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Black rocking chairs on a front porch

Porches Gain Popularity With Homeowners

A place for sitting, sipping and spending time together, a home’s porch offers additional living space and provides a spot for homeowners to enjoy time outdoors. The Survey of Construction, conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, found that 65 percent of single-family homes built in 2020 had a front porch.

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) reported 2020 was the third time that the number of homes built with a porch broke the 65 percent barrier. The East South Central region of the U.S. has the highest concentration of homes with porches; in 2020, 89 percent of new homes built included a porch.

By the Numbers

Back and side porches are typically larger compared to front porches.

Back and side porches on average measure: 143 square feet.

Front porches porches on average measure: 99 square feet.

In Your Operation

  • Merchandise outdoor furniture to show customers ideas for setting up their porch with seating or dining areas. Include furniture extras like outdoor throw pillows and cushions in your display.
  • When decorating for a holiday, homeowners frequently utilize their front porch. Use an endcap to highlight holiday decor for different seasons that would be well-suited for decorating a porch.
  • Don’t forget the accessories. Porches are an extension of the home, so suggest different products that can round out the space, such as lighting fixtures, candles and rugs.

Sources: National Association of Home Builders Eye on Housing, Share of New Homes with Porches Back Over 65 Percent; National Association of Home Builders, Remodeling Market Index; Home Innovation Research Labs, Builder Practices Survey


Exciting Exteriors
Discover more trends for outdoor dining, outdoor living spaces and lawn and garden here.

About Lindsey Thompson

Lindsey joined the NHPA staff in 2021 as an associate editor for Hardware Retailing magazine. A native of Ohio, Lindsey earned a B.S. in journalism and minors in business and sociology from Ohio University. She loves spending time with her husband, two kids, two cats and one dog, as well as doing DIY projects around the house, going to concerts, boating and cheering on the Cleveland Indians.

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