The entryway to your home is one of the first things people notice about your home. If you’re looking to make this area a little bit more inviting, there are a few things that can help. One of these things is to focus on the front steps. Here are a few front step ideas to upgrade your entryway.

1. Add steps.
2. Replace or upgrade steps.
3. Use contrast on the stairs.
4. Coordinate stair colors with your siding.
5. Add or replace step railings.
6. Add or upgrade a walkway.

1. Add Steps

If there aren’t any steps leading up to your home, you really should consider adding some. Front steps are important for a variety of things, including structural integrity. Steps help connect the ground to a home’s raised foundation and create a barrier from dirt and moisture.

Adding steps can also be a helpful curb appeal idea. They create an inviting entry into your home and add some visual interest to your home. If there ever comes a time that you need to sell your home, an inviting set of front steps will make your home a lot more attractive to buyers. If you want something more accessible, a ramp can be an option instead of steps.

2. Replace or Upgrade Steps

Stairs that are broken or outdated can also use a replacement or an upgrade. This goes beyond just fixing squeaky stairs. Broken or damaged steps are a safety hazard that should be addressed. In some cases, a repair of existing elements can work. In other cases, it’s better to replace the steps entirely.

If you already need to replace your front steps, you can replace them with updated materials in the same style you had, you can include new upgrades and options, or you can completely overhaul your steps with an entirely new structure. This can be a good option if you are also considering remodeling your front porch or surrounding areas. Upgrading or completely replacing your front steps can do wonders to make your home feel like it has an upgrade. It’s also a great way to make your front porch feel more inviting.

3. Use Contrast on the Stairs

Another front step idea to upgrade the entryway is to use contrast on the stairway. One of the most classic front porch step designs is to use a bright white on the risers and paint or stain the treads a dark color.

Typically, this dark color will match the flooring of your porch. This combination creates some visual interest and makes the stairway pop. This is also an idea for deck stairs that can elevate the look and feel of your deck.

4. Coordinate Stair Colors With Your Siding

Picking a color for your front porch steps might feel a little overwhelming, but to make this decision a little bit easier, consider matching your steps to your siding. Matching the risers to your siding with a complementary color or complementary contrast on the treads is a popular way to do this. This is a great way to make your home feel really cohesive and put together.

If you’re looking at your siding and notice any cracks or gaps in it, this is a sign your house needs new siding. This allows you to keep both the siding and front porch step color in mind as you choose new siding.

5. Add or Replace Step Railings

Railings don’t just have to be functional; they can be decorative, too. If you don’t have any real railings, consider adding some. There are many different kinds of materials to choose from, but there are a lot of benefits of vinyl railings, like durability and lower maintenance, in addition to safety.

If you currently have railings, but notice any rotting or loose posts, this is a sign it’s time to replace railings. Getting these updates is important because it can be a safety concern otherwise. Plus, it can freshen up the stairway and porch area, which can increase home value and boost curb appeal.

6. Add or Upgrade a Walkway

Another way to upgrade an entryway is to create a walkway or upgrade your walkway leading up to the steps. You can make a walkway with either pavers, bricks, or stones to create stepping stones that lead to your steps. This is a popular curb appeal trend and instantly makes your home more inviting.

Using stamped concrete is also another way to create a walkway to the front steps. One of the biggest benefits of stamped concrete is that it is very versatile and allows you to customize your walkway to look exactly the way you want. Stamped concrete can be made to look like different materials, so you can match your walkway to your surroundings and home.

Improve Your Home’s Exterior With Zephyr Thomas

These are just a few front step ideas to upgrade your entryway. Incorporating one or two of these ideas can be useful home upgrades that add value to your home. If you’re ready to get to work on upgrading your entryway or another home improvement project, give us a call at (717) 399-4708 to start a free quote!

Check out the time-lapse video below to see the Zephyr Thomas team replacing the front steps and walkway for this homeowner!