Next, you can add a fresh layer of stain to make the wood look new again.įor the pressure-washing, Ottis warns that it could damage the wood if it’s not done properly. Ottis says the best way to clean a wooden porch is to first use pressure-washing to remove any fungus that may have grown on and in between the wood. “Wood will require you to do more maintenance, unlike slate, concrete and brick,” he points out.
CONCRETE FRONT PORCH STEPS IDEAS FULL
Wooden porchesīenjamin Ottis, an exterior cleaning expert and founder of Full Color Cleaners, notes that wood can rot, grow fungus and lose the seal that protects it from weather conditions. Once you’ve de-cluttered and removed any surface dirt and debris, it’s a good idea to do a deeper cleaning of the porch itself. If you’re short on interior storage space, consider temporarily renting a storage unit until the house is sold.
Even if there’s not enough interior storage space, telegraphing that fact to the entire neighborhood by using the front porch as a storage area is a bad idea.” “Psychologically, dumping non-working or rarely used items at the entrance to your home does not exactly indicate a high-functioning household. “Never use your front porch as a storage area,” advises real estate analyst Emile L’Eplattenier. Common offenders include shoes, unused flowerpots, bicycles, kids’ toys, pet accessories, gardening tools and other “everyday debris” that might not seem like clutter to you, but certainly would to a buyer. Remove any unnecessary or unused items that might create a cluttered appearance or impede the path to the front door. Just like the interior of the house, it’s important to make sure the porch is clean and tidy. Make sure all furniture surfaces are dry before replacing the cushions. Next, wipe down the wicker with a mixture of one gallon of soapy water and ¼ cup of mild dish soap. For caked-on dirt, try using a soft paint brush or toothbrush.
If not, try using a scrub brush to clean them with a mixture of one gallon of warm water, one cup of Borax and ¼ cup of dish soap, as suggested by Carpe Diem Cleaning. If they have removable covers that can be tossed in the washing machine, that’s the easiest solution. If you have any outdoor seating on the porch, make sure the cushions are clean. And don’t wait until scheduled showings - you never know when a prospective buyer might be doing a preliminary drive-by. With so many porches out there, try these expert-recommended tips for making yours stand out. The third most common type of porch is a composite, which is a mixture of wood and plastic fibers that requires less maintenance than solid wood. The majority of front porches are made from concrete, and the second most popular material is treated wood, according to the Annual Builder Practices Survey (BPS) conducted by Home Innovation Research Labs. The West North Central states saw 52% of new homes with porches, while in four Southern states, the share of properties with porches was as high as 90%. In 2017, the last year with data available, nearly 65% of new homes were built with front porches. Data from the Survey of Construction (SOC) shows that a majority of new homes across the country are built with them.
Porches aren’t just popular in the South. Source: (Camylla Battani / Unsplash) Front porch trends across the country We talked to a top real estate agent as well as some décor and construction experts to find out what you can do to spruce up your stoop, increase your home’s curb appeal and create a warm, welcoming introduction for buyers. Whether you have a giant wraparound porch or just a small portico, there are plenty of creative and cost-effective ways to maintain, improve, and dress up your entryway.
The front porch is a great place to start. In fact, according to HomeLight’s Top Agent Insights for 2019, 76% of agents believe that taking steps to improve the exterior is the most important thing you can do to make your home more desirable. A buyer has already formed an opinion about your home before they ever step foot inside.