The entrance of your home says a lot to guests and passersby. It can be welcoming and beautiful, or it could be broken down and unsafe. Many people looking to renovate their landscaping or home exterior think about the front walkway, and while that is important, one should also remember that some front entrances require stoops and steps. How can you make your front entry count for an overall great first impression? Consider these ideas!
The Importance of Front Entrance Steps
Why do so many American homes have steps up to the front door? The front door is usually built above grade so that water cannot enter the home. If this is not the case, we can help with that too!
Front stoops are also important because they can be a welcoming entry to the home, and sometimes, give us a place to sit and connect with loved ones.
Front Entrance Steps: Ideas
Match the Front Walkway
When redesigning your front entry, there are a number of ways to pick out materials. One way is to match the house exactly, especially if it is a brick or stone-faced house. This gives you continuity and timelessness. You know exactly what you are getting and you don’t have to worry if it is going to work out. See the stoop we fixed below that was started by another contractor. They didn’t set the elevations right and their construction quality was subpar. We matched the brick to the house, tore out the other contractors work, and installed the new stoop.
Mix & Match Materials
You can also choose to mix and match materials for a custom design. This can really enhance your property and set you apart from your neighbors! For example, you could include brick detailing with gray stone steps to tie in the brick facade of your home. You could also use a completely different material that complements your siding and walkway. Who is to say it has to be all the same?
Straight, Curved, Bigger, or Smaller?
The shape and size of your front entry steps will be determined by the current traffic flow. How do you use the steps now? How are they working for you? Do you want to redirect traffic? Do you need them bigger or smaller? Some homes only need simple stairs, while others need a more expansive design. Semi-circular or flared steps open up to the front walkway, making it easier to travel directly to the right or left of the front door. The best fit for your property depends on your front landscaping layout and how your family uses the space.
Railings and Walls
Front door stoops and steps may require a railing. Lucky for you, there are SO many options: aluminum, PVC, rope, wrought iron, and many more! It just really depends on the look you are going for. Some designs call for railings or walls on either side. If there is a steep drop on either side of the steps, you might be required to put in a railing or wall per code in your area. Walls are useful for retaining soil around your new steps.
Let Us Help You Come up with a Great Design!
Now that you have some different variables in mind, it can be helpful but also overwhelming. All the designers at The Landscape Design Center in Edgewater, MD, are here to help you navigate the many options. We can install almost any type of stoop or step, so we will never push you into a material just because that is all we install. We will suggest what is right for your home and budget! Call us today!
The Landscape Design Center Is Here To Serve You
At The Landscape Design Center, the client is our number one priority. We are committed to creating, improving, and maintaining the environment – an environment in which our clients live, work, and play. Feel free to ask us questions or contact us for an estimate, and be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and YouTube to stay up-to-date on all of our latest news.
