You might be looking to elevate or change the aesthetic of your home, in which case a portico could be the perfect choice! Portico is the Italian word for ‘porch’, however a portico is very different to a traditional porch.
Keep reading to find our complete breakdown of portico design for your home and to learn more about what this structural development could do for your house.
What Are Porticos?
Porticos are typically installed at the entrance of your home, resembling pillars or columns. They are slightly different to a porch, being their own type of architecture, but still providing protection and shelter for your front door area. They can extend further out and form a colonnade with a slightly longer walkway, or simply cover the entrance of your home. Porches are typically more enclosed spaces on the outside of your home, with walls or windows. Whereas a portico is a roofed structure that is supported by the columns that give it that opulent look.
Portico architecture creates an affluent and classy look for the outside of your home, often being seen on Georgian, Tuscan or Contemporary homes, however, a portico could be an elegant addition to any property.
Where Did They Come From?
The significance of porticos comes from ancient Greek temples, where the columns were used to support huge roofed structures. The design was also found in a lot of Roman architecture, and was found to be adopted in many other cultures too. However, nowadays, the iconic design elements from Ancient Greek and Roman times have found themselves right at our doorsteps.
What Are They Made From?
Porticos can be made from a range of different construction materials, but more of an emphasis on brick or stone. Two main types of building material for porticos are cast stone and natural stone. Keep reading to find the key differences between the two.
Natural vs Cast Stone
Natural and Cast Stone are two very important construction materials, both holding a range of benefits.
Natural Stone
Natural stone is stone that is taken from the ground, whole with its imperfections and natural aesthetic. Quarried from the Earth, each piece of natural stone is likely to be completely different. It’s a versatile material that can be used in a range of ways. Some key points to note about natural stone:
● It is on the slightly more expensive side (In comparison to cast stone products)
● Minimal maintenance is required for natural stone
● If a less uniform aesthetic appeals to you, natural stone is perfectly unique and good for a slightly different look
● It’s important to note that quarrying natural stone is more damaging on the Earth’s resources and environment, as opposed to stone that is manufactured
● Some projects can be a little difficult with natural stone, especially with awkward shapes and specific cuts of the stone. Also, sourcing it in great quantities can be quite challenging too.
Cast Stone
Cast stone is a refined construction material, usually made from a mixture of aggregates, limestone & granite, quartz, natural sands and cement. This mixture is then poured into moulds of a variety of shape and size, to resemble naturally cut stone. These are the key points to know about cast stone products:
● They are effective in extreme weather conditions and they are extremely durable, making cast stone a good outdoor material
● Because it is manufactured, it can be created to fit the existing stonework of your home
● It can be designed and cut into different shapes or sizes, as the mixture is simply poured into a mould, so you can tailor it to your home to some extent.
● It is cheaper than natural stone products, and lighter in weight, so easier to transport larger quantities.
These are just two examples of construction materials for your portico. If you’re still feeling unsure about what the best material might be for your home, speak to your installation company, and they will be able to give you the best advice for your portico construction.
How Can Porticos Benefit Your Property?
There are a range of reasons as to why a portico can benefit your home, aside from the elegant aesthetics they provide.
Protection
Porticos are a great way to protect the entrance of your home. Especially in extreme weather conditions. A durable material like cast stone will also help with this. By keeping your front door sheltered and safe from blustery winds and thundering rain, your front door will not sustain as much damage over time. The perfectly sheltered area will also be advantageous when you’re coming and going in the rain, giving you some much needed protection from bad weather.
Additionally, porticos create a nicely shaded area, preventing your front door from warping or sun bleaching during the hotter months of the year.
A Cleaner Home
When you’re leaving or entering your home in bad weather, it’s easy for leaves, rain, mud, snow or sleet to sneak its way into your home. With a portico, the front area of your home is nicely sheltered and protected, helping to restrict the outside elements from coming in. This will help to keep your front door area nice and clean on the inside, and help to reduce the amount of indoor maintenance you need to do around the house.
Curb Appeal & Property Value
Porticos give homes a fantastic curb appeal. They can really spruce up your home and frame it in an elegant way, giving off a chic and classy aesthetic. With the right lighting and decorative elements outside, they can elevate your home and take it to the next level. Not to mention, they are a good way to showcase your decorating skills come Christmas or Halloween!
On top of their excellent curb appeal, porticos can actually add value to your property. So, if you are thinking of selling your home soon, or in the future at some point, the beautiful portico design will be an attractive asset to potential buyers. Although the upfront price of a portico may seem alarming, you can think of it as an investment in your home, which you will get to enjoy until (or if) you decide to sell your house!
Custom Designs
Another great thing about porticos is that they can be custom designed and built. Bespoke design options are beneficial, and you can tailor the finished product to the style, shape and size you desire. This is also extremely useful if you have any awkward shapes on the front of your house that may need more specific requirements.
Choosing An Installer
When you choose an installer, you want to ensure you are choosing the right company, who can accommodate your requests. Especially if you decide to go with bespoke design elements, or you have a slightly unconventional shape to your home, it’s important that your needs are being fulfilled.
If you are struggling to find the right company for you, it doesn’t hurt to do your research, compare quotes, services and prices to help you get the most out of your portico installation. Alternatively, you can ask friends and family for reliable recommendations to reassure you that you are receiving a quality service.
Shropshire Brick & Stone
Here at Shropshire Brick & Stone we offer a range of cast stone products and other construction materials for your home. From pier caps to window sills, we have everything you need. Our expert team also provides bespoke design options and brick cutting services to accommodate every one of your needs. Our combined years of experience and high standard of service makes us a reliable and wise choice for your next project.
For any further enquiries about our products and services, feel free to get in touch with us today and speak to our team! Alternatively, you can visit our website to check out our portico design options or any of our other services.
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