How much does it cost to build a porch?
Ashburn, VA

How much does it cost to build a porch?

Ashburn, VA

How much does it cost to build a porch?

$40 – $150cost per square foot
$8,000 – $30,000average total cost to build (200 SF)

Get free estimates for your project or view our cost guide below:

$40 – $150 cost per square foot

$8,000 – $30,000 average total cost to build (200 SF)


Get free estimates for your project or view our cost guide below:
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Sarah Noel
Written by
Sarah Noel
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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.

Porch cost by size
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

Get free estimates from porch builders near you.

Cost to build a porch by type

The following table shows the average cost to build a porch by type.

Cost per square foot to build a porch, by type - Chart
Cost per square foot to build a porch, by type - Chart
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

A charming metal-roofed house with a large front porch.
A charming metal-roofed house with a large front porch.

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.

A screened in porch with tile flooring.
A screened in porch with tile flooring.

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.

A large suburban home with a wrap-around front porch.
A large suburban home with a wrap-around front porch.

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.

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.

Materials and labor costs to build a porch

The following table shows the overall costs of porch construction:

Materials and labor costs to build a porch
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:

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:

Cost calculator to add 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.

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:

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.

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.

Screened in porch wood with a door and dining area
Screened in porch wood with a door and dining area

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.

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:

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

Get free estimates from porch builders near you.

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

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?