Craftsman Porch Characteristics

We have a sad, dilapidated Craftsman porch that we plan to replace this year. The porch doesn’t have a roof or railing - which are typical on Craftsman porches.

I’d love to bring more Craftsman detail to our new porch design, so I began to study historic references for Craftsman porch characteristics. Craftsman-style porches are known for their handcrafted wood details, distinct style, and structural honesty. I used archive.org to research historic, open-source Craftsman home plans and details. Below is a breakdown of the different characteristics and styles of columns, roofs, and railings found in Craftsman porches:

Columns:

There is a wide variation in column types in craftsman porches, but Craftsman porches commonly include large columns.

Craftsman porch column types: tapered, straight, brick, stone, siding, shingles, wood trim, stucco

Columns: with Bases / without Bases

With Bases: Most craftsman porches have two-part columns with a separate base material and primary material and the main part of a column (can be called the column shaft). The column bases are typically substantial and made of brick, stone, or stucco.
Without Bases: Less frequently, the columns are one consistent material, without a base. This is more common on smaller or simpler homes.

Columns: Extending to Ground vs. Starting at Railing

Extending to Ground: A hallmark of Craftsman design, columns are visually emphasized and extend down to large piers or bases, reinforcing the structural integrity.
Columns Starting at Railing: Some variations have columns that rest directly on the railing instead of extending to the ground, creating a lighter and more delicate appearance.

Columns: Tapered, Straight, and Paired

Tapered Columns: One of the most recognizable features of Craftsman porches, tapered columns are wider at the base and narrow as they rise, creating a visually dynamic and sturdy look.
Straight Columns: Though less common, some Craftsman homes have straight, square columns, especially in later iterations or variations influenced by other architectural styles.
Paired columns are a common feature on larger or more elaborate Craftsman porches, particularly in California Craftsman and Prairie-style variations.

Railing: Solid (Opaque) vs. Balustrade

Solid Railing: Typically built from brick, stone, or stucco, solid railings enhance the substantial and enclosed feel of the porch.
Wood Balustrade: Sometimes used in simpler Craftsman homes, wood balustrades provide a lighter, more open look while maintaining handcrafted detailing. Wood balustrades typically sit on top of a porch skirt made of a wood screen, brick, or stone.

Craftsman porch railing types: stucco, siding, stone, brick, wood balustrade, siding, wood screen, porch skirt

Stairs: Materials + Railings

Wood Stairs: Common in porches with wood or frame construction, wood stairs require more upkeep than concrete.
Concrete Stairs: More durable and often found in homes with masonry porch bases. They provide longevity and require less maintenance.
Code-height stair railings are not typically a historical detail for Craftsman home. Most stairs have low height walls on either side, which conceal the stair supports. These are typically topped with a wood trim cap and are constructed with the same materials as the porch railing.

Roof: Shed vs. Gable: vs. Hip

Gable Roof: The most common roof style for Craftsman porches, featuring a triangular shape with two sloping sides. Gable roofs often include exposed rafters or decorative brackets, enhancing the handcrafted aesthetic. This is the roof that most people think of when they think of a Craftsman bungalow.
Shed Roof: Less common in Craftsman porches, a shed roof is a single-sloped roof that angles downward, often used on smaller porches or as a secondary porch covering. It provides a simple, clean look and allows for efficient water runoff.
Hip Roof: Sometimes hip roofs are found on porches that are on an American Four-Square style roof.

Craftsman Porch roof types: gable, hip, shed

Decorative Details

Exposed rafters and brackets under the eaves.
Ornamental beams or knee braces.
Custom woodwork, such as cut-out balusters or lattice panels.
Stained glass or art glass details in sidelights or transoms.

Let me know if there are any other important Craftsman porch characteristics that I missed!

*note: all images are copyright free, from archive.org