The perfect little weekend project, building a pathway. Regardless of the space you have, your outdoor area could probably benefit from such an addition.
Just like a beautiful door enhances the character of a house’s entrance, steps leading up to it or porch created around it has a similar effect. In this ideabook we shall explore the complete procedure of constructing an outside enclosure comprising of small porch around the main door and steps leading up to it. A covered porch around the front door provides a cozy place to relax during leisure in the warmth of the sun or to enjoy cool breeze in summer. Every part of the staircase and porch has been neatly planned and arranged to suit the ambience of the beautiful cottage.
Do come and explore this creative adventure with us.
1. Preparing the layout
Professional builders PHU Bortnowski decided to make a raised porch around the main door and design low steps leading up to it from the pavement. To make the structure attractive and long lasting the designers have fortified the foundation with stones that are supported by strong framework of wood. Instead of a plain flight of stairs it was decided to give it them a curvaceous edge by giving them an outline in wood for the perfect finish.
2. Measuring and planning
Every section of the stairs and porch was measured by professionals before the the construction could begin and also during each step of the layout process to ensure that everything fitted perfectly . Here we can see the experts in the process of measuring the large sections of wood, before cutting them up to fix them to the structure. Planks of wood are measured and then placed on the different slopes that reach the porch entrance.
3. Fixing the wooden planks
Once the wooden planks are measured and cut they are placed according to size within the framework provided for each step before leading up to the entrance. To ensure that each board stays in place for a long time they are fitted into the frame using a combination of nails, adhesives and resins. Laying of wooden boards on the entire layout starts from the last step and then gradually moves up ensuring that each level is set in properly before the next level is laid out.
4. The use of gravel
The small gravel that is visible within each step and also within the porch framework provides a strong base for the entire structure and also acts as a natural draining technique to move out all water falling onto the wooden surface. This natural method of keeping the region dry increases the life of wood boards and the structure. During seasonal changes like rain and snow water tends to accumulate in hollow surfaces and by allowing it dry up easily the makers have increased the structural integrity of the attractive wood platform.
5, Lending finishing touches
Once all the wood boards are neatly placed into their rightful places and the porch is completely ready along with the steps, then the finishing process has to be done to protect the surface and make it durable. The finishing touch to this is done by sanding, polishing and varnishing of each piece of wood, thus ensuring that it not looks incredible, but also helps the wood become more resistant to inclement weather and lasts much longer.
6. Take advantage of the porch
The flooring experts have made the smart move of adding raised platforms to the edge of the porch that serve as seats around the main seating area. This idea has lead to creation of a lively sitout space that can be enjoyed by multiple people at the same time when there is a large gathering of people for social occasions. The lovely canopy of plants along the sides of the porch keeps out the sunlight and everyone can enjoy pleasant outdoor weather during daytime instead of sitting indoors.
7. Adding final touches
Bring style and beauty to the porch by building a lightweight metallic structure to grow creepers of flowers and decorative leaves like an arbor. The lightweight metal frame that was setup to grow vegetation around the porch performs twin roles of maintaining cool temperature around the porch and creating pleasant atmosphere at the entrance. This same structure is also used to hang some spherical colorful lamps during special occasions or festivals to give a touch of festivity to this space.
8. Admire it from a distance
We take a few steps back to admire the overall view of the finished project, as the tone of the wood used on the platform perfectly matches the tiles covering the sloping roofs of the house. The vines in the small metal structure create nature friendly atmosphere around the entrance and reduce the impact of midday sun when temperatures soar high. We see how a simple simple project to create a flight of steps around a porch around the door has improved the face value and homeliness of this beautiful abode.
Everyone wants to live in attractive homes that do not have an adverse effect on the environment so why not adopt these Eco friendly ideas for your new home.