How might you suggest a better approach to our log home (vt)?

Dfl22195956
by Dfl22195956
Do you think it would be a good look to add a wrap around deck extending the front porch to the side entrance. Also, what kind of steps and sidewalk to incorporate the front to side entrance As well as from driveway . Thanks for any and all suggestions.
  7 answers
  • Adele Kurtz Adele Kurtz on Mar 18, 2018

    Your property looks a lot like ours. Please take the time to skim the 40 posts and see which ones could inspire you. particularly https://www.hometalk.com/diy/outdoor/decks/blending-old-into-new-wood-deck-stairs-19470136?r=1

    and

    https://www.hometalk.com/diy/build/decks/woe-to-wow-smart-deck-transformation-22396521?r=1

    Also look at several posts about landscape transformations. No sense having a nice deck if you don't upgrade the landscaping too ;)

    You can do this!

  • Kiturah Humphrey Kiturah Humphrey on Mar 18, 2018

    Yes I do think the wrap around porch would be lovely and in keeping with the house. Based on my experience I would really consider first if you can roof it.

    • See 1 previous
    • Jean Jean on Mar 21, 2018

      I would check the angle of the sun in winter, first - if you're going wrap the deck, you could change that roof over the door to include the windows on either side - if you do it right, you can give protection from the weather and the summer sun without sacrificing the passive heat storage during the winter months.


  • Shore grandmom Shore grandmom on Mar 18, 2018

    Absolutely, a wrap around porch would look very welcoming and give you more usable space. I would make the area at the door wider, have wider stairs coming straight down to a landing then more stairs down to where you need them. The first set of stairs could be wood like the deck and the lower half could be stone, for a natural look. I would remove the small cover roof and put a metal roof over the whole porch. With metal roofs, you don't need as much of a pitch for the snow. I would also look into some shrubs that are suitable for your area. Maybe some evergreens? Good luck with your project. Take some pictures and post your before and after photos.

    • See 2 previous
    • Shore grandmom Shore grandmom on Mar 20, 2018

      I was talking about a metal roof for the new part of the deck, not any other part. With a metal roof, you don't need much of a pitch. Since the roof would have to start below the upstairs window, you could probably do a 2 / 12 pitch (talk to someone local to double check on that). That would still give you most of the sun for warmth but also give you some protection from the elements.

      You could probably still do the shrubs, talk to a local nursery and see what they say.

      As for the steps, I would take them down straight across from the door. End it near the driveway with a walkway from the driveway to steps.

  • Janis1 Janis1 on Mar 19, 2018

    A wraparound porch is pretty BUT they're a lot of work. We have one at our lakehouse and I'm constantly cleaning the porch of tree branches, leaves and acorns. And acorns and twigs are hard to get out of cracks between the wood floor. Maybe it's ok if covered but think about how much work you want to do before making a decision.

    • Dfl22195956 Dfl22195956 on Mar 19, 2018

      Thank you, Jeschie- a covered porch/ deck would conflict with the wonderful south sun exposure in the winter vermont months.

  • Brinda Reynolds Brinda Reynolds on Mar 19, 2018

    Ive got some good ideas,, but first do you live in Lowell Ar. If so let me know please if you do you might be living behind my brother ?

    bfor170@gmail.com



  • Rusty Rusty on Mar 21, 2018

    Well I would paint the outside all one colour and put window shutters in a different colour.

  • Dfl22195956 Dfl22195956 on Mar 22, 2018

    Thank you Rustyjane, we feel the rustic, natural stain suits our log home.