Ideas for Porches for Back Patios

House and Yard Affect Design

• Porch-patio combinations depend on the house design and yard space. A ground floor back porch may connect directly with a patio, possibly with a step or two, while a two-story house may work better with a porch built over a carport or garage overlooking the patio, preferably with decorative connecting steps. The two spaces ought to be compatible in design so chairs and drink tables can be moved easily from one to the other without radically changing the style. A porch may abut a patio or be connected by a short decorative walkway.

Adapt to Weather, Insects

• Leave a porch open on the sides if weather and insects are not serious concerns. That can enable the spaces to be combined in use for parties and other larger events. Add screening if mosquitoes and other insects abound. You can make a permanently-screened porch or use screens that can be removed when bugs aren't present. The same factors apply to windows; some porches use window panels that can be removed or tilt-up types that can be opened to allow in cool breezes and fresh air.

Make an Outdoor Room

• If porch and patio are on the same level, combine them with an outdoor room, one of the trendiest decorating features today. Outdoor rooms feature fireplaces and grills, often surrounded by wooden latticework or decorative brick walls. Make an interesting combination with a fireplace on the porch side, the grill and grate on the outside, which is the best of both worlds for summer cookouts or chilly fall evenings.

Use Lighting

• Use lighting to tie the spaces together. Most porches will have at least an overhead light, but you may want to add decorative lights around the sides. These will not only enhance the porch but will illuminate the patio. (You may have to call an electrician if you need to add circuits for lights). Use votive candles with similar outdoor torches to combine porch and patio lighting; be cautious with candles or torches near wood porches.