Different Types of Porch Roof Designs
The most common porch roof is a gable roof. The gable roof is a triangle-shaped roof that projects along a ridge down the center of the enclosure. The sides are sloped at a particular pitch rise over run to shed snow and water. For instance, a 6/12 roof pitch means the roof elevates 6’ over a 12’ span. Gable roofs usually overhang the walls of the enclosure on the sides thus creating the need for soffits and fascia. Gable roofs are familiar forms and blend in well with many house designs. The peak of a porch gable roof can sometimes create problems if it interferes with house windows.
A hip roof is a more complicated roof style where all the roof sides slope downwards to the walls. There are no gables and the slope is generally relatively gentle. A square hip roof is shaped like a pyramid. Hip roofs are more difficult to build than gable style roofs because they require a more complicated set of roof trusses. They have the aesthetic advantage of providing a solid, compact appearance for the structure.
A shed style porch roof involves a single sloping roof surface that attaches to the house wall on the high end and support posts on the low end. The shed style roof is common for long and narrow front porches. It doesn’t usually make sense to include a shed style roof over a deep porch because the roof line at the house will be too high and it will look out of place.
How to Build a Patio With Stone or Brick Pavers
Installing a patio is a big project. Discover our guide on Decks.com to learn how to build a DIY patio with brick or stone pavers from start to finish.
Parts of a Porch
Porches, just like decks, have a lot of different & important parts. Learn more about the anatomy of a standard porch with this article from Decks.com.
How To Finish Your Porch
Add some finishing touches to give your porch a bit of style. Learn about covering your porch ceiling, railings, soffits, fascia and trim at Decks.com.
Decking Patterns
Installing your decking at a 45-degree angle is a popular style for decks. This can be done to reduce decking seams or just for appearance.
6 Best Alternatives to Wooden Decking
While wood decking was previously considered the standard material for building a deck, that’s changed. Homeowners have been exploring and embracing different types of materials, and the availability of alternative decking materials has grown significantly.
Picture Frame Decking
Install a picture frame or perimeter board to finish the edge of your deck with style.
More Helpful Resources
Explore Articles by Topic

Footings
Information related to installing frost footings for decks

Framing
Learn structural framing methods

Decking
Learn about wood and composite decking materials

Stairs
An in-depth look at the complex issue of how to build stairs

Railings
How to install guardrails and handrails to meet IRC code

Features
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights

Design
The basics of deck design

Planning
Learn about permits and working with contractors

Porches & Patios
Build a covered deck to enjoy all seasons

Ledger
Proper attachment techniques

Care
Maintain your deck to maintain your investment

Materials
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights
Different Types of Porch Roof Designs
The most common porch roof is a gable roof. The gable roof is a triangle-shaped roof that projects along a ridge down the center of the enclosure. The sides are sloped at a particular pitch rise over run to shed snow and water. For instance, a 6/12 roof pitch means the roof elevates 6’ over a 12’ span. Gable roofs usually overhang the walls of the enclosure on the sides thus creating the need for soffits and fascia. Gable roofs are familiar forms and blend in well with many house designs. The peak of a porch gable roof can sometimes create problems if it interferes with house windows.
A hip roof is a more complicated roof style where all the roof sides slope downwards to the walls. There are no gables and the slope is generally relatively gentle. A square hip roof is shaped like a pyramid. Hip roofs are more difficult to build than gable style roofs because they require a more complicated set of roof trusses. They have the aesthetic advantage of providing a solid, compact appearance for the structure.
A shed style porch roof involves a single sloping roof surface that attaches to the house wall on the high end and support posts on the low end. The shed style roof is common for long and narrow front porches. It doesn’t usually make sense to include a shed style roof over a deep porch because the roof line at the house will be too high and it will look out of place.
How to Build a Patio With Stone or Brick Pavers
Installing a patio is a big project. Discover our guide on Decks.com to learn how to build a DIY patio with brick or stone pavers from start to finish.
What is the Average Cost to Build a Front Porch?
The average cost to build a front porch depends on the type of porch and materials you use. Discover the costs of building a front porch at Decks.com.
How to Build a Patio With Stone or Brick Pavers
Installing a patio is a big project. Discover our guide on Decks.com to learn how to build a DIY patio with brick or stone pavers from start to finish.
Decking Patterns
Installing your decking at a 45-degree angle is a popular style for decks. This can be done to reduce decking seams or just for appearance.
6 Best Alternatives to Wooden Decking
While wood decking was previously considered the standard material for building a deck, that’s changed. Homeowners have been exploring and embracing different types of materials, and the availability of alternative decking materials has grown significantly.
Picture Frame Decking
Install a picture frame or perimeter board to finish the edge of your deck with style.
Explore Articles by Topic

Footings
Information related to installing frost footings for decks

Framing
Learn structural framing methods

Decking
Learn about wood and composite decking materials

Stairs
An in-depth look at the complex issue of how to build stairs

Railings
How to install guardrails and handrails to meet IRC code

Features
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights

Design
The basics of deck design

Planning
Learn about permits and working with contractors

Porches & Patios
Build a covered deck to enjoy all seasons

Ledger
Proper attachment techniques

Care
Maintain your deck to maintain your investment

Materials
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights