Does Your Front Porch Need A Redo? Takes Only 4 Hrs + $100
The front porch is the first thing that guests see when they come to your house. It’s also one of the hardest spaces to keep looking nice.
Everyone wants their front door to look welcoming, but it gets so dirty. Outdoor spaces needs a refresh more often than any other place in your home.
My goal is to give you ideas for lots of small home projects because there’s a compounding effect. Over time these small quick improvements make a big difference in how your home looks and feels. This porch redo is one of the easiest DIY projects.
Outdoor areas are exposed to all the dirt and weather. You can’t enjoy your porch when if you, like me, have avoided sprucing it up. To get the most out of your outdoor area, just take a few hours to do these five things. You’re much more likely to enjoy it once you do. These tips can be finished in a few hours and for less than $100.
1. Hose Off The Porch Floor and Railing
It might feel like just yesterday when you gave your porch a good cleaning but it was probably last summer. If your porch gets a lot of exposure to the elements it can take more than a broom.
If you have a power washer, that’s a great option. If not, don’t despair. A hose with a pressure sprayer attached is enough to break up the dried dust and dirt. A hose will blow out the cobwebs and leaves.
If the porch railings are really caked with dirt you can use a bucket of hot soapy water to loosen the dirt before you break out the hose. I don’t know why I waited so long to do this, it only takes about 30 minutes.
2. Clean Your Front Windows and Door
Nothing takes away from your home’s curb appeal more than a dusty front door. It’s everyone’s first impression. If you’ve got windows, don’t forget they need some TLC too. I’ve tried Windex on my outdoor windows, but it doesn’t work as well as using vinegar.
Vinegar and water leave a much clearer, streak-free window. I used equal parts vinegar and water applied using a microfiber mop (see my mop review here). After you’ve scrubbed them clean wait for them to drip dry.
3. Add 2 Potted Plants
Just a few small potted plants can really make a big difference in how appealing your front porch looks., even if it’s a small porch. I usually like to put a 3-part combination in my planters, thrillers, fillers and spillers. But if you’re short on time, just grab a plant from each side at Home Depot. It’s an inexpensive way to get some bright color on your porch.
If you don’t want pots at the front door add a hanging basket or two. Ferns are a popular choice and you can even get them at the grocery store. The important thing with hanging plants is that they hang low enough where you can water them.
4. Hang a Strand of Lights
This is the front yard I walk by every day and I’m so envious of her porch light. The extra strand of lights makes it look so much more warm and cozy (that and the beautiful porch swing). Why haven’t I thought about adding lighting for my porch?
Lighting is a great way to make any room in your home feel warmer. It’s no different for the front porch. If you have wiring for overhead light, make sure the bulb works. I really want to get an outdoor fan to help with mosquitos.
Getting Your Front Porch or Patio ready for the season doesn’t have to be a big project. Even taking a half-day to spruce it up will make you happier every time you enter your front door. If you’ve got more time you can go for a full front porch makeover great. But don’t skip a quick fix just because you don’t have the budget for what you want.
5. Mix In Seasonal Throw Pillows
I didn’t replace my throw pillows I just hosed them off and let them dry in the sun. They look good as new. Target, Walmart and Home Depot have a wide selection of outdoor throw pillows at bargain prices. Buying a few new ones each season is a great idea for a quick front porch update.
If you don’t have any chairs, you can pick up comfortable plastic Adirondack chairs at Home Depot for $29. They come in three colors, blue, red and mushroom.
These five things can really level up even a small front porch. I forgot to mention insect repellant, but no porch would be complete without it.
I haven’t mentioned outdoor seating in detail or outdoor rugs. Both are important, but probably not something you can make happen in just a few hours. Click here if you’re looking for an inexpensive outdoor rug. They can be quickly hosed off each season. An outdoor rug can make any porch feel like an outdoor living room and even the large ones cost less than $100.
I always love seeing your adorable home! It is so charming! I need to get to work on my front porch, I have moved all of the furniture to the back and am planning to buy some new things. Time to get going on that!
Andrea, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a full picture of your adorable home!!! Great tips as always. Thanks for sharing.