Front Stairs for a Split Level Entry

last year

We are doing some work to update our front entryway but are struggling with what to do with the stairs. They were painted the same color as the house but we’re looking to change things up. We are not planning to demolish them - looking for ideas to either repaint them or cover them with another material. The new front door will be stained wood and there will be an awning installed between the top of the front door and the windows above with wooden brackets on either side. A new stair railing will also be installed. How would you suggest updating the stairs?

Featured Answer

mad_gallica (z5 Eastern NY)

last year

To begin at the beginning, the final grade seems odd for this style of house. Most of the point of a split-foyer is that the front door isn't that far above the final grade. Often, there is a significant slope down so a garage underneath, but that happens between the front door and the driveway. For the front door to be half a story above grade means that somebody has already dropped the ball.

So a big part of what has to happen to improve the front of the house is to either eliminate a lot of those steps through regrading, or make them seem more gracious and more intentional. This means making an adequately generous landing at the top of the steps, both deeper and wider, and making the steps deeper and shallower.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (13)

wsea
last year
last modified: last year
I actually like the stairs matching the house. when you say awning above the door, what style? if anything i may change the railings but it would really depend on what the awning will look like.

it might make more sense to focus on the walkway and landscaping. those are what seem out of place to me.
Sigrid
last year
If I did anything, I'd make the pad at the top of the stairs larger. If I were to paint or clad them, I'd match the path.
Related Professionals
Myrtle Beach Interior Designers & Decorators · Rock Hill Interior Designers & Decorators · Chico Interior Designers & Decorators · Sanford Interior Designers & Decorators · Indianapolis Architects & Building Designers · Cherry Hill Architects & Building Designers · Sierra Vista Architects & Building Designers · Allentown Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Marinette Architects & Building Designers · Superior Architects & Building Designers · Rutland Home Builders · Queens Home Builders · Green Bay Design-Build Firms · Kenosha Design-Build Firms · Missoula Design-Build Firms
elcieg
last year
Found this photo on instagram. You mentioned a new wood door. Take a look; notice the color of the window trim, the brass lanterns.

https://www.instagram.com/designingthedream_/
cksommer
Original Author
last year
The awning wood be something similar to this with light wood. Landscaping is a priority this spring
PRO
BeverlyFLADeziner
last year
A canopy over the door could be a good addition.

I'd change out those yellow lights on the house. They look terrible.

Here's an alternate.
rosiembog
last year
I agree with Sigrid that the landing in front of the doors needs to be more substantial.
As Beverly noted,a canopy over the door is a welcome enhancement.
It should be large enough to cover the new larger landing.
At present the stairs seem like a flimsy industrial minimal requirement.
Consider putting risers on the stairs to eliminate the flimsy vibe.
Yvonne Martin
last year
You seem to have enough space to spread the stairs out to make each step less steep. This would add graciousness to the entry.
PRO
BeverlyFLADeziner
last year
With a second look it appears the railings are a bit too light in scale and are over whelmed by the mass of the house. I would consider replacing them.
wsea
last year
Im really not seeing the style awning you showed as going with the house. seems a bit too rustic and complicated with all the bracing.

something more streamlined and minimal would be better, similar to what beverly posted. will the doors change., they also seem a bit mismatched to the style
PRO
BeverlyFLADeziner
last year
A canopy requires support. It's not possible to extend a flat roof out without tying it into the existing structure (cantilever) or using brackets to support the load.
Kendrah
last year
I wouldn't invest in cladding these stairs or adding a specific railings. Save up for demoing and making a new staircase down the road.

It seems nearly hazardous to not have a landing outside the door. You open to go outside and are faced with a steep set of steps. Nowhere to stand to fiddle with your keys or anything else.

It doesn't make sense to put an awning on unless it covers a substantial area. Otherwise it seems like misplaced decoration.
larkspurproject
last year
It seems unsafe to not have a landing at the top of the stairs. Large landing with wider, less steep steps and an overhang for protection from the elements would be a great start. I really like the path that leads from the gravel drive to the steps.