3 Quick Tips to Get Your Front Porch Ready For Summer

Tony 06/25/2019
3 Quick Tips to Get Your Front Porch Ready For Summer


Now that spring is here and the weather is favorable, most homeowners will want to spend as much time outside as possible. In fact, a recent Houzz survey found that 56% of homeowners are updating their yards so they can entertain more easily. Having a viable outdoor space for hosting get-togethers isn’t a superficial desire, either. Prioritizing your outdoor space can yield high returns. Adding a new deck can bring an ROI of nearly 76%, while installing a backyard patio can offer a return on investment of almost 69%. But it’s not just about the deck or the patio; the porch can also play an important role in your ability to socialize with friends and family.

A home with a porch is highly desirable. Roughly one-third of single family homes sold in 2014 included both a porch and a patio, but a property with a porch really stands out due to its curb appeal. Buyers definitely respond well to this home feature. Front porches made the top 12 list of most popular new home amenities in 2015, according to the National Association of Home Builders. By 2016, it was clear the U.S. was experiencing a porch resurgence. That year, an estimated 61.5% of the 78,000 single family homes sold in the U.S. included porches. What’s more, American builders are realizing how important it is to include this feature. The number of new homes being built with porches is up by 23% as compared to two decades ago.

So what does this all mean? For one thing, your porch is a huge selling point for your home. Not only can it add substantial value and ramp up your curb appeal, but it will allow you to make better use of your exterior space and create an idyllic spot for entertaining all season long. That’s assuming you’re able to make it look its best, of course. Don’t have a lot of time to spare? Don’t worry. Just follow these three quick tips and your porch will be ready for summer fun in a snap.

  1. Clean It Up: After a rough winter, your porch will probably need a good scrub to get rid of all the dust, dirt, and debris. Although you can use a push broom on a weekly basis to get rid of the leftover grime, you may need to conduct a deeper cleaning at the beginning of the season. You can wash down the walls and the floor with a gentle cleaning agent and a sponge. Sweep away the cobwebs and wash down any furniture that became dirty over the last few months. Once everything is clean and dry, you’ll have a better idea of where improvements need to be made.
  2. Add Some Color: If everything’s looking a bit dull and dreary, it’s time to add some visual interest. Before focusing on decor, this can be accomplished by repainting the floors, walls, or ceiling. Chances are that your porch might be looking a bit worse for wear anyway, so a fresh coat of paint can work wonders. You can stick to neutrals or add a pop of something a bit bolder; either way, you’ll set the stage for a beautiful design. Depending on the hues you choose, you can play up color in your furnishings (like with pillows, chair cushions, flower pots, windchimes, or end tables). You can always breathe new life into older furniture pieces by giving them a new paint job, too!
  3. Let There Be Light: Landscape lighting can be a great way to welcome others onto your property. Start by adding some pathway lighting to lead visitors to your front door. Then, you can focus on adding some illumination to your porch itself. String lights, lanterns, tiki torches, sconces, and even recessed lighting can add both charm and safety to your property. Plus, this added lighting will allow you to stay out on the porch until well after sundown -- meaning you don’t have to end the party once it gets dark outside.

A porch can allow you to make good use of your outdoor space and make your home the social hub for the summer. But you’ve got to get it ready for anything first. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to making your porch an excellent hangout spot this season.

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