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How to Add a Front Porch for a Cottage Look

Cottage porch architecture is as varied as cottage architecture itself. Many styles are referred to as "cottages," ranging from the streamlined sophistication of Craftsman architecture to the storybook appearance of Cotswold cottages. Craftsmanship in the details of cottage-style porch construction is a defining characteristic, as are an intimate scale and emphasis on comfort. The magnetic quality of cottage porches is in the social activity they invite. Stay consistent with your favorite cottage style for the porch, but capture cottage feeling in the welcome it extends.

Things You'll Need

  • Sketching paper and pencils
  • Measuring tape
  • Construction materials
  • Carpentry tools
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Instructions

    • 1

      Extend the porch from each corner of the house to a length suitable for the proposed use. Keep the width of the porch in proportion with the scale of the house.

    • 2

      Choose a roof style that complements the roof of the house. Keep the porch ceiling height low. Add cottage details such as exposed rafter ends or wide fascia boards or others that are in keeping with the preferred cottage style.

    • 3

      Frame the door or picture windows with posts spaced at a minimum of 8. Space the remaining posts according to construction span tables. Detail the posts in a manner consistent with the preferred cottage style, such as carving and routing for Craftsman style. Keep the posts unadorned for rustic cottage architecture.

    • 4

      Use wood boards for the porch floor and ceiling -- plank or tongue and groove or as appropriate to the chosen cottage style. Varnish or paint them.

    • 5

      Construct the steps with generous proportions, extending from one post to the next in front of the door. Meet specifications for exterior steps, using a ratio of two risers + one tread = 26 inches. Add a handrail if necessary to conform to building regulations.

    • 6

      Build the porch railing and accessories with detailing that complements the posts and roof trim. Add spandrels -- extending from the top of one post to another -- if they're suitable for the style.

    • 7

      Close in the skirting -- the gap between the ground and the finished porch floor -- with material appropriate to the main house, such as wood or brick. Alternatively, the porch steps can extend the length of the porch.

    • 8

      Paint the porch with colors suitable for the house or in contrasting colors that harmonize with the house. Choose a palette suitable for the cottage style. Varnish or stain the rustic cabin or cottage type of porch.

    • 9

      Outfit the porch to encourage its full use. Keep furniture comfortable and informal. Hang a hammock or porch swing or add wicker furniture if it suits the aesthetic. Create an outdoor room ambiance with ornamental touches such as flower vases or rustic carvings.

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Exterior Remodeling
  1. How to Add a Lean-To on a Front Porch
  2. How to Add a Porch Yourself
  3. How to Add Privacy to a Front Porch
  4. Landscaping Ideas for a Cottage Front Porch
  5. How to Landscape for a Craftsman-Style Home
  6. How to Add a Hand Rail to a Front Porch
  7. How to Cement a Front Porch
  8. How to Add a Front Porch to a Colonial Style Home
  9. How to Add to a Small Front Porch
  10. How to Attach a Railing to My Front Porch
  11. How to Add a Porch to a Tudor
  12. How to Add a Front Porch Onto a Ranch

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