Everything You've Wanted to Know About the Portico (2024)

You've likely noticed porticos in your neighborhood even if you haven't previously been able to identify them by name. These small, porch-like areas are common fixtures that date back centuries. Porticos are also commonly seen on historic buildings including monuments, museums, and academic buildings, in which cases they are much more grand in appearance. Read on to learn more about what a portico is, how it differs from a porch, and why it may make for an ideal addition to your home both for aesthetic and functional reasons.

What Is a Portico?

A portico is a roofed structure with columns that is attached to the front entryway of a home. Porticos date back to early Greek architecture and were traditionally seen on temples and other buildings. Historically, porticos have featured classical columns, either Doric, Tuscan, or Corinthian in style. They are now common features of modern homes as well, and still contain columns, though not as ornate as they were in the past. On university campuses, porticos are a common feature of fraternity and sorority houses and may also be present on academic buildings.

Portico vs. Porch

A portico may seem similar to a porch, and while these two structures do share some commonalities, they also each have some distinct characteristics that set them apart. For one, porticos and porches differ in that a portico is much smaller in size. While a portico is still a covered area outside the home, it is not meant to house furniture or be a place for relaxing on patio furniture, but instead is more of an awning and a way to add visual interest to the front of a home.

A porch is designed to be a social, gathering space with space for many people to sit to dine or lounge. As architect Luis Murillo, founder of LMD Architecture Studio says, another key differentiator between porches and porticos is their placement. Porches may be located on the side of or in the back of a home, whereas a portico is solely found in the front entry.

Why Choose a Portico?

Porticos have remained popular for centuries, but these days homeowners may want to incorporate a portico into their house design for both aesthetic and practical reasons. For one, a portico adds visual interest to the front of a home and complements a wide range of exterior styles. Porticos are commonly seen on Colonials, craftsman style homes, bungalows, and beyond and aren't associated with one particular type of architecture.

Porticos provide a useful function in that they allow for protection from the elements while entering and exiting the home. Porticos make day to day tasks such as locking and unlocking the door during bouts of extreme rain or sunlight much easier because they serve as a shield.

Given their small size, porticos can be more economically feasible to construct, making them an ideal option for those who wish to spruce up their home's front facing exterior without taking on a major project. Porticos can make a big impact on a home, transforming a simple facade, and play a key role in boosting a home's curb appeal.

A portico is also a good option for homeowners who can't add a front porch to their home due to logistical concerns, but are still looking for an alternative architectural element. For example, homeowners who live on busy roads or whose homes feature entrances close to the street may with to opt for a portico in lieu of a porch. In these instances, spending long periods of time sitting outside in the front of the home may not be ideal, but a portico still offers basic protection from rain and sun on a daily basis.

Another benefit of porticos is how classic they are in architecture. Given that porticos have been popular in architecture for centuries on end, they are timeless and will never be associated with a particular period in recent history, unlike other architectural features, which are typically seen as synonymous with certain decades. Building a home with a portico does not come with many aesthetic risks, and the design will appeal to a range of future buyers.

How Much Does a Portico Cost?

While building costs will vary depending on location and materials, adding a portico to your home will likely cost between $3,000 and $6,000. Porticos can be made of wood, metal, stone, or composite materials. Wood will likely be one of the more affordable options, though it will require more maintenance. Composite, by contrast, will be slightly pricier, but it will mimic the look of wood for aesthetics but be far more durable to withstand elements.