Difference Between a Stoop and a Porch?[FACTS]

Porches and stoops are very similar in their appearance. However, the function of these two features is entirely different.

The term “stoop” refers to a set of steps that goes from the sidewalk or street to the front door or porch. A porch is an exterior covered roofed area that is attached to the house’s walls.

What is the Difference Between a Stoop and a Porch?

A porch is typically a roofed area that projects from the exterior wall of a house or other building, while a stoop refers to the steps leading up to an entryway.

Many houses have both features present on their exterior. Both are typical in the southern U.S. but typical for different reasons.

The word Stoop, “a small porch”, comes from Dutch stoep; (meaning: step/sidewalk, pronounced the same as stoop) the word is now in general use in the Northeastern United States and is probably spreading.

What Is A Porch?

A porch is a roofed outdoor structure that typically attaches to the front or back of a house. A porch can be screened-in or open, but both allow you to relax in the open-air—often with plenty of shade as an added bonus.

Your front or back porch is an ideal spot for reading, relaxing, watching a sunset, or catching up with friends. Depending on the layout of your home, it may also become a focal point.

What is A Stoop?

Stoops are simple raised structures in front of a house, usually with a step (or several stairs) and a railing leading to the front door. A stoop, unlike a porch or patio, usually lacks a roof or overhang to protect it—or you—from the rain or sun.

Stoops were traditionally intended to be places for accidental social encounters. Parents or children may see a friend on a stoop and stop for a quick chat, or they may run into neighbors while relaxing out front.

Stoops are also popular places to grow flowers, place small pieces of furniture (such as a reading chair), or mount a mailbox.

Cost Of Building A Stoop Or Porch

Building a stoop is much cheaper the building a porch with the average cost of a stoop is $1500 while the average cost of building a Porch is $12000.

Any of these structures has advantages, but budget, space, and climate can help you decide which is best for you.

Whichever structure allows you to enjoy your new living space the most—without having to worry about weather, mosquitos, or going over budget—is probably the best option for your home.

How Do You Build A Stoop?

A stoop is a common feature of many houses in the Northeastern United States, especially in urban areas such as New York City.

A typical American three-story brownstone building has a flat roof and a raised basement or ground floor that is about one to two feet higher than street level next door.

Building codes require railings on open steps from which there aren’t any doors between them and the street-level sidewalk below, regardless of whether it was required when they were originally constructed.

This area can be called an “entry porch” or “stoop” but may also be known by other names including stair hall, vestibule (or entrance hall), front hallway, foyer, main hallway/passageway, or by the non-specific term entrance.