Giving My Porch a Much-Needed Facelift

In the three years since my husband and I moved into our home, we’ve done a lot of work on the inside. We’ve completely remodeled the kitchen and both bathrooms, and upgraded most of the rest of the house. But the exterior? Well, that’s been a different story.

I’ll admit, I’ve neglected the outside of our home for far too long. I did manage to add some shutters and build a few planter boxes, but otherwise, the curb appeal has been lacking. That is, until I decided it was time to give my front porch a much-needed makeover.

The worst-looking features on the front of our house were definitely the wood posts and beams. I never liked that they were painted the exact same color as the stucco, and after years of neglect, they were starting to peel and flake. It was time for a change.

Assessing the Situation

As a self-proclaimed DIY enthusiast, I knew I could handle this project myself. My first step was to inspect the beams and column posts to make sure they were still structurally sound. There’s no point in making the space look pretty if it’s ready to fall down, right?

Luckily, the wood parts of the porch just needed a new paint job. They were in otherwise good shape and still structurally sound. I even had my husband, who’s a structural engineer, take a look at the changes I wanted to make to make sure I was conforming to local building standards.

With the structural assessment out of the way, I moved on to the next step: cleaning and removing any debris.

Cleaning and Prepping the Porch

Using an electric power washer, I removed all the dirt and flaking paint from the wood surface. This was a bit of a tedious task, but necessary to get the porch ready for its transformation.

After allowing the wood to dry overnight, I tackled the next step: removing the old hardware. This was definitely the most time-consuming and least enjoyable part of the makeover, but it had to be done. I used a hammer and cats paw to remove the old strap ties.

Now, these strap ties are actually structural connectors that help hold the porch together, so I only removed every other one before moving on. I didn’t want to compromise the integrity of the structure.

Painting the Porch

With the old hardware removed, it was time to give the porch a fresh coat of paint. I used a brush and extra-thick nap roller to apply two thick coats of an exterior acrylic paint. I wanted to mimic the look of stained wood, so I went with a dark brown color.

I have to admit, I was a little nervous about the painting part. I’m usually pretty good with a paintbrush, but the size of the porch posts and beams was a bit intimidating. But once I got started, it was actually a pretty straightforward process. And the end result was exactly what I was going for.

Adding the Finishing Touches

Now for the fun part: adding the new hardware. I decided to go with the Outdoor Accents line by Timber Building, and let me tell you, it was a game-changer.

Not only are the Outdoor Accents connectors beautiful, but they’re actually even stronger than the old strap ties. They’re structural as well as decorative, which means my posts and beams were embellished and reinforced at the same time.

I used 3 1/2 inch structural wood screws and hex-head washers to install the new hardware. This combo looks like chunky bolts, but it’s so much easier to install than nails or traditional bolts. And the best part? No predrilling required!

I alternated removing the old strap ties and installing the new APL6 strap ties to make sure the connections between the posts and beams were always secured. The black powder-coated hardware makes for a great contrast with the wood, and it matches my black porch swing perfectly.

The Reveal

After just two days of work, the front of my house was completely transformed. I still have a few more changes I want to make, but I can honestly say that our home’s exterior is looking so much better these days.

The best part of using the Outdoor Accents connectors is that they’re not only beautiful, but they’re also incredibly durable. I love knowing that I’ll never have to repaint those stylish and sturdy APL6 straps.

Painting the exposed wood structure and swapping out the structural hardware sounds intimidating, but it really wasn’t that hard at all. This is a project that I think most DIYers could tackle over a weekend. And the impact it can have on your home’s curb appeal is just amazing.

Inspiration from My Vintage Porch

While I was planning my porch makeover, I stumbled across a blog post on My Vintage Porch that really inspired me. The blogger, Natalie, had just given her daughter Hallie’s room a refresh, and she used some leftover peel-and-stick boards from Timber Chic to create a stunning accent wall.

Natalie mentioned that these boards were super easy to apply, and that she had used them in other projects around her home, including her master bedroom and closet. Seeing how the wood accent wall transformed Hallie’s room made me realize that a similar treatment could be just the thing my porch needed.

Bringing the Timber Accent Wall to Life

I loved the idea of using a wood accent wall to add some warmth and character to my porch, so I decided to give it a try. I headed over to the Timber Chic website and ordered a few boxes of their coastal white boards. They arrived quickly, and I couldn’t wait to get started.

The installation process was just as easy as Natalie had described. I simply measured the wall, cut the boards to size, and started applying them. The peel-and-stick backing made it a breeze, and I was able to complete the entire accent wall in just a few hours.

As I stepped back to admire my handiwork, I couldn’t believe the transformation. The warm, rustic wood tones instantly added so much character to the space, and the contrast with the freshly painted porch posts and beams was just stunning.

Finishing Touches

With the accent wall in place, I started playing around with the other decor elements on my porch. I decided to keep the valances that I had originally planned to remove, as they complemented the wood tones perfectly.

I also added a few more personal touches, like a mood board made from an old frame and some cork, and a rustic wood sign that I had been eyeing for a while. And of course, I couldn’t forget about my trusty porch swing – the perfect spot to sit and admire my handiwork.

The Final Result

The transformation of my front porch is nothing short of amazing. What was once a drab and neglected space is now a warm, welcoming, and completely personalized area that I can’t wait to spend time in.

The timber accent wall is the true star of the show, but the new hardware, fresh paint, and carefully curated decor all come together to create a space that I’m truly proud of. And the best part? It’s all the result of a weekend’s worth of hard work.

If you’re looking to give your front porch a facelift, I highly recommend considering a timber accent wall. It’s a relatively simple project that can have a huge impact on the overall look and feel of your outdoor space. And with the help of products like Timber Chic’s easy-to-install boards, the process is easier than you might think.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your tools, gather your inspiration, and get ready to transform your porch into the inviting, stylish space it deserves to be.