When the All-American dream home is envisioned, people imagine a lush lawn, white picket fence, and a spacious, covered front porch with a couple of rocking chairs. The porch evolved from the porticos of Ancient Greece and came into popularity approximately 125 years ago.

In the seventeen and 1800s, models with longer roofs became common, and their social roles began to change. They became more prevalent in wealthier areas along the East Coast and were installed on mansions, hotels, and public buildings. Their use changed from simply a transitional space between outdoor and indoor to a “private-public” place of relaxation and social gatherings. By the early 1900s, they started being built onto private homes, and as America began to thrive economically, porches became less of a covered entrance and more of an important facet of outdoor living space. Due to the increased use of cars and the invention of air conditioning, their popularity took a hit, but today they are as popular as ever, representing a homeowner’s sense of community.

Historically, the statement-making entrances have been made of wood, and as technology improved, the wood was treated to prevent bugs and rot. Pine is the most commonly used lumber for the flooring, although homeowners can choose redwood or cedar. While those are a bit more costly options, they are naturally resistant to weathering, rot, vermin, and mold. Another option is a vinyl click-together structure, which is UV-treated before it leaves the factory. These are easier to install than other materials and more resistant to the elements than redwood and cedar. The one thing it lacks is the natural look and feel of wood. Plastic-wood composites are made up of spliced-together wood and plastic fibers. These are strong and resistant to warping and weather.

Perhaps the most elegant flooring available for your porch is pavers. They can be made from brick, stone, or concrete, and with an endless array of colors, they can fit right into your existing color scheme. The pavers are very heavy and typically used when the entire installation is made of them. After being laid, it is suggested that they be treated with a chemical sealant that provides UV protection, and then again, every three to five years. They are low maintenance, don’t warp, rot, or attract bugs, and their colors can stay true for decades.

There may be no other structure on a house that allows homeowners to express their creativity while spending fantastic family time. Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, July 4th, and more are often showcased on the front porch with decorations galore and help create memories to last a lifetime.

Whether gorgeously designed or classically rustic, the front porch is a classic piece of Americana. No matter what size a house is, it can be improved by an inviting, well-put-together porch. Contact Double J Roofing and Construction if you’re in Monticello, Georgia, or the surrounding area, and you want a great place to relax with a book or have some friends over to shoot the breeze. We are the leading porch-builders around, so let us break ground on your new sit-around.