By Dave and Mary

Front Porch Designs for Splitlevel Homes

Dorothy from Minnesota writes:

My new home is a split entry design. I would love to have a front porch design with some overhead as well as side protection from the winter winds and heavy snow in northern Minnesota but don't know if this is possible.

The porch is on the foundation while the steps are not; they are sinking into the ground.


front door and entrance to splitlevel home


Tackle the Porch Concrete Issue

Your porch steps can be raised and stabilized. The process is called mud jacking, slab jacking or injection leveling depending on where you live.

We have had it done twice over the years and it works great for your situation. However, it is very important that you find out and resolve why the steps are sinking. It normally is due to water issues under the slab. So make sure that is fixed as well.

Leveling usually requires drilling a few holes through the slab or steps, attaching a large hose with nozzle into the holes, and injecting a mixture that raises the steps/slab and solidifies to keep it raised.


Split Level Porch Design

A porch would really add lots of charm to your lovely home. Based on what I can see from the photo I'd consider a constructing a gable style roof over your existing porch slab.

The only issue is the window above the door. There may be insufficient room to attach the roof to the side of your home.

If you like the window, you may want to consider replacing it with a rectangular window just above the door (much like a transom window). That would still give you some light and allow room for a gable roof. The other option is to construct a shed-type roof although it may be too much of an architectural departure from your existing roof lines.

You may or may not need a porch railing but I think adding one would add additional curb appeal.

To stop the wind, check out installing porch windows. You can get screens and windows all in one.

They are easy to operate and you won't have to remove them each season. You could install them on each side (or just one side) of the porch if you'd like and leave the front open if you wish.

Lastly, you may want to consider extending your porch slab out a few feet to give you some extra room. This would mean extending the porch roof also which in turn will give you a bit more protection from the weather.




Mary and Dave, Founders of Front Porch Ideas and More
Hi! We're Mary and Dave, lifelong DIYers, high school sweethearts, and we both love porches. You've come to the right place for thousands of porch ideas.

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Mary and Dave, Founders of Front Porch Ideas and More
Hi! We're Mary and Dave, lifelong DIYers, high school sweethearts, and we both love porches. You've come to the right place for thousands of porch ideas.
--- Our Sponsors ---
The Porch Store

Use the PCA Visualizer to design your screen door

Shop for Porch Parts at Vintage Woodworks.

--- End Sponsors ---
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At no extra cost to you, we earn a commission by referring you to some products on merchant sites. See our disclosure policy.
We, Front Porch Ideas and More, confirm, as stated on our privacy policy, that we do not sell personal information.

All content here is solely for presenting ideas. We recommend consulting with a licensed, experienced contractor before you begin your project.
We make no guarantees of accuracy or completeness of information on our site or any links to other websites contained here.


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