Comments on: Inspiration : Front Stoop

By: Scoops

Scoops — Thu, 25 Jun 2015 15:11:14 +0000

In reply to Lindsey.

Hey Lindsey! Why do people do such crazy things to their houses??? Thanks for leaving a comment, this is reassuring and encouraging to me – I was going to look at Trex as well check out the pre-fab stringers. Now if only I could find the time …

By: Lindsey

Lindsey — Thu, 25 Jun 2015 01:35:32 +0000

We replaced some very ill-conceived steps the previous owner concocted (it was wooden frames filled with dirt with grass planted in and some landscaping rocks for good measure) with wood steps after getting a concrete quote and freaking. We used the pre-made risers to help us with the shape, and they were hugely helpful. Our steps sort of wrap around so there’s a large landing on the top and the steps go around the other three sides. Our whole project only took a day, and it cost probably $200 in materials. It really wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be. Best of luck to you!

By: Heidi S

Heidi S — Wed, 24 Jun 2015 03:31:22 +0000

Hey I know that house! ;) We had the contractor put on gray trex and white azek for the base (right over the existing concrete steps). That part was pretty economical (and durable). The expensive part was the trex handrail (which is one of the only systems with hidden hardware)! You could do it in wood for a lot less but have to keep after the paint. A wood screen door should hold up fine if you are painting it. The other nice thing about the wood door is you can cut it to fit (speaking from someone with a super wonky front door). Good luck!

By: Scoops

Scoops — Tue, 23 Jun 2015 14:16:25 +0000

In reply to Lauralou. I didn't know that the sun took such a beating on wooden screen doors, Lauralou. Do you think it would have made a difference if you would have painted it? That's such a bummer. Our front door is only in late afternoon sun so hopefully it will be able to take the rays.

By: Lauralou

Lauralou — Thu, 11 Jun 2015 19:48:12 +0000

We’ve replaced our front storm door…twice. The first time I was all dreamy and unrealistic. Our door faces south. We purchased a beautiful wooden door with removable screen and glass. The sun just killed it. I could not keep it stained (even with spar-eurethane intended for boats) and varnished from season to season. We just had an emco aluminum door installed. While it isn’t beautiful, it is growing on me. Good luck. I love the inspiration door.

By: Alanna

Alanna — Thu, 11 Jun 2015 02:22:48 +0000

In reply to Scoops. They weren't really a DIY. My father in law is a contractor, so he planned them and we "helped" build. The railings and posts are almost just like your inspiration picture. It was kind of a complicated project because he made each of the stringers (the supports for the steps) different to compensate for the wonkiness of our old house. But if your entry area is less wonky than our 100 year old porch, you might be able to use pre-made stringers, which would make it a lot simpler.

By: Scoops

Scoops — Wed, 10 Jun 2015 18:23:23 +0000

In reply to Alanna. Did you guys DIY your steps?? If so, did you have any good internet resources that you'd mind sharing with me??? Please & Thank You!

By: Alanna

Alanna — Wed, 10 Jun 2015 15:49:58 +0000

We demolished our terrible sunken concrete steps last year and replaced with wood as the first step in making the outside of our house look less like a crack den. It was SUCH a good choice. We widened them quite a bit from what they were originally and it’s so much more welcoming and pretty now. You will definitely not regret it.