A back porch is a place where you can combine the warmth and coziness of the indoors with the fresh air and tranquillity of the outdoors. It connects us with nature – gusts of wind, sun rays, fog, and green trees. You can arrange the space of your back porch or deck in many ways, according to your personal needs and taste or according to current design trends and fashion.
The arrangement and design of the back porch depend on many factors:
- the location of the building,
- its character,
- surroundings,
- the microclimate,
- its location in relation to the directions of the world,
- the style that dominates inside the house,
- its size.
When designing a back porch, especially a bigger one, we obviously have even more options.
So how to make the porch serve us throughout the season, preferably from early spring to late autumn?
It is worth considering its arrangement down to the smallest detail and choosing high-quality materials that will survive many years in the harsh conditions of our climate.
If you’re looking for Chicago porch repair specialists, who will transform your porch to an inviting outdoor living space – call Branico Construction at (708) 268-5405. We will take care of the construction so you can turn your vision into reality and start planning your porch design now.
How to arrange a Chicago porch that’s facing the south side?
Let’s start planning changes on your porch with determining its location first. A south-facing porch will receive the most sun but will also heat up very fast. If your porch is facing the south side, it’s a good idea to consider an open porch, not a screened porch, as it will be airier. Keep in mind that there is less privacy with this style, however, if you’re considering adding a back porch to the house instead of a front porch, this won’t be an issue. Contact Branico Construction and our porch builders will be happy to give you advice on the type of porch that will best suit your Chicago home.
When decorating, add some plants that can withstand high temperatures, sun, and quick-drying. This is where pelargoniums, verbena, osteospermum, gray old man, ornamental grasses, sedges, and herbaceous plants will work. The choice of furniture and other equipment must also be carefully considered. Natural rattan or plastic furniture will surely lose their color and may even deform a little due to the heat. Wood, on the other hand, may dry out and start cracking over time.
How to arrange a north-facing porch?
If your back porch is facing north, it will be rather cooler and more humid all year-round. A Chicago porch that is facing the north is ideal for really hot summer days, as surrounding houses and trees will be providing you with excellent protection against sunlight. A good idea might also be choosing a closed or screened porch and adding a wood stove or other heat source, so you could enjoy it during colder days as well.
Our Chicago porch builders will work hard to accommodate your preferences and provide you with space where you can relax while enjoying the outdoors for as many months as possible.
When it comes to decorating, here, too, you have to choose the right plants, which will thrive in low light. A common ivy, ferns, begonia, fuchsia, and impatiens will grow well on a north-facing back porch. On the other hand, furniture made of natural materials, such as wood, will be exposed to humidity and moisture for a long period of time, which can lead to mold and mildew, which, again, will cause them to deform and decay. If your porch is facing the north side, consider furniture made of plastic, metal, or poly rattan.
Outdoor Furniture
Now let’s think about the equipment for your back porch. An area of approx. 100 sq ft is sufficient to fit in a nice set of comfortable outdoor furniture. However, if you have even more space to play with, consider handing a comfortable and stylish hammock, a porch swing, or set up a couple of garden loungers. This can be a place for you to relax, daydream, read a book and enjoy the outdoors while drinking a cup of tea. When planning the arrangement of your porch furniture, pay attention not to block the path between the house and the porch. Constantly avoiding a table or chair can be quite bothersome.
When choosing outdoor furniture for your back porch think comfort and function. Plastic furniture sets will of course be inexpensive, but their durability is not very long, and they are generally not particularly aesthetic. Very popular garden furniture are those made of rattan or wicker. Until recently, they were the only stylish alternative to regular plastic furniture, although they also have their weaknesses. Rattan and wicker furniture is susceptible to solar radiation and loses its color intensity very quickly. If they are not covered with a varnish coat, they easily absorb various types of dirt, stains that are difficult to remove and do not look aesthetically. Regular maintenance is also necessary.
That is why design specialists have developed a new material for the production of furniture, especially for outdoor use – poly rattan, which is made of a polyethylene fiber or simply a synthetic resin. However, despite the fact that it is in fact plastic, furniture made of techno-rattan has nothing to do with ordinary plastic. First of all, it is soft and velvety and completely resistant to moisture, UV rays, and frost. It is also eco-friendly. It limits deforestation and is completely recyclable. Its advantages also include a very rich color palette. Poly rattan furniture looks as stylish as rattan furniture, and you only need a little water and a cloth to clean it.
Lighting
After you have taken care of the furniture, the next step is to think about the lighting. After all, it’s also nice to sit on the porch in the evening and enjoy the sunset and the crisp fall air. If you are open to unusual solutions, you can make lighting the main element of your porch design. Consider the choice of lighting that is not obvious – for example, lamps mounted on the floor or light garlands. Consider adding some candles as well. Their warm, yellow light will create the perfect ambient atmosphere to relax and wind down. The entire porch design can be additionally supplemented with various decorative accessories such as vases, pictures, bowls, and a whole lot of others, depending on your imagination and preferences.
Chicago Porch Builders Ready to Transform Your Home
Whether you’re planning on adding a brand new porch to your house or a porch repair – contact Branico Construction today.
Our experienced and skilled Chicago porch and deck builders offer options for homeowners throughout the area, whether it’s a new unique porch design that will add value to your property as well as your home life or a simple porch repair that will revamp your existing Chicago porch to make it perfectly suited to your individual needs – we got you covered.
With these design tips and the help of the best porch contractors in Chicago, you will create the outdoor space of your dreams.