Porch Cost Calculator

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to build a porch?

Far more than the same sized deck, because of the roof. A covered porch typically runs two to three times the cost per square foot of an open deck, since the roof needs its own structure, footings sized for the extra load, flashing into the existing roof, and usually a ceiling. The floor itself is the cheap part.

Is a porch cheaper than a deck?

No. An open deck of the same size is substantially cheaper because there is no roof, no columns carrying roof load, no ceiling and much simpler permitting. If budget is the constraint, building the deck now and adding the roof later is a common approach — but size the footings and posts for the roof from the start, or you will rebuild them.

Do I need a permit for a porch?

Almost always, and more reliably than for an open deck. A roof structure attached to the house changes the building's footprint and its load paths, so most jurisdictions require drawings and at least a footing inspection and a final. Roof-to-wall flashing is one of the most common inspection failures.

What is the cheapest porch roof?

A shed roof — a single slope away from the house. It uses the least material, frames fastest and flashes most simply. A gable roof costs noticeably more and a hip roof more again, because every additional slope adds cuts, waste and labour.

Can I convert an existing deck into a porch?

Sometimes, but check the footings and posts first. A roof adds dead load and, in snow country, a large live load that the original deck was never designed for. An engineer or building official can tell you whether the existing structure can carry it; often the answer is that the footings need enlarging, which means working under a finished deck.