Helpful Guide To Adding A Portico To Your House

The history of the portico

The portico has been around for thousands of years.  Its history dates back as far as ancient Greece, where the idea of creating roof structures and walkways inspired many pivotal and religious buildings, from the roofed colonnade of the Parthenon in Athens to the Temple of Zeus at Olympia.  Fast forward to the 18th century and porticos were a frequent addition to smart Georgian homes and imposing buildings.

Today’s porticos can be found on some of the UK’s most desirable and stylish homes.  From new-build developments to lovingly restored renovations and extensions, more and more homeowners are opting for the refinement of a classical stone portico to help create their dream home.

What is the difference between a porch and a portico?

Why add a portico to your house?

There are few building projects that will instantly add the glamour, style and sophistication to the facade of a property, than a stone portico.  A portico is usually favoured as an alternative to an enclosed front porch as its imposing, more impressive style offers much grander proportions.

The main reasons for choosing a portico are:

• Significantly increases your property value
• Creates instant ‘kerb appeal’
• Offers shelter from the elements

Porticos offer you so much choice

Because porticos are constructed of multiple individual components, they are incredibly versatile.  So whatever the scale of your entranceway, and whether you plan to retrofit a portico to the facade of your existing property, or integrate it into the design of your new-build, creating a design that works for your particular property is generally very straightforward.

What’s more, there are multiple different styles to choose from, depending on the proportions and style of your property.  From elegant townhouses and Victorian redbrick mansions, to turn of the century brick and render coach houses, there are almost limitless options available to suit any type of property.

And, porticos are not just for residential properties.  They are chosen to enhance the facades of some of the world’s most beautiful hotels and spas.

Whilst a portico may look elaborate, choosing and installing one doesn’t need to be complicated.  In fact, an experienced portico manufacturer will walk you through the process of choosing your portico step by step.  They will provide you with easy to understand drawings, therefore ensuring that you are 100% happy with your chosen design before you take the plunge.

Then it’s over to the installation and this is also much more straightforward than you might think.  All you will need to do is commission a professional specialist installer.

The highly-skilled, knowledgeable and experienced team at Haddonstone can assist you in choosing an installer in your area.

Style

Porticos can be constructed in either straight, curved or octagonal shapes. A pediment is also a very popular way to surmount your portico.
The design of column you choose will determine the style of your finished portico.  Smooth, plain columns work well on any style and age of property, whether you have a modern new-build, or an historic building.  Whereas fluted columns will provide a more classical aesthetic.

Crowning your choice of column, one of Haddonstone’s plain Doric-style, or a highly decorative Ionic, Corinthian or Tuscan-style capital can be chosen.

Depending on what you are hoping to achieve, columns can also be reinforced – meaning that you can even create a first-floor balcony, walkway or terrace.

Other options

Typical porticos are not for everyone.  Sometimes they are just not quite right for you, or your property.  In this case, a smart door surround is a great option for creating a grand entrance, without going as far as installing a portico.  What’s more, like porticos, door surrounds can be retro-fitted onto an existing property, or easily incorporated into a new build design.

What do I need to install a portico?

Installing a portico is a surprisingly straightforward process.   To get started with your portico project, all you need to do is:

What is the average cost of a portico?

Installing a portico is more affordable than you might think and many clients believe the investment to be worthwhile, as it can significantly increase the value of any property.  Prices start from around £3000, on application.

How do I choose an installer?

We recommend that you choose a professional contractor that has experience of installing porticos.  Your portico manufacturer should be able to advise on professional installers in your area.