How Much Does a Wraparound Porch Cost? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $6,000 - $18,000
Building a wraparound porch costs $12,000 on average, and it commonly costs between $4,000 and $60,000, depending on the size and materials you choose.
Wraparound porch costs depend on the size of the porch, materials used, and the porch’s features. These porches can cost between $4,000 and $60,000, with most people paying between $6,000 and $18,000, or an average of $12,000. Wraparound porches cost $50 to $150 per square foot.
Before embarking on this home improvement project, you'll want to know how much to budget. That’s why we’re diving into the factors that influence wraparound porch costs, foundation options, ongoing expenses, and ways to save on your project.
- Average
- $12,000
- Low end
- $4,000
- high end
- $60,000
Wraparound Porch Cost Factors
The cost of a porch that wraps around at least two sides of your home can vary based on several factors. Understanding these elements will help you estimate your project's budget.
Porch Size
One of the most influential factors in the cost of a wraparound porch is its size. The larger the porch, the more materials and labor will be required. You can expect to pay between $50 and $150 per square foot for a wraparound porch, depending on the material and complexity of the design.
| Porch Size (Sq. Ft) | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 80 | $4,000–$12,000 |
| 100 | $5,000–$15,000 |
| 150 | $7,500–$22,500 |
| 200 | $10,000–$30,000 |
| 300 | $15,000–$45,000 |
| 400 | $20,000–$60,000 |
Post and Frame Material
The choice of materials for the porch's posts, frame, and flooring will impact the overall cost. Common materials include concrete, composite, and wood. Concrete costs $2 to $8 per square foot, while composite costs $4 to $13 per square foot. Depending on the type of wood used, wood can cost between $4 and $30 per square foot.
| Porch Material | Cost per Sq. Ft. |
|---|---|
| Concrete | $2–$8 |
| Composite | $4–$13 |
| Wood | $4–$30 |
Labor
Labor costs depend on location and the complexity of your porch design. Expect to allocate a substantial portion of your budget to labor expenses. On average, labor costs can range from $18 to $50 per square foot, including installation and finishing touches.
Wraparound Porch Foundation Cost
The foundation of your wraparound porch is a critical element that affects cost, safety, and longevity. Two commonly used options are concrete and wood foundations.
Concrete is a durable choice that provides stability for your porch. Costs depend on the size and complexity of your porch, but you may pay between $5 and $10 per square foot for a concrete slab foundation.
Wood deck foundations are less expensive than concrete but also less durable. However, they’re also a more eco-friendly option since wood is a renewable resource. The cost for a wood foundation ranges from $4 to $7 per square foot.
Another option that’s popular for areas prone to flooding is pier and beam foundation. These types of foundations cost $7 to $11 per square foot for the elevated base.
| Foundation Material | Cost per Sq. Ft. |
|---|---|
| Concrete | $5–$10 |
| Wood | $4–$7 |
| Pier and beam | $7–$11 |
Ongoing Costs of a Wraparound Porch
While the initial construction cost is significant, it's essential to consider ongoing expenses associated with maintaining and enjoying your wraparound porch.
Periodic Painting or Staining
Wooden porches require periodic painting or staining to protect them from the elements and keep them looking their best. The initial cost to stain your new porch is $1 to $2 per square foot. Down the road, refinishing and restaining your porch may cost more—anywhere from $4 to $6 per square foot. Painting a deck or porch costs $2 to $5 per square foot.
Porch Repairs
Wear and tear can lead to necessary porch repairs, and the costs vary widely depending on the type of repair. For example, replacing porch railings costs $1,000 on average, while loose stairs cost $100 to $300 to fix or replace. Budget for occasional maintenance and repairs to keep your porch in excellent condition.
Additional Electricity Usage
If your wraparound porch includes lighting, ceiling fans, temperature control, or electrical outlets, you'll face additional electricity costs. Be sure to consider these ongoing expenses in your monthly utility budget.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro to Build a Wraparound Porch
Choosing to either tackle a wraparound porch project yourself or hire a professional can significantly impact costs. While a DIY approach can save on labor expenses, it requires a considerable amount of time, effort, and expertise. Plus, you’d need a lot of specialized tools to get the job done right. Hiring a local porch company ensures a high-quality finish, as well as warranties and guarantees in many cases.
Cost of Common Add-Ons for Wraparound Porches
Enhancements and add-ons can transform your wraparound porch into a personalized oasis. Here's a breakdown of common add-ons and their costs.
Wraparound Porch Plans
How much do wraparound porch plans cost? You can enlist the help of an architect to draw up plans for you, which can cost between $500 and $2,000, depending on the complexity of your new porch.
Porch Roof
Adding an awning or roof to your wraparound porch can provide shelter from the elements and extend its usability. The cost of a porch roof depends on its size and complexity but ranges from $6,400 to $12,000.
Enclosures
Enclosing your wraparound porch with sunroom walls or screens can make it usable year-round. The cost of these enclosures varies. Screens are budget-friendly at $10 to $25 per square foot, and sunroom walls cost between $4,000 and $10,000.
Railings and Skirting
Decorative railings and porch skirting can enhance the safety and aesthetics of your porch. Depending on the material and design, expect to pay between $20 and $60 per linear foot for railings and $25 to $30 per square foot for porch skirting.
Electrical Work
If you want to add lighting, ceiling fans, temperature control, or electrical outlets to your porch, factor in the cost of electrical work. Prices vary based on the complexity of the electrical installation, with light fixtures costing the least at $80 to $300 per fixture and ceiling fans costing the most at $300 to $1,500 per fan.
| Electrical Component | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Light fixture | $65–$250 |
| Outdoor heater | $150–$500 |
| Electrical outlet | $60–$300 |
| Ceiling fan | $70–$4,000 |
Built-In Seating
Built-in seating provides a comfortable and space-saving seating solution. Costs depend on the size and materials used, but prices range from $1,000 to $1,500.
Building Permit
Don't forget to factor in the cost of obtaining a building permit, which is typically required for porch construction. Permit fees vary by location and the scope of the project but range from $150 to $500.
How to Save on Wraparound Porch Costs
If you're looking to save on wraparound porch costs, consider the following tips:
Choose cost-effective materials.
Keep the porch open instead of enclosing it.
Opt for minimal, energy-efficient lighting to reduce electricity costs.
Make fewer customizations and stick to a simpler design.
Frequently Asked Questions
The construction timeline for a wraparound porch depends on the porch’s and home’s size, the porch’s complexity, and weather conditions. On average, it takes between a few weeks to build a porch for a smaller home and a few months to build a complex wraparound porch for a larger home.
Yes, there are financing options available for a wraparound porch project. You can explore various financing avenues such as home equity loans, personal loans, or contractor financing to fund the construction. Make sure you do your research to find the financing option that aligns with your budget and specific needs when planning your wraparound porch.
A wraparound porch can significantly enhance the value of your home. It not only adds curb appeal but also provides additional usable outdoor living space, which is attractive to potential buyers. Homes with well-designed wraparound porches tend to command higher prices in the real estate market, making a porch a valuable investment in terms of both aesthetics and property value.