Understanding Brick Columns
Brick columns are like the unsung heroes of porches—they bring both style and strength in one neat package. Think of them as the fashion-forward bouncers of your home, lending charm and support. Knowing how brick turns into this multi-talented porch feature can help folks choose the best fit for their homes.
Versatility of Brick in Landscaping
Brick isn’t just for building those sprawling mansions on TV—it’s the chameleon of outdoor materials. It’s all over the place: underfoot in patios, lining paths, waving casually from walls, or neatly trimming garden beds (The Spruce). It’s got guts and glam, ready to hold up the roof or show off your taste. Choose from styles like herringbone for a hip vibe, running bond for stability, or jack-on-jack for a neat finish—it’s like picking out your home’s wardrobe.
When brick columns stand proud on a porch, they become the spotlight-stealing feature. They bring a classic edge or a rustic warmth that matches up well with pretty much any house style. These columns are reliable team players, bringing that touch of class that never goes out of fashion.
Benefits of Brick Columns
Now, let’s talk shop: brick columns aren’t just eye-candy—they’re workhorses. They hold up roofs and are as tough as nails, ready to weather any storm. And you won’t be swapping them out every couple of years—they’re built to last.
Sometimes, in a porch makeover, switching up or removing old brick columns can breathe new life into an entryway (BHG). It shows how adaptable they are—styling a porch to fit just about any dream, all without losing their timeless grace and versatility.
So, if you’re on the lookout for porch accents that blend old-school style with current trends, brick columns are a smart pick. They can give your porch that magazine-cover-ready look while keeping everything solid under the surface. Whether it’s a nod to tradition or a spin on something modern, these columns bring the kind of wow-factor that impresses both guests and grumpy neighbors alike.
Brick Column Upkeep
Looking after those brick columns is like giving your porch some love. They’re not just standing there for fun; they hold everything together and make sure your house looks top-notch. Here’s your handy guide to keep them looking sharp and standing tall, touching on patch-ups and what they might set you back.
Fixing Brick Columns
The great outdoors may be lovely, but it’s got no manners when it comes to messing with your columns – weather, humidity, or even a rowdy squirrel or two. If you spot a crack, a loose brick, or a mortar joint that’s seen better days, jump on it fast to stop things from getting ugly.
When there’s a crack or crumble, don’t play the hero if things look pretty serious. Ring up a pro, like a mason or contractor, to get an expert opinion. But if it’s something small, you might patch it up yourself. Just make sure you know what you’re doing – check out our DIY brick columns for porch guide for the lowdown.
Thinking About the Costs
How deep are your pockets? Fixing brick columns is a spendy exercise, and costs can swing wildly based on how banged up they are, how hard they are to get to, and what materials are needed. BHG reckons a total home face-lift could run you anywhere from $15,000 to $80,000. And just swapping a roof could knock you back $8,000 to $50,000. Thankfully, fixing brick columns shouldn’t hit those heights, but it’s good to be ready.
Be a savvy shopper – get a couple of quotes from different folks to pick what’s best for you. A local contractor’s advice will be a light in the dark on what’s fair to pay in your part of town. Shelling out the bucks now means your columns will hold up in style and stay pretty for the long haul.
Keep those columns spiffy, and they’ll keep holding up your porch with style for years to come. Don’t let little faults turn into big headaches – jump on them, think about your budget, and get the right folks on the job to make your columns last and look their best.
Alternatives to Brick Columns
When you’re thinking about jazzing up your porch, trading out those standard brick columns for something with a bit more pizzazz might just do the trick. Two neat options that’ve been gaining traction are stone veneer siding and giving your porch columns a facelift.
Stone Veneer Siding
Stone veneer siding is like the cool cousin of natural stone—it’s easier on the wallet and just as charming. Using this on your porch columns can make quite the statement. It’s not just for columns though; think mailbox surrounds, outdoor grills, or even as a highlight in your living room or kitchen. Whether you’re sprucing up a fireplace or adding some rustic flair to your backsplash, stone veneer does the job (Lowe’s).
This stuff is tough and looks pretty sweet, adding a pinch of sophistication. Its flexibility makes it a great way to mix that old-school charm with a fresher vibe for your porch.
Porch Column Redesign
Changing up the look of those porch columns can give your house’s face a complete makeover. Just take a trick from a Cape Cod home revamp where they ditched those brick columns. This little tweak opened up the area, focusing on the front door while keeping a classic vibe with painted corbels and tapered columns (BHG).
There are loads of ways to play around with column redesign. Whether you’re leaning towards something snappy and modern or sticking with something that never goes out of style, refreshing your porch columns could majorly boost your home’s front appeal.
Trying out these alternatives, like stone veneer siding and column makeovers, could be the X factor your porch needs. Look into these ideas to get your porch looking sharp and reflective of who you are—ready to greet anyone who comes your way.
Porch Remodel Cost Factors
Planning to give your porch a facelift? Knowing what factors affect the costs can make budgeting as smooth as a Tennessee whiskey. By getting the lowdown on potential expenses and how different updates can jazz up your porch, you’ll be making savvy choices for your outdoor hangout.
Exterior Remodeling Costs
Fixing up the outside of your house can run you anywhere from $15,000 to $80,000 according to BHG. That’s a wide net that catches things like sprucing up the yard or beefing up structural supports. But, if you’re looking at a new roof, hold on to your hat: Those costs can swing from $8,000 to $50,000 depending on what you choose and how much fixing it needs.
Before you dive into remodeling, figure out what you really want for your porch, so your budget doesn’t end up in the doghouse. By breaking down these figures, you can see where every dollar does the most work.
Impactful Updates for Porch
Ready to put some sparkle in your porch’s eye? Certain tweaks pack a punch for both looks and function. BHG shares that small touches, like a fresh coat of paint, sleek new fixtures, or flashy house numbers and mailboxes, can catch eyes faster than a dog on a squirrel.
And hey, don’t forget what greenery can do! Plants do wonders for your porch’s vibe. Try opting for varieties that can stand up to the local critters—think lavender, marigolds, or salvia. They’ll add splashy color and a bit of sass to your porch scene. Plus, those plants don’t just look pretty; they make the spot feel welcoming and warm.
With these clever updates and a clear handle on costs, you’ll turn your porch into the belle of the neighborhood ball. More than just a pretty sight, these upgrades can crank up your home’s curb worth too.
Sprucing Up Your Porch’s Look
Spruce up your porch and make it the cozy retreat you’ve always wanted! Trust us, a few tweaks and some well-chosen plants will help turn your entrance into a friendly and fabulous spot.
Spiffing Up Your Front Porch
Kicking your porch up a notch is simpler than you’d think and can set the stage for a warm, home-sweet-home vibe. Just a lick of fresh paint, some snazzy light fixtures, and sprucing up those old house numbers and mailbox can do wonders for your home’s curb appeal (check out Bonsai Builders).
Furniture, people! Amping up or swapping out porch decor can add both snazzy style and laid-back comfort. Picture a swinging porch swing, cushy cushions, cute outdoor rugs, stylish planters, and charming window boxes. These pieces not only add comfort but also ensure your porch mirrors your personal flair (got more insights from Bonsai Builders).
Picking Perfect Plants for Your Porch
Plants! They’re the secret sauce for jazzing up your porch with splashy colors and lively vibes. When planting the seed for your porch overhaul, think of plants that are both pretty and practical. Picking deer-resistant flora like lavender, marigolds, and salvia keeps unwanted critters at bay while keeping the vibe alive (shout-out to Bonsai Builders).
A medley of sizes and colors creates a picture-perfect porch garden. Select planters and hanging baskets that fit your porch’s look and showcase your taste. Check the sun’s schedule on your porch, too, so you can pick plants that’ll love soaking up the rays they need.
Jazzing up your porch with carefully chosen plants not only boosts charm but also fosters a peaceful, inviting spot right outside your door. With a bit of effort, you’ll find your porch becomes a lasting and captivating feature of your home’s exterior.
Deck Skirting Options
Choosing the right skirt for your deck is more than just picking a pretty face; it’s about balancing looks with practicality and ease of care. And if you’re good with hammering nails, that doesn’t hurt either. Let’s break it down—stone, brick, composite, and concrete are your go-tos. Here’s how they stack up.
Stone and Brick Skirting
There’s nothing like the classic vibe of stone and brick. They give your deck the chance to look like it’s been around longer than you have. You get that seamless flow from the deck to your backyard—perfect for when your land’s not exactly flat, offering a blend of aesthetics and stability that won’t upset the outdoor chi. Essentially, they’re like the little black dress of deck skirting—hardly ever out of style.
Composite and Concrete Skirting
Composite decking is like that reliable friend who somehow always looks polished with minimal effort. Sure, the upfront cost might make your wallet wince a bit, but think long-term—this stuff lasts. It shrugs off the elements like it’s got other things to do, and doesn’t demand much attention. Besides, it’ll stick around longer than that ‘reliable friend’ analogy does (Trex RainEscape).
Concrete skirting, on the other hand, is all about being sturdy and weatherproof. It’s strong enough to take a beating from the elements and still look good—like, really good. Concrete can also be a shape-shifter, mimicking wood or composite looks, so you’re not stuck with standard gray. It’s the chameleon of deck skirting, offering both modern flair and rugged resilience (Trex RainEscape).
Whether you lean toward the natural charm of stone and brick or prefer the low-key toughness of composite and concrete, the key is to match your skirting with your priorities. Think about the style you want, how much time you’re willing to invest in upkeep, and how long you want this stuff to last. Choose the material that jives with your porch’s personality and serves your needs best.