Short answer: choose an open oak canopy if you want shelter and kerb appeal on a smaller budget; choose an enclosed brick porch if you want extra warmth, storage and security.
Shelter and warmth
A canopy keeps rain off the door and visitors. An enclosed porch adds a buffer between the front door and the weather, cutting draughts into the hallway.
Storage and security
Enclosed porches give you somewhere for coats, shoes, buggies and parcels, behind a lockable door. A canopy offers none of that.
Looks
Oak ages to a soft silver and suits cottages and period homes. A brick porch matched to the house looks like part of the original building, which suits terraces and semis in Isleworth and Twickenham.
Budget and planning
A canopy is usually the lower-cost option and quicker to build. Both normally fall under permitted development if they stay within the size limits. See our guide to what a porch costs.
Next step
Browse the porches we build or get a free estimate and we will help you choose.
Local porch guides