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The Perfect Porch & Door Combo
Hey Surrey Homeowners! The front of your home tells a story before anyone steps inside. A well designed door porch not only looks great but also provides practical benefits like weather protection and a clean, tidy area.
It’s not just about looks, it’s about creating the perfect welcome, security and even saving on your energy bills. At Sheerwater Glass we’ve been transforming Surrey homes for over 53 years and we know what works for homes in Guildford, Woking and beyond Surrey.
Why Your Entrance Matters
Think of your front porch as your home’s handshake – it’s that all important first impression that sets the tone for everything that follows. But here’s the thing: the right porch doesn’t just look good, it works hard for your home.
A good porch delivers:
- Weather protection – Shields your front door from the weather
- Security boost – Is an extra barrier that deters unwanted visitors
- Energy savings – Forms a thermal buffer zone (like an extra layer for your home)
- Practical storage – Gives those muddy boots and wet umbrellas somewhere to live
- Value enhancement – Adds character that increases your property’s appeal
Pro Tip: For Surrey’s climate specifically a well designed porch can extend your front door’s life by up to 15 years by protecting it from our frequent rain showers!
Our customers say:
“Everything happened as was expected and delivered on time. The fitter tidied up the front of the house and made it look more attractive. We chose not to have a letterbox so as to stop the junk mail! The privacy glass has really helped.
The fitter was clean and tidy. We were happy with the after service and Steve our Sales advisor was always available and very helpful. A good customer experience from start to finish, from the initial enquiry to the end.”
What is a Porch?
A porch really is more than just an entrance – it’s a versatile space that bridges the outdoors and indoors, offering both function and charm.
Attached to the front or side of a building a porch can range from a simple, understated structure to an elaborate, show stopping feature. The design of a porch can be tailored to match the look and architecture of your home, whether you like the classic look of wood, the solidity of brick or the modern convenience of uPVC.
When it comes to roof styles the options are endless. You might opt for a flat roof for a sleek, modern look, a pitched roof for a traditional feel or even a double hipped roof for a touch of architectural elegance. Each style not only looks great but also provides practical benefits like improved weather protection and extra space.
Find Your Look
Not sure which porch style is for your home? The right design complements your home’s character not competes with it. Look at different porch ideas to personalise the look of it.
Classic Brick Options
Timeless and solid, brick porches give that heritage feel that works beautifully with Surrey’s traditional homes. These substantial structures offer:
- Good insulation
- Complementary looks for period properties
- Versatile design options with various door styles
Contemporary Specialist Decorative Glass Designs
Looking for something more modern? Glass porches transform entrances with:
- Sleek, minimalist lines that suit newer homes
- Natural light that floods your hall
- Space even in smaller areas
Compact Solutions
Think your home doesn’t have space for a porch? You’d be surprised! Even smaller homes can benefit from:
- Space efficient designs that require only 1-2m² of space
- All the benefits of a larger porch
- Proportional enhancement that doesn’t overwhelm
Local Tip: Surrey’s Victorian terraces usually benefit most from these smaller, carefully proportioned designs that respect the original architectural features.
Your porch door isn’t just functional – it’s your home’s daily greeter! Here’s how to choose one that works with your new porch: Consider how the design and material of your porch roof matches the look of your home.
Material Matters
Different door materials offer unique benefits for Surrey homes:
- Composite doors – The local favourite combining security, insulation and low maintenance
- Timber options – Bringing warmth and character to period homes
- Aluminium designs – Sleek, modern lines with excellent durability
- uPVC solutions – Cost effective with good thermal properties
Elements That Work
The perfect porch door balances:
- Glazing options – From fully glazed to solid panels (we’ll help you find the right balance of light and privacy)
- Hardware choices – Brass, chrome, black or brushed finishes that match your home’s character
- Security features – Multi-point locking systems that protect what matters most
- Colour selection – Heritage colours to modern statements
Pro Tip: While national trends come and go we’ve found homeowners in Woking and Guildford consistently prefer heritage colours (deep blues, greens and greys) that match local architectural styles – but with modern performance benefits.
Finding Your Match
The best entrances treat the porch and door as one rather than separate entities. Here’s how we make them work together:
Perfect Proportion
Balance is key. We’ll help you consider:
- Height that matches your home (not too tall, not too short)
- Width that frames the front beautifully
- Depth that’s practical without sacrificing light
Porch Roof Light Optimisation
Natural light transforms the entrance experience. Our designs feature:
- Thoughtfully placed side panels that maximise brightness
- Strategic glazing options in your doors
- Roof materials that balance protection with light penetration
Surrey Specific Weatherproofing
Our local climate demands specific features:
- Proper drainage systems that handle a Guildford rainfall
- Weather resistant materials that withstand Woking winds
- Seamless transitions between structures
Rear porches located at the back of a property offer multi-functional uses for relaxation, storage and added security.
Surrey Combinations
Heritage Harmony
An oak or timber look porch with composite doors create entrances that:
- Match Surrey’s period properties perfectly
- Combine traditional looks with modern performance
- Add character to conservation areas
Contemporary Statements
For more modern Surrey homes an aluminium framed entrance delivers:
- Clean, architectural lines that make a great first impression
- Minimalist design that maximises light
- Statement features that set your home apart
Smart Space Solutions
Even smaller Surrey homes benefit from our compact designs featuring:
- Clever storage solutions (perfect for family footwear!)
- Multi-functional elements that maximise limited space
- Character enhancing details that respect the scale of your home
Adding Value to Your Property
Adding a new porch to your home is a smart investment that can add significant value and appeal to your home. A well designed porch creates a grand entrance that welcomes visitors with style and sophistication instantly enhancing your home’s kerb appeal. Beyond looks, a porch offers practical benefits like extra storage, improved energy efficiency and an extra layer of security.
When planning your porch extension always check with the local authority for planning permission and building regulations. While many front porches fall under permitted development it’s always best to check. This is especially important if you live in a conservation area or have a listed property.
A specialist will guide you through the process ensuring your porch design meets all the requirements. The possibilities for your porch can be endless. From uPVC porches that are durable and low maintenance to door options that are traditional to contemporary you can create a space that’s yours. Specialist decorative glass designs can be the icing on the cake making your porch a real showstopper.
In terms of cost, a porch is a worthwhile investment that will increase your property’s resale value.
Overall, a porch is a valuable addition to any home providing a functional and stylish space that adds value and appeal to your property. By considering the design, materials and regulations you can create a welcoming entrance that matches your home and meets your needs.
Our Installation Process
Changing your entrance is easier than you think:
- Home visit & chat – We’ll visit you to understand exactly what you need
- Custom design – We’ll create options for your home
- Material selection – You’ll choose the perfect combinations for your style and budget
- Expert installation – Our local expert installers will transform your home
- Final quality check – We’ll ensure everything meets our high standards (and yours!)
Keeping Your Entrance Perfect
A quality porch and door combination should last for decades with minimal maintenance. Here’s our simple maintenance tips:
- Wipe glass elements down monthly with a soft cloth
- Check seals and weatherstripping once a year
- Lubricate hinges and locks every 6 months
- Address any issues promptly (or just give us a call -we’re here to help!)
FAQs
How long does installation take?
Most porches take 2-3 days to install, larger or more complex designs may take 4-5 days. We’ll endeavour to minimise disruption to your daily routine.
Do I need planning permission for a porch?
In Surrey most porches under 3m² don’t require permission but we’ll handle the checks for you especially if you’re in a conservation area or have a listed property.
What’s the cost?
Prices vary depending on size and materials but generally:
- Windows and doors can start from £2,500
- Mid range options £3,500-£7,000
- Premium bespoke designs £10,000+
We provide fixed quotes with no hidden extras.
Can I have a porch for my home?
Yes! We’ve helped install windows, doors, frames and roofs on everything from Victorian terraces to modern new builds across Surrey. Every home can benefit from a well designed entrance.
How energy efficient are your doors?
Our composite doors achieve U-values of 1.0-1.4 W/m²K—essentially keeping warm air in and cold drafts out. That’s better than old doors and means real energy savings.
What Our Customers Say
“Sheerwater helped put together a modern porch that fits our home perfectly. Installation was quick and professional—just what we expected.” – David, Woking
Ready to Transform Your home?
Whether you want traditional porches that enhance your period property or a modern entrance that makes a statement our local team is here to help. With over 50 years of experience transforming Surrey entrances we know what works for homes across the county.
Pop into our Guildford showroom (complete with material samples and a coffee machine!) or book your free home design visit today.
Let us create a porch that welcomes you home in style, security and energy efficiency for years to come!
Call us on 01932 344 415 or visit our website to book your no obligation consultation.
Jessica Stevens
