Traditional Door Canopies
Traditional canopies can use decorative brackets, pitched rooflines and detailing designed to complement older or more traditional homes.
Door Canopy Terminology
What is the Canopy Over a Door Called?
The structure positioned above an entrance is most commonly called a door canopy or front door canopy.
You may also hear related terms such as awning, door hood, overhang or portico, although these can describe slightly different types of entrance structures.
Quick Answer
What Do You Call the Canopy Above a Front Door?
In the UK, the most common term is a door canopy or front door canopy.
The exact name can depend on the design. A lightweight projecting cover may be described as an awning, while a larger entrance structure supported by columns may be called a portico.
A roof extension projecting from the main building can also be described as an overhang.
Different Terms
Door Canopy, Awning, Portico or Overhang?
| Term | Typical Meaning |
|---|---|
| Door Canopy | A projecting cover positioned above an entrance to provide shelter and architectural detail. |
| Awning | Usually a lighter projecting cover, which may use fabric, metal or another lightweight material. |
| Portico | A more substantial entrance structure, commonly supported by columns or posts. |
| Overhang | A general term for part of a roof or structure that projects beyond the wall below. |
| Door Hood | Another term sometimes used for a smaller projecting feature above a doorway. |
Styles
What Types of Door Canopy Are Available?
Contemporary Canopies
Modern designs tend to use cleaner lines and simpler detailing, sometimes incorporating materials such as metal, glass or polycarbonate.
Pitched or Gabled Canopies
A pitched canopy uses a sloping roof form and can be designed to complement the roofline and architectural style of the property.
Flat or Lean-To Canopies
Flat and lean-to designs provide a simpler profile and can work well where a less decorative or more contemporary appearance is wanted.
Purpose
What Is the Purpose of a Door Canopy?
Provides Shelter
A projecting canopy can provide useful cover from direct rainfall when entering, leaving or standing at the front door.
Protects the Entrance Area
Additional cover can help reduce the amount of direct weather reaching the doorway and immediate entrance area.
Adds Architectural Detail
A well-proportioned canopy can frame the entrance and help give the front elevation more character and definition.
Materials
What Are Door Canopies Made From?
Timber
Timber can create a traditional appearance and works particularly well with decorative brackets and pitched canopy designs.
Exterior timber normally requires suitable treatment and ongoing maintenance.
GRP
Glass reinforced plastic, commonly shortened to GRP, can be used to create durable moulded canopy designs in a range of traditional and contemporary styles.
Glass or Polycarbonate
Glass and polycarbonate are often used for more contemporary canopies where a lighter-looking structure is preferred.
Similar Features
Is a Door Canopy the Same as a Porch?
No. A door canopy is primarily an overhead structure positioned above the entrance.
A porch is a larger structure attached to the front of the property and normally creates an enclosed or partially enclosed entrance space.
If you only want additional cover above the doorway, a canopy may be the more appropriate option. If you want a larger entrance area, a porch is a different type of home improvement.
Explore our door canopies
Choosing a Design
How Do You Choose the Right Door Canopy?
1
Match the Property
Consider whether a traditional, contemporary, pitched or flatter design suits the architecture of your home.
2
Consider the Size
The canopy should provide useful coverage without looking oversized compared with the doorway and front elevation.
3
Choose the Material
Think about appearance, maintenance and how the canopy will complement the existing doors, windows and roof finishes.
4
Think About the Entrance Below
The design should provide useful shelter without unnecessarily obstructing doors, glazing, lighting or other entrance features.
Installation
How Is a Door Canopy Installed?
Installation depends on the canopy design, size, weight and the construction of the wall it is being attached to.
More substantial structures need suitable support and secure fixings, so the installation method should be appropriate for both the canopy and the property.
Once installed, maintenance requirements will vary depending on the materials used. Periodic cleaning and inspection can help identify damage or deterioration before it becomes more significant.
Door Canopy Designs
Looking for a Door Canopy for Your Home?
St Helens Windows offers a range of door canopy designs including pitched, apex and lean-to styles in different finishes and configurations.
If you are comparing designs for your own entrance, our main door canopy page shows the available styles and options in more detail.
View our door canopy range
Common Questions
Door Canopy FAQs
What is the roof above a front door called?
It is commonly called a door canopy or front door canopy. The exact term can vary depending on its design and construction.
Is a door canopy an awning?
The terms can sometimes overlap, but an awning usually describes a lighter projecting cover, while a door canopy can include more substantial roof-like structures.
What is a portico?
A portico is a more substantial entrance feature, commonly with a roof supported by columns or posts.
What is a pitched door canopy?
A pitched canopy uses a sloping or gabled roof form above the entrance and can be designed to complement the roofline of the home.
What is the difference between a door canopy and a porch?
A canopy mainly provides overhead cover above the entrance, while a porch creates a larger attached entrance structure that may be enclosed or partially enclosed.
Find the Right Door Canopy for Your Home
Explore traditional, contemporary, pitched and lean-to canopy options designed to complement your entrance.
