How much does it cost to build a porch?
How much does it cost to build a porch?
$40 – $150 cost per square foot
$8,000 – $30,000 average total cost to build (200 SF)
Porch cost by size
The cost to build a porch is $8,000 to $30,000 on average, depending on the type, size, add-ons, and material quality. Building a front or back porch costs $40 to $120 per square foot. A wraparound or farmer's porch costs $60 to $150 per square foot installed.
| Dimensions (length x width) | Square feet | Average cost |
|---|---|---|
| 10'x8' | 80 | $3,200 – $12,000 |
| 10'x10' | 100 | $4,000 – $15,000 |
| 12'x12' | 144 | $5,750 – $21,600 |
| 20'x10' | 200 | $8,000 – $30,000 |
| 25'x10' | 250 | $10,000 – $37,500 |
| 20'x15' | 300 | $12,000 – $45,000 |
| 40'x10' | 400 | $16,000 – $60,000 |
| 50'x10' | 500 | $20,000 – $75,000 |
| 60'x10' | 600 | $24,000 – $90,000 |
Cost to build a porch by type
The following table shows the average cost to build a porch by type.
| Type | Cost per square foot | Average cost to build |
|---|---|---|
| Front porch | $40 – $120 | $6,000 – $18,000 |
| Back porch | $40 – $120 | $9,000 – $27,000 |
| Screened-in porch | $50 – $175 | $10,000 – $35,000 |
| Enclosed porch | $80 – $400 | $16,000 – $80,000 |
| Wrap-around porch | $60 – $150 | $27,000 – $67,500 |
| Farmer's porch | $60 – $150 | $15,000 – $37,500 |
| Portico | $100 – $185 | $4,000 – $15,000 |
| Prefabricated porch (DIY) | $25 – $50 | $2,500 – $10,000 |
Add a front porch cost
The cost to build a front porch is $6,000 to $18,000 on average or $40 to $120 per square foot. Replacing a front porch costs $6,675 to $20,250. Most front porches are between 100 to 200 square feet with a depth of 6' to 10' to accommodate furniture.
Benefits of a front porch addition include:
Preventing rainwater damage to the front door and siding
Keeping the front rooms of the house cool in summer
Expanding the living space at a lower cost than a room addition
Protecting delivered packages from getting wet in the rain
Build back porch cost
The cost to build a back porch is $9,000 to $27,000 on average or $40 to $120 per square foot. A back porch is typically larger and more functional than a front porch, allowing extra space to accommodate more people.
Alternatively, the cost to build a patio is $5 to $35 per square foot.
Screened-in porch prices
A screened-in porch costs $10,000 to $35,000 on average or $50 to $175 per square foot installed to build the foundation, roof, and wall screens. Screening in an existing porch costs $10 to $25 per square foot for adding wall screens only. These prices apply for ground-level porches.
A lanai costs $2,000 to $35,000 on average or $10 to $175 per square foot.
Enclosed porch or sunroom cost
A sunroom costs $100 to $350 installed on average. A sunroom is an enclosed porch attached to the home with polycarbonate or glass windows and high-quality roofing.
Similar enclosed patios cost $80 to $400 installed depending on the choice of materials and if they are home additions or freestanding structures in the yard.
Wrap-around porch cost
Building a wrap-around porch costs $27,000 to $67,500 on average or $60 to $150 per square foot. These porches wrap around 2+ sides of the house, enclosed by a railing with steps. Most wrap-around porches are open, and higher fees apply for enclosing the porch.
A wrap-around porch is ideal in hot climates for deflecting a lot of sun and heat from home windows. However, these porches often form ice dams in cold climates.
Farmer's porch cost
A farmer's porch costs $15,000 to $37,500 on average or $60 to $150 per square foot. This country-style porch typically extends along the full front side of the house. Gable-style roofs are popular for a farmer's-style porch. This porch type is open with railings along the sides.
Portico cost
A portico costs $4,000 to $15,000 installed on average or $100 to $185 per square foot. Most porticos are 40 to 80 square feet and expand the front-door entrance. Cheaper types have a concrete base and steps, and a brick base is the most expensive.
Hire expert builders to blend the roof into the existing home design.
Prefabricated porch cost
A prefabricated open porch costs $2,500 to $10,000 for materials only, depending on the size, quality, and type. These kits arrive in preassembled sections consisting of the flooring, railing, roof, and steps. These prices typically apply to standard designs without customization for special sizes.
Alternatively, a prefabricated sunroom kit costs $10,000 to $50,000 for a fully enclosed space with durable walls and roofing. This price is for the modular kit only, excluding foundation costs.
Homeowners can choose to install a kit themselves or hire a contractor. Handyman prices are $50 to $80 per hour.
Additional costs may apply for pouring a concrete base or footers if there is no existing foundation.
Materials and labor costs to build a porch
The following table shows the overall costs of porch construction:
| Factor | Average cost per square foot |
|---|---|
| Porch materials | $22 – $100 |
| Labor cost to build | $18 – $50 |
| Total cost | $40 – $150 |
Various contractor hourly rates are:
A carpenter charges $30 to $100 per hour for custom woodwork.
A general contractor charges $50 to $150 per hour to install basic kits.
A roofer charges $30 to $100 per hour for framing, roof finishing, and sealing.
An architect costs $100 to $250 per hour to design building plans.
Cost calculator to add a front porch
The total cost of adding a front porch depends on how many features are in the design and their quality. The following table shows the cost breakdown to build a front porch:
| Factor | Average cost installed |
|---|---|
| Foundation | $5 – $30 per square foot |
| Flooring | $4 – $15 per square foot |
| Gable roof | $70 – $155 per square foot |
| Flat roof | $20 – $60 per square foot |
| Railing | $20 – $60 per square foot |
| Skirting | $25 – $30 per square foot |
| Screens | $10 – $25 per square foot |
| Steps (Set of 5 – 10 steps) | $500 – $5,000 per set |
| Painting | $2 – $5 per square foot |
| Electrical outlet | $180 – $350 per outlet |
| Lighting | $80 – $300 per fixture |
| Ceiling fan (damp-rated model) | $300 – $1,500 per fan |
| Permits | $150 – $500 |
| Old porch removal & disposal | $675 – $2,250 |
Concrete vs. wood porch foundation cost
Concrete-slab porch foundations typically cost less to install and maintain while wood deck foundations require steps and regular resealing.
A concrete slab costs $5 to $10 per square foot.
The cost to build a deck is $25 to $50 per square foot.
Composite decking costs $40 to $80 per square foot.
Alternatively, a pier and beam foundation costs $7 to $11 per square foot for an elevated base in flood-prone areas.
Porch flooring cost
Flooring installation costs $4 to $15 per square foot on average, depending on the material type. Floors that resist water damage are best for open porches. Most homeowners choose to add flooring over the foundation for a more finished look.
Common options include:
Indoor-outdoor carpet costs $1.00 to $5.50 per square foot.
Laminate flooring costs $4 to $14 per square foot.
Tile installation costs $10 to $50 per square foot.
Hardwood flooring costs $7 to $25 per square foot, but maintenance costs are higher for waterproofing.
Cost to build a front porch roof or cover
Costs to build a front porch roof depend on the design and materials:
A gable patio roof costs $70 to $155 per square foot installed over a front porch. Adding a mini-gable roof over the front door costs less for a small one attached to the wall that doesn't need posts.
A basic patio cover costs $20 to $60 per square foot installed for a flat vinyl or aluminum design that's suitable for porch roofing as well.
Roof framing costs $6 to $15 per square foot to build the beam supports only, excluding the roofing materials on top that finish it. Since a front porch roof always attaches to the house, builders use high-quality roofing to match the home.
All porches are covered with solid roofing. Those on a tight budget can install an open patio instead that doesn't need a roof.
Porch posts, railing, & skirt costs
Installing porch railing costs $20 to $60 per linear foot for wood or vinyl posts and materials. Wood is the most affordable option while glass railings with metal posts are the most expensive.
Porch or deck skirting costs $25 to $30 per square foot installed, with the cheapest prices for trellis style skirts and higher prices for solid-board skirts. This material goes under a raised porch to enclose and hide the storage space below.
Porch screens or walls prices
The total cost of porch-roof framing construction typically includes the price for porch screens and walls. Options include:
Installing screens costs $10 to $25 per square foot for enclosing an existing covered patio.
Adding sunroom-quality walls to a porch costs $4,000 to $10,000 according to how much insulation they have and the quality of the materials. This price includes the framing, attaching it to an existing roof and base, and supplies.
Cost to add porch steps
Precast concrete steps cost $500 to $3,000 installed for 5 to 10 porch steps that typically come as a one-piece unit. Pouring concrete porch steps onsite costs $1,000 to $5,000 on average. The total cost depends on the size and finish.
A landing or concrete pad is also necessary to keep the heavy stairs from sinking in the soil. The landing typically has a gravel base below it, depending on local ground conditions.
Porch painting cost
The cost to paint a porch is $200 to $750 on average or $2 to $5 per square foot. Prices vary by the number of coats and prep work needed. A top layer of sealant makes the paint last longer. Porous and textured surfaces will typically require more paint.
Adding electrical wiring, lighting, and ceiling fans
Fees for adding electrical wiring extensions onto a covered porch increase when hiding the cables up inside the soffits of the porch roof.
Common electrical work includes:
A damp-rated outdoor ceiling fan costs $100 to $500 for the unit alone. Installation labor adds $200 to $1,000.
Outdoor lighting installation costs $80 to $300 per fixture.
Outdoor outlet installation costs $180 to $350 for labor and materials.
Hiring an electrician costs $50 to $130 per hour.
An outdoor TV and mounting kit costs $200 to $425 with DIY installation.
Prices of porch add-ons
Common add-ons for a porch include:
Built-in wooden bench seating costs $1,000 to $1,500 extra.
A wheelchair ramp costs $1,000 to $3,500.
An outdoor firepit costs $325 to $2,000.
An outdoor fireplace costs $1,500 to $20,000 total.
Building an outdoor kitchen costs $7,000 to $35,000.
An outdoor heater costs $150 to $500.
A BBQ or grill costs $50 to $500 for basic equipment only. Natural gas line installation costs $12 to $25 per linear foot.
Outdoor furniture costs $500 to $1,500 per set.
Porch permits cost
A permit costs $150 to $500 to build a new porch, and fees increase for sizes bigger than 200 square feet. Replacing an old porch with a new one of the same size won't require a permit in most places.
New porch FAQs
What is the cheapest way to build a front porch?
The cheapest way to build a front porch is by installing a pier footing with standard lumber and simple shed-style roofing with exposed rafters. However, you must still follow all local building codes to avoid inspection fines.
Does a front porch add value to a house?
A well-built front porch typically adds value to a house by raising the appraisal amount of the total property and boosting curb appeal. The amount of value added varies greatly based on the location.
Does adding a porch count as square footage?
Adding a porch typically doesn't count toward the total square footage of the home because most porch types lack insulation and heating. A fully enclosed space with the same interior quality as the home counts as extra square footage.
How long does it take to build a porch?
Building a porch takes 4 to 6 weeks on average for the new foundation, stairs, framing, roofing, and installing any amenities. This timeframe doesn't include getting custom design plans.
Permit processing adds 1 to 4 months.
Adding screens and a simple roof to an existing foundation takes 2 to 7 days.
What is the difference between a porch, patio, and deck?
The differences between a porch, patio, and deck are:
A porch is a covered outdoor-seating space attached to a home's front or back entrance. Most porches have railings, stairs, and no walls.
A patio is a paved outdoor-seating area in the yard. Patio covers are optional, and many patios are freestanding without connecting to the home.
A deck is a wooden platform attached to the home's back door. Decks may have multiple levels, stairs, railings, and typically don't have roofing or walls.
Do I need a permit to build a porch?
You need a permit to build a porch because it's a new building structure attached to the home. A porch typically has the same building and planning laws as any other home addition.
Can you build a porch yourself?
You can build a porch yourself if you have the experience, building-code knowledge, all necessary permits, and the tools needed. For most homeowners, it's best to hire a professional.
Who builds porches?
People who build porches include:
Roofing and construction companies
Carpenters
General contractors
Custom porch and deck firms offering design-and-build packages
Contractors referred by Home Depot and Lowe's do build decks, but not all of them build full porches. Services vary by location.
Getting estimates from porch builders
Before hiring a porch builder near you, be sure to:
Compare multiple bids from companies with 5+ years of experience.
Check that they have licenses, insurance, and surety bonds.
Read their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Ask for a detailed estimate and contract in writing before project starts.
Beware of the cheapest quotes that typically result in low-quality work.
Give the final payment only after the job is complete.
Questions to ask
How many years of experience do you have building porches?
Can I see your reference list and past project photos?
How long will construction take?
What's the price difference if I want to add screens?
Can you build a porch on the concrete slab I already have?
What are my options for stairs and railings?
Do you offer a warranty on your work?
Can you match the porch roof to my home roofing?
What are the maintenance requirements for this material?
Does this estimate include all materials, labor, delivery, and cleanup fees?
How many people will work on my property?
What's the best way to contact the project supervisor?
Which unexpected extra costs are common on these jobs?
Will you handle permits and zoning requirements?