Build a portico – A functional and stylish addition to any home

In this guide, we will show you how to make a portico yourself. Before getting started, see the "Planning & Background Knowledge" for additional tips and information that can help you during the planning and building phase.

Are you familiar with our 18-volt-system? It includes devices for a wide variety of applications. All devices can be powered from the same detachable 18-volt battery repeatedly. Simply disconnect the battery, plug it into another device from the system and continue with the next step.

Pay attention to occupational safety at all steps to protect yourself and your health. You can find more important information in our DIY safety precautions guide.

In this chapter, we will answer frequently asked questions about porticos and provide useful tips that will help you successfully implement your vision.

If you are wondering how to build a portico entrance, one of the first questions you will be faced with is, what materials should I use?

As a portico does not have to carry a heavy load – unless you live in a very snowy area – you have a wide range of materials to choose from and you could also combine different materials. The table below highlights the advantages and disadvantages of the most common options:

Porticos are most often installed for the main entrance, which is why our guide focuses on how to build a portico over the front door. Other places where porticos are usually installed include garages and rear entrances. If you are planning to build your own garden shed, you could also incorporate a DIY portico here.

What if you need to know how to build a small portico above a door? Perhaps for a DIY playhouse for your children? Our guide avoids restricting you to exact dimensions and provides a general overview so that you can adapt the plans to any portico size, whether big or small.

Not all canopies are the same and there are many distinctive styles to choose from. We have compiled some of the most popular types for you here.

The answer to this question comes down to your manual skills and how much time you have available. A kit is a quick and comparatively cheap solution, however, when you build a DIY portico you have much greater freedom to choose the design. You can decide on the materials, size, appearance and all the smaller details. A complete kit from the store might be a more straightforward solution but it will lack that personal touch.

Our guide shows you how to build a portico on a brick house and the steps you need to take so that it can withstand rain, wind and snow, as well as provide sufficient drainage. Pay particular attention to the connections and joints, particularly the roof and wall connection, and ensure there are no gaps or structural weaknesses.

To seal your roof, you can use sealing tape, rubber seals, expanding tape or silicone, among other solutions.

In most cases, you do not need any special permission to install a DIY portico. However, if your house entrance is directly on the street or a sidewalk, or if your project is particularly large, a building permit may be required. This depends on the local regulations that apply in your place of residence. Check with the relevant building authority or municipality well in advance of starting your project.

If you want to build and install a portico, proper installation when mounting it to the wall is essential. Otherwise, damage to the thermal insulation can occur, which in turn can result in thermal bridges, also known as cold bridges. You should seek the advice of an expert if you are in any doubt. Under certain circumstances, separate sealing measures may be necessary.

If you want to know how to add a larger portico to a house, then you will first need to consider whether the materials you have chosen can hold the total weight. In addition to weight, you should also consider the impact wind and snow might have on the anchoring and overall structure.

The basic weights of your different materials can typically be found online for simple construction projects, but as soon as the project becomes more complex, it is advisable to consult a structural engineer. They will be able to give you a more definitive answer regarding the viability of your project.

Without a rain gutter, a DIY portico might not fully perform its primary purpose. Rainwater is likely to run down the sloped roof and directly over the entrance. A gutter that runs down one side or column can prevent this issue.

A canopy with an incline of approximately 10° guarantees good water drainage while also looking aesthetically pleasing. Even for smaller projects - for example, a garden shed canopy - you should plan for an incline of at least 5°.

The cost of a portico depends on the specifics of your particular project. For example, if you are planning a small wooden canopy for the front door, the costs will be much lower than if you want to build a larger portico with supports over the entire terrace or if you want to create a large canopy with side walls, windows and doors.

Of course, it also makes a considerable difference whether you build your portico yourself or have a tradesperson do the work. As a guide for cost planning, we show you some general prices here:

Please keep in mind that all prices mentioned above are only estimates. You can only make an exact calculation once you know the total size and features of the construction. Ideally, you should then check the current material costs at the hardware store.

Is your portico up and running? Perfect! Now you have plenty of time to devote to your next DIY project. How about building your own bin shed or installing a new wooden fence in the garden?