Houses With A Covered Rear Porch

Where Did Back Porches Begin?

It’s called “the porch life,” and it’s an invitation to slow down and savor life. Covered porches have a long history in the United States, beginning with Victorian-style house plans in the Southeastern and Southwestern states.

Some architectural historians trace the traditional covered rear porch to the ancient Romans, with the Roman portico. It was a walkway covered with a roof, supported by columns on either side.

Over the years, the portico evolved in style but maintained its function as shade, providing open-air protection from afternoon sun and heat, and passing rain showers. That’s why you’ll find many houses with a covered rear porch in the Southern parts of the U.S. Historically, climate is a big consideration when building houses with a covered rear porch.

What are the Different Types of Covered Rear Porches?

There are a few different types of covered rear porches you can opt for. Of course, these home design features can just as easily apply to houses with a covered front porch as well.

• Lanai — Roofed veranda, patio, or porch with open sides, originating in Hawaii.
• Sun porch — Also known as a sun room or a Florida room, this is a covered back porch area enclosed with glass. You can also make it a screened porch.
• Rain porch — Also known as a Carolina porch, this is a common fixture of homes in the Southeastern United States. The rain porch has a roof that extends beyond the edge of the porch deck, supported with freestanding columns that you dig from the ground, rather than the floor of the porch deck.

Add a grill, some seating for guests, and some nature-inspired decor, and your family can enjoy a covered rear porch that acts as a “bonus” room and living area.

Five House Styles That Support a Covered Rear Porch

You could add a covered rear porch to a variety of home plans. Many people extend their home’s living space, functionality, and comfort by adding this extension years later.

However, there are some house styles where you can’t imagine the floor plan without a covered back porch.

Craftsman

Craftsman-style homes are a natural fit for covered back porches. This style of house emphasizes nature-based details, from its building materials to the paint choices. Quaint and rustic, this type of home plan has plenty of curb appeal. Craftsman-style floor plans often get confused for cottages because of the focus on outdoor living. But that’s also why they're perfect for homeowners looking for porch house plans.

Bungalow

Bungalows are usually one-story homes where rooms like the master bedroom, the great room, and all bathrooms sit on the main floor. The design doesn't usually have a basement, though they can be built with one. Bungalows are the perfect starter home for young couples who want to be more thrifty in their building costs.

They’re also a natural fit for older adults who don’t want a house plan with staircases. Adding a covered back porch to this floor plan style can be a smart way to add square footage, maintain your privacy on your property, and take advantage of outdoor living.

Victorian

Victorian-style home plans are fantastic for a covered rear porch option! Many of the floor plans feature stately and spacious interior rooms, while the exteriors give you an opportunity for multiple covered seating areas.

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