Porches and porticos are often mistaken for one another, and it’s easy to see why, as they are both structures near the entrance of a building. So, what’s the difference? Porticos are generally open structures made from stone and feature decorative columns and ornate designs to add significant curb appeal to properties. On the other hand, a porch can be either open or completely enclosed with doors and windows and can be constructed of various materials, including brick, wood or uPVC.
If you’ve ever wondered which is which, you’re not alone. In this blog, we’ll break down the key differences between a porch and a portico to help you decide which option might be right for your home.
What is a Portico
A portico is a roofed structure supported by columns. It can either stand on its own or be attached to a house and typically features two to four columns holding up the roof. They are a great way to create a welcoming entrance to your home, with the wow factor.
Porticos aren’t just about looks – they’re practical too, keeping you dry when it’s raining. Plus, they help protect your front door from weather damage, so your home stays looking great for longer.
If you want to find out more about what a portico is and how it can give your home a stylish, practical touch, check out our easy-to-follow portico guide.
Common Portico Questions
Do you have more questions about porticos? Here are answers to some of the questions we hear most often from homeowners.
Can you add a portico to an existing home?
You can add a portico to almost any home, and the great news is that there are plenty of styles and designs to choose from. Whether you want something classic, modern, or completely custom, a portico can be customised to suit your home perfectly.
Does a portico add value?
Absolutely! Adding a portico to your house can boost its curb appeal and make a great first impression, which can help increase its overall value. The exact impact on resale value can vary depending on factors like design, size, and how well it fits with your home, but a tasteful, well-built portico is always a plus.
Do I need planning permission?
Whether you need planning permission for a portico depends largely on its size and design. It’s always a good idea to check with both your architect and your Local Planning Authority (LPA) to ensure your plans comply with regulations.
For more detailed guidance, you can find out if you need planning permission here.
The Different Types of Portico Columns
When choosing a portico, there are several different column styles to consider. These are known as classical orders of architecture, and each one brings a slightly different look and feel to the front of your home.
Each classical order refers only to the design of the column and its capital (the top of the column), rather than the overall shape or roof style of the portico. This means column styles such as Tuscan, Ionic, or Corinthian can be used with a variety of portico designs, including those with triangular pediments, flat roofs, or other styles.
To help you narrow your options down, here are some of the column styles and what makes each one different:
Tuscan Portico
This is by far the most popular style, and it’s easy to see why.
- Simple, clean design
- Minimal detailing
- Classic columns that suit almost any property
- A great choice if you want something timeless and understated
Corinthian Portico
If you’re looking to make a statement, the Corinthian style could be the one for you.
- Decorative, eye-catching columns
- Lots of traditional detailing
- Adds a real sense of elegance and grandeur
- Ideal for period homes or grand entrances
Ionic Portico
The Ionic style strikes a nice balance between simple and decorative and is a refined look that works well on many homes.
Doric Portico
Doric porticos keep things straightforward and unfussy.
- Clean, no-frills design
- The capital is a square / rectangular / boxier shape
- Strong proportions and solid lines
- Perfect if you prefer a more subtle entrance
What is a Porch
Porches are typically small, practical spaces at the front of a house. They provide shelter from rain and wind, giving you a place to unlock the door, remove muddy boots, or store coats and umbrellas.
In warmer countries, porches can extend the entire length of the property and be used for outdoor seating areas. However, in the UK, porches are generally much smaller and are functional, transitional spaces rather than outdoor living areas.
The Different Types of Porches
As you can imagine, there are also many different types of porches to choose from to suit different kinds of homes. Here are just a few examples:
Open Porch
This is the simplest and most traditional style, perfect if you want a welcoming entry without too much fuss.
- A simple roofed area, often just covering the front door
- Protects from the weather while entering the home
- May have a small area for boots or coats
Enclosed Porch
Ideal if you want extra protection from the weather or a bit of storage space.
- Fully enclosed with walls and sometimes windows
- Offers extra protection from the weather
- Can double as a small storage area
Brick Porch
A more permanent, sturdy option that often matches the house itself.
- Built from brick for durability and weather resistance
- Blends with brick-built homes
- Compact and functional rather than decorative
Timber Porch
Adds a warm, traditional charm, especially popular on cottages or period properties.
- Fully customisable design to fit the home’s style and proportions
- Can include different roof and pillar options from Acanthus’ product range
Porch vs. Portico: What’s the Real Difference?
The main difference between a porch and a portico is function and scale. A porch is a small, practical space for everyday use, while a portico is a decorative architectural feature designed to frame and protect the entrance.
| Feature | Portico | Porch |
| Purpose | A portico is all about making a statement at your front door. It frames your entrance, protects it from the weather, and instantly adds style and character to your home. | A porch is a practical feature for homes, offering shelter from rain and wind while giving you a place to pause before stepping inside. |
| Design | Porticos are often refined and structured, with classical or modern columns and a carefully designed roof. They’re made to catch the eye and give your home a polished, impressive look. | Design can vary significantly with open and enclosed options as well as different material choices, but overall, designs are compact, practical, and simple, designed for everyday UK living. |
| Function | A portico guides guests inside while providing enhanced curb appeal, increasing property value and keeping your door protected from the elements. | As a buffer between indoors and outdoors, a porch helps keep heat in, dirt out and essentials close to hand, such as shoes, coats or deliveries. |
| Feel | A portico feels refined, elegant and welcoming at the same time. It’s structured and stylish and can be modern or classical in feel. | The overall feel is welcoming and understated. A porch adds convenience and comfort to daily life without trying to make a big statement. |
How We Can Help
Our Portico Options
At Acanthus, we offer a wide range of portico options to suit all types of homes, styles, and budgets. Whether you’re looking for something simple and understated or a more eye-catching feature, there’s plenty to choose from.
Our collection includes a variety of portico designs with different pillar styles and roof options, including our ever-popular Tuscan and Ionic porticos. For larger or more luxurious properties, we also offer balustrade options that add an extra level of detail.
You can view our options below:
If you’re after something a little more personal, we also provide bespoke portico options. This allows you to tailor the design, proportions, and details to ensure your portico is unique and perfectly suited to your home and area.
Our Colour Options
Once you have chosen the kind of portico you would like, the next step is to choose the colour. Choosing the right colour can make a huge difference to how your portico looks and how well it complements your home. That’s why we offer a wide range of cast stone colour options. You can explore our full range of cast stone colours here:
If you’re not sure which option is right for you, we’ve also put together a helpful guide on ‘How to Choose an Exterior Stone Colour for your Home’.
Products That Go with Our Cast Stone Porticos
Choosing a cast stone portico is a great first step, but many homeowners like to take things a little further by matching it with other cast stone features. Details such as window surrounds, pier caps and copings, or gate pillars in the same colour can really help tie everything together.
Window Surrounds
Window surrounds are a great way to complement your cast stone portico and create a cohesive look for your home. We produce a full range of standard cast stone window surrounds to suit openings of all sizes. As you can see in the photo below, choosing the same style and colour helps tie everything together beautifully.
You can view our full range of window surrounds here.
Coping Stones
Coping Stones are another great complementary product to pair with your portico, helping to create a consistent and finished look across your property.
Our wide selection of coping stone designs can be used for boundary walls, parapets, gables, and pools, making them a versatile choice for both practical and decorative use.
Gate Pillars
Cast stone gate pillars are a great way to create an impressive entrance for any property and can also complement your cast stone portico very well. By matching the style, material, and colour of your portico, the pillars create a cohesive look that ties the entrance and the house together.
We have a range of plain and moulded designs in various sizes, all of which can be varied in height.
Conclusion
While porches and porticos may seem similar at first glance, they serve different purposes and bring very different looks to a home. Porches offer a more practical use, while porticos focus on creating a strong, stylish entrance that adds more character and curb appeal.
If you’re deciding between the two, it really comes down to how you want to use the space and the overall style you’re aiming for. A well-chosen cast stone portico can lift your home’s appearance, add value, and work beautifully alongside other cast stone features to create a cohesive finish.
Why Acanthus
‘‘We design our cast stone porticos to work across different budgets and styles, making it easy to find something that fits your home without compromising on quality.’’ Gavin, Project Manager at Acanthus.
If you require any further information on any of our other cast stone products, contact one of our friendly Acanthus team or call us on 01773 447042.
