When the husband-and-wife owners of a picturesque West Nashville property approached us about remodeling their home, they had two primary goals in mind:
- To transform the appearance of their house, and
- To create an environment where they could better enjoy their front yard and the awe-inspiring view
Like many other West Nashville homeowners, their property features an enormous front yard but a much smaller back yard, so it made perfect sense to focus attention on the front of the house.
Front Porch Addition
After consulting with the client, we settled on a full front porch addition, which called for removing the existing front stoop and replacing it with a new walkway and front porch/covered deck.
The only hang-up was that the original budget turned out to be unrealistic for a project of this size and scope. Of course, as home remodelers and general contractors, part of our job is to educate our clients about the benefits and drawbacks of using select products and materials.https://www.strattonexteriors.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/WestNashFrontPorch4-300×300.jpg
Choice Materials: AZEK TimberTech and Western Red Cedar
Ultimately we decided to use AZEK TimberTech™ decking, which is premium capped polymer decking that provides a natural wood grain look and is decidedly low maintenance. We also utilized 6”x6” western red cedar support posts, western red cedar railings with metal balusters, and cedar skirting at the bottom.
(A less-expensive alternative would have been using pressure-treated wood, but it doesn’t look as nice, doesn’t last as long, and is more expensive to maintain. Over time it also tends to split, crack, splinter, twist and bow, thanks to the chemicals that have been added to the wood).
Front Porch Ceiling and Lighting
As for the ceiling, we utilized tongue-in-groove 1” x 6” pine, to which we applied two coats of clear coat. Finally, we added ceiling fans and recessed lighting on dimmers, as being able to adjust the brightness of the lighting is a must-have feature when you’re talking about an indoor-outdoor space like a front porch or covered deck.
(An alternative would have been using rope lighting—also on dimmers—which might have provided a more whimsical look.)
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A Seamless Design
All in all, we believe the design and execution of the new front porch can best be described as seamless. That is, the new addition looks like it was built with the home.
Best of all, the new front porch greatly improves the client’s quality of life. Now the young couple in question can enjoy their front porch — not to mention the spectacular view — on a year-round basis.
They can also use the porch when entertaining friends and family, and it doubles as a beautiful entryway whenever guests enter the home. Last but not least, the space is ideal for the couple’s pets, who can roam around outside while still remaining inside.
A Porch Addition Can Enhance Virtually Any Nashville Home
The bottom line is that virtually any home can benefit from the new look and different perspective that a front or back porch addition can provide.
If you’re interested in exploring the possibility of adding a new porch to the front or back of your house, Stratton Exteriors can help you visualize and accomplish your goals.
Call us at (615) 750-2148 or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation. Or check out our featured projects and sign up for our e-newsletter to get ideas and see the quality of our work. We’re looking forward to collaborating with you on your next Nashville area remodel or home improvement project.
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