Porch vs. Patio: What's the Difference?

It is always a good idea to have an outdoor space that can help you relax. This is especially true during the summer when the air inside the house can be stifling. The extra living area can have chairs and tables or even an outdoor cooking area to name a few. There are two options on how to make your front or backyard more livable. You can choose between having a porch or a patio.

Porch vs Patio What’s the Difference?

These two terms are often interchanged. This may be because of how they’re used per location. But these two have distinct differences. Knowing what makes each one stand out can help you choose the right one for your property. Let’s get started!

Porch

Porches are extensions of homes. They’re built-in on the house itself.  The sides are open though some prefer to have a screen as an added privacy. You will often find porches built in the front of the house, but they can run to the backyard.  Porches are also covered by a roof, making them easy to distinguish from patios.

There are several advantages to having a porch in your home. For starters, they extend your interior design outdoors. You will have an extra living area, and it helps add to your curb appeal. Yet, compared to patios, porches are expensive. This is because you will be building a new attachment to your home.

Patio

Most landscaping design ideas involve the use of patios to create a focal point in the yard. A patio is not attached to the home when it’s built. You can have it out in the open or have a roof over it like in the case of a gazebo. Masonry materials are ideal for patios because they are more durable compared to wood.

Patios are inexpensive to install on your property, plus they can match the layout of your yard. It is easy to maintain too, which is another advantage to it. The downside is that masonry can deteriorate because of exposure to the elements.  Also, since patios are outdoors, the presence of insects can prevent you from using them often.

Factors to Consider in a Simple Landscaping Design

How much does landscaping cost? Many factors can affect the total value of landscaping your front yard. If you are planning a landscaped front of the house project, you should think of the following:

•   Know the needs and wants of your landscape.

The first thing that you need to figure out is knowing your needs and wants. Think about whether your family wants a patio or a porch out front.

•   Location.

You should consider where you will be placing your porch or your patio. Consider your home’s location. The angle of the sun and wind patterns. You should also think of the placement of existing plants. These factors can help you decide where to put up your patio or porch.

•   Consider a focal point.

If you take a look at landscape design for front yards, you will see that they usually have a focal point. It is also possible to have many focal points too depending on how big your yard is. The same goes true when searching for a backyard landscape design idea as well.

•   Enjoy your landscape.

Enjoy your landscape first before making changes to it. Take note of areas that you want to update and list in your needs and wants. This helps you in mapping out your landscape. You can figure out where to install your porch or patio and other outdoor accessories.

•   Lighting.

You should consider porch or patio lighting ideas when designing the outdoors as it is vital during nighttime. Check out outdoor patio lighting ideas here. You can get an idea of what type of lighting to use. Take note that there are several types available. There are string lights, LED lights, and solar lamps too.

•   Pacing and scale.

This practice is useful once you have a general idea of the layout of your yard. You need to consider where you will put your tall plants, shrubs, bushes, and so on. Scaling can help you mix and match the sizes and shapes of plants in your yard. This prevents a monotonous look on your property.

•   Start small.

You don’t have to push yourself to revamp your entire front or backyard yet. If you are not ready for the answer to the question, “How much does landscaping cost?” then why not start small? Try creating a flower bed first or even plant a tree, then add more one at a time.

These are a few things that you should consider if you are planning on updating your yard. This way, you will be covering all your bases.

Breathe New Life to Your Yard with the Experts

Knowing the difference between a patio and a porch is one thing. Think about simple front yard landscapes that will fit your space too. You can do your front or backyard yourself. But having a professional do the landscaping for you makes the task easier on your end.

Hiring a professional does get the job done quickly and accurately. Trust Landscape Improvements to transform your yard into a unique and eye-catching space. Get the experts to take a look at the landscaping design ideas you have in mind so you can weigh the pros and cons of each. Call Landscape Improvements at 407.426.9798. Or send them an email at info@landscapeimprovementsfl.com if you are asking for a quote.