Front Porch Steps
Functional Yet Beautiful

What if porch steps weren't taken for granted? Most 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.


porch steps lined with geraniums



There is beauty in porch stairs. The steps above are painted to match the porch and the geraniums add a nice punch of color!


brick porch steps lined with gorgeous flowers
Amy's brick porch steps are beautiful with these gorgeous plants



Mosaic Front Porch Steps
Photo courtesy of Dlgital Di
See how the beautiful tiles dress up the steps



decorative Front Porch Steps
Decorative front porch stairs



Porch Step Renovation

See how this small porch was transformed by a new sidewalk and curved steps!

Front Porch Steps Before


Front Porch Steps After
Photos courtesy of danomite
 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.





Porch Step Options and Ideas

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.


Slate Front Porch Steps


Slate Front Porch Steps
Photo courtesy of Jason Hershey
 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.


red painted concrete porch steps and flooring
photo courtesy of taberandrew1
 Because of its versatility, concrete can be stained, sprayed, or stamped. The stamped concrete steps shown below give the steps a luxurious look.


stained front porch concrete steps


concrete porch steps made from concrete
Concrete can add a touch of elegance as well



Here's a Bright Idea!

For your safety and a soft glow to your steps, we found these solar step lights for you.


Add a little evening glow to your porch steps with these solar lights
Solar-powered lights for your porch stairs




Incorporate Foliage to Soften the Look

Integrate landscaping into your step design. Although this needs to be maintained for safety reasons, the ivy adds a new dimension to a traditional otherwise staircase.


Front porch step risers covered with ivy
Photo courtesy of ivy-dawned


Dress Up Your Porch Stairs!

Numbered porch steps

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.


porch steps with embellishments
Porch stair case embellishment, like this pretty stenciling, adds extra appeal



porch steps with nice embellishments
Either paint or cut out designs



porch steps with embellishments on Victorian porch
Porch stair embellishments add extra appeal



Use Tiles

No need to be subtle. Mosaic designs create a wonderful appeal and add a focal point to your home. This is Mary's favorite!


porch steps - mosaic
Photo courtesy of seattle-daily-photos
Fabulous mosaics!



Widen Your Porch Steps

porch steps - before remodel
Before Raynna's porch step makeover
Raynna's porch steps were quite narrow before she decided to give them a makeover. And what a makeover it is!


porch steps - after remodel
After Raynna's porch step makeover
Raynna's much wider porch steps and painted handrails make for a much more inviting porch! I love how the steps extend beyond the handrails, leaving a nice spot for potted plants.

Her painted handrails look like new, don't you agree? Such a tremendous difference. Thanks to Raynna for sharing with us.


Paint Your Steps for Appeal

Steps can be painted or stained in colors to suit your own style and decor to add lots of curb appeal. Whether they are made wood, concrete, or similar materials, paint can add a whole new dimension.

This striking set of wooden porch stairs adds a touch of elegance to the home. Wood steps give you options as well.


black painted porch steps
Photo courtesy of Mary Moore


painted front porch steps
Painted porch stairs with white risers



painted front porch steps and risers
Painted steps and risers



Novelty Can Be Fun!

This staircase works well with the "unique" post and railing design. Imagine how different it would look if the risers were added.


front porch steps without risers
Photo courtesy of Ruth and Dave


Tips for Front Porch Stairs

Width Matters

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.


wide appealing front porch steps
Wide steps adds lots if appeal and makes your porch entrance appear larger



classy wide front porch steps
Make your porch more grand by constructing wide steps



flaired and wide front porch steps
Flairing your steps adds both increased functionality and appeal



wide woodenFront porch steps
Add a unique design feature as shown to enhance the look of your porch steps
Photo courtesy of joanna8555



Carpet May Be an Option Too

Outdoor carpeting may be another option you'd like to consider. We recommend using a high quality outdoor carpet though.


partially carpeted front porch steps


partially carpeted front porch steps on charming front porch
Outdoor carpets come in a wide variety of styles and colors too
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 slate.

Stone Steps

stone front porch-steps
Beautiful stone front steps



Front Porch Steps
Stone steps never go out of style



old stone porch steps and front porch
Stone steps are perfect for a cottage or garden look



Brick Steps

Front porch steps made out of brick
Can't beat the classic look of brick



brick front porch steps and patio area
The amazing look of brick steps



white-washed brick front porch steps
White-washed brick steps offer old world charm



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Porch Stair Handrails for Safety and Appeal

Your steps will probably require hand rails that will meet your local building codes. Mary and I recommend you start by finding the right design in case you have to modify your porch steps to accommodate the railings.


porch stair hand rails and beautiful landscaping




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