Does Your Porch Need a Pick-Me-Up?

Filed Under: Decks & Porches, Outdoor Living
June 15, 2022
sad porch

by Melissa James

Does Your Porch Need a Pick-Me-Up?

sad porch

There is no better time of year than spring/summer to sit outside on your porch and enjoy a nice cup of coffee and the morning news, or a relaxing glass of wine in the evening with friends. But if your porch is more of a drag than a sanctuary, then it’s time for a porch pick-me-up!

Over time, most porches—especially those made of wood—will need minor maintenance to keep them in tip-top shape. Even with care, wood will eventually start to warp and splinter. While vinyl trim wrap and vinyl columns and railings will eliminate those issues, even vinyl, concrete and brick porches are susceptible to mildew, cracks and discoloration. And then of course, there are the homes with porches that are in decent condition but set with rotting rockers, fraying mats and dying plants.

The good news is that there are many things you can do to overhaul a porch that has seen better days. From quick DIY fixes to larger jobs where a professional contractor comes in, the options are as endless as your vision (well, and your budget!)

Check out these fun ideas for every price point and ability level:

Pressure Wash Before and After

Put pressure on it

Whether you have a wood, concrete or brick porch, oftentimes a thorough cleaning is all that’s needed to spruce up its appearance. If you own a pressure washer, then what are you waiting for? This machine makes even the dirtiest porches look brand new in a matter of hours. If you don’t own one, then renting or borrowing a pressure washer is the least expensive option. If you’re not the DIY type, almost any handyman service can help with this simple project. You won’t believe how much difference a little water under pressure can make.

Don’t forget to clean your furniture and accessories too. Pop your outdoor pillows in the washing machine and wipe down any pots, candles, tables, etc. Did you know that you can pressure wash some wood and metal porch furniture? Be sure to check the manufacturer’s recommendations first, and always use the lowest pressure setting to avoid chipping off the paint.

New Porch Furniture Add new accessories

Once your porch is nice and clean, it’s time to replace any unfixable furniture. Even a single chair and side table can make a world of difference.  You can also up the cozy factor by throwing in a few outdoor pillows, blankets, baskets and rugs for texture.

Perky Plants Perk it up with plants

Nothing says spring like greenery! Adding a few potted plants to your porch will almost immediately bring it to life again. Plant fruits and vegetables that grow well in containers and pull double-duty—providing ambiance while feeding your family. If mosquitos are a problem in your yard, plant citronella in pots around seating areas. Even herb gardens with rosemary, mint, basil, thyme, lavender and lemongrass help to repel these pesky pests and improve your dinner dishes.

Hide out

Add privacy to your porch by hanging outdoor curtains around gathering areas. The pop of color creates ambience and interest for the space. If you’re looking for more-permanent privacy options, hang lattice, wood panels, PVC panels or art panels from eaves or on posts. A professional contractor can build a full privacy fence in your yard or privacy wall on your existing porch.

Porch Lighting Lighten up

Lighting upgrades are one of the easiest, and often cheapest, ways to update a space. For just a few dollars, you can purchase outdoor candles that provide a warm glow and repel mosquitos and gnats. Vintage string lights hung around the perimeter of your porch are a timeless way to light up the space, or even try a zigzag pattern. Choose warm, soft bulbs for your porch lights to create a welcoming ambiance.

Hot tub on porch Create a party porch

If you have room, it can be fun to add new entertainment areas on your porch. A hammock or wooden porch swing makes an inviting addition, as does a hot tub, fire table or game area. If you have kids, maybe a covered sandbox or water table is just what they need. Almost anything you can put in your yard, you can also put on your porch, so the options are endless. Might want to stick to the BACK porch for that hot tub though!

Porch Paint Tiles Polish it with paint

If your porch is wooden, you are likely (or should be) spending time sealing the wood year after year.  Why not switch to tinted sealer to give it a more polished look? For an even more upgraded look, consider rolling on a thick layer of Armorpoxy, which not only helps protect the top layer of wood and add grip for safety, but also gives the appearance of composite decking material without the high cost.

Whether your porch is wood or concrete, you can always start by applying a fresh coat of outdoor paint to your entire space. Sometimes just changing the color is enough to transform the entire look and feel. To take it a step further, try stenciling a pattern on the floor. This works especially well with concrete porches, as you can easily fake the look of expensive tile.

If you’re willing to spend a bit more time and money to upgrade your porch, you can do wonders with a paintbrush!

Column wrapping Wrap it up

Basic wooden posts can begin to look worn out and outdated over time. A fast and easy upgrade for any covered porch wrap the support posts with vinyl, wood or even faux stone. With the right tools and materials, this project can usually be done yourself. Get creative with materials, and you’ll be amazed at the results.

Replace Deck Boards Do a switcheroo

If your wooden porch boards are warping, rotting, or just too far gone to save, it may be time to have them replaced. If the frame underneath is still solid, and you like the overall design of the porch, you can get by with just removing the worn top boards and replacing them with new treated boards (also known as “reskinning”). Serious DIY-ers can take this on themselves, but it can also be a job big enough for hiring a contractor.

If you want a solution that requires less maintenance, consider hiring a professional to install composite decking boards, such as Trex, TimberTech, or Azek. While the up-front cost is higher, they last longer and save money in the long term, as no annual sealing or maintenance is needed.

Screen Porch Before and After

Screen it in

If you’re lucky enough to already have a covered porch area, one of the best things you can do to increase your home’s value and decrease the number of bug bites your family gets, is to have the area screened in.  The space will be so versatile and useful that you won’t regret it. The photo above is from the garage building at my friend’s home in York County, from when she first purchased the property to when she had the porch screened in (along with some other improvements, of course!)

If you don’t have an area that can be easily enclosed but want the additional living space protected from the elements, consider purchasing a screened-in gazebo that can be easily attached to your existing porch.

Pergola on Porch Add a cool cover

If your budget and space allow, consider having a home exteriors contractor add a roof over your patio to create a porch, even if it’s just a portion of it. The shade and protection from the rain will extend the amount of time you can enjoy the great outdoors, and the overhead structure will provide a beautiful place for hanging plants and stringing lights.

If you don’t have the budget for a roof, consider having a pergola built instead. Pergolas provide the perfect support for climbing plants, which typically grow fast and can imbibe a bit of privacy to the space.

You don’t have to spend a fortune to perk up your porch, as little details go a long way. But if you want to make major improvements, call Quality Built Exteriors today. Their experienced team is happy to provide a free estimate on the porch renovation of your dreams.