Front Porch Steps
Functional Yet Beautiful
What if porch steps weren't taken for granted? Most porch steps are built for function rather than beauty.
But it doesn't have to be that way.
What if your steps were designed to complement your home and add both interest
and curb appeal?
Porch stairs can be built to make a statement, to make a small porch appear larger, and make
accessibility easier and visually appealing.
See how this small porch, like many porches in subdivisions,
was transformed by a new sidewalk and curved steps!
The addition of built in curved planters softens the look and adds a whole new dimension to the porch.
Steps don't have to be ordinary. Natural materials
like slate not only look beautiful but last almost indefinitely without maintenance.
Slate is often made of clay and volcanic ash. It can be split into
sheets and is often used as roofing material. Because of its texture, it is slip resistant
making it a very good step material too. The varied colors of slate make interesting patterns
which makes it very appealing for exterior use.
These steps were made from slate with stucco risers.
Concrete, a popular material for stairs, can be either be painted to match or complement your porch flooring. Painting
is easy to do and is probably one of the least expensive options.
Because of its versatility, concrete can be stained, sprayed, or stamped. The stamped concrete steps shown below give
the porch steps a luxurious look. Learn more about concrete flooring options.
Integrate landscaping into your step design. Although this needs to be maintained for safety reasons,
the ivy adds a new dimension to an otherwise brick staircase.
How about numbering your steps? Linda painted her steps and then numbered them.
See how she used porch floor paint and numbers to jazz her front steps.
No need to be subtle. Mosaic designs create a wonderful appeal and add a focal point to your home.
This is Mary's favorite!
Add contrast. This striking set of wooden porch stairs adds a touch of elegance to the home. Wood porch steps give you options
as well. They can be painted or stained in colors to suit your own style and decor of your porch.
Novelty. This staircase works well with the "unique" post and railing design. Imagine how different it would look
if the risers were added.
Tips for Front Porch Stairs
- Make them as wide as possible. It will make a small porch seem larger, a large porch more grand, and will so often enhance the look of any home.
This porch would look quite differently with a standard straight staircase.
- Consider rounded or curving steps
- Choose the step material to match your home. Many people opt for wooden steps due to costs, but if you can, consider other materials
like concrete, stone, and even wrought iron.
- Use this handy stair calculator when building your steps.
But always check with your local building officials to make sure you are building to code.
- See our ideas for porch skirting to jazz up the bottom of the porch.
We even found custom vinyl lattice panels where you can personalize your porch skirting.
The steps on this porch are made charming when lined with potted plants. This is the Market at Serendip on Olentangy Street in historic Powell Ohio.
Can't beat the classic look of brick!
Be sure to see our ideas for concrete porch steps and all of the options you'll have.
If porch steps are of interest to you, be sure to also see our porch stair hand rails.
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