while the patio is located the back of the home.
The porch is usually attached to the exterior wall of the home. While, the patio can be attached or not.
- Material
Some porches are built from brick, wood, and concrete. While the patios have been built from pavers, stone, and concrete.
- The Function
I have a porch attached to the house. Usually I use it for sitting when my guests come home. But before, my porch function was just for stepping through my door.
And also I have a patio in the backyard, which I used for relaxing and dining. So, each other has their own function, don’t switch it.
Factors to Consider Before Choosing
Before you choose a patio or a porch, please consider the following:
- Budget, if you are on budget better you choose to build a patio. The construction is more simple and affordable. The porch will require many things.
- Your lifestyle, are you enjoying reading a book or hosting outdoor dinners? The first is suitable for a porch and the second is for the patio.
- Property layout, the house that you bought may have backyard space, so you can prepare it for the patio.
- Climate, if you stay in the city that has heavy rainfall, you need to cover your porch or your patio.
- Home Value, this is for investment and unique selling point of your home. So make sure your porch is attractive, then your patio.
You Can Have Both!
Yes, if you are confused about choosing one of them and your finances cover all the cost, you can have a patio and a porch.
The homeowner will enjoy both and can do some activities there. A porch can offer you a space to rest, to talk with guests and friends, and to curb appeal.
While your patio, if it is located in the backyard, you have some privacy to relax with your families or friends. You also can enjoy the entertainment that you installed.
The combination not only enhances your home, but also can improve the value and curb appeal for your investment in the future.
Additionally, if you found this article helpful, we invite you to share it with your friends and family who might be looking to give their home a makeover. And, if you like this article, don’t hesitate to follow us at mudahome.com. See you in the next article!
