Last week I shared the start of our new portico project and today I am sharing the progress we have made. It’s looking so much better and the roof is up! It’s crazy how a building a portico, a little roof and two new columns can transform the front of a home.
Here is the before:
We framed around the existing step.
Initially, we were going to remove the cement step but decided that it was in decent shape and would provide a solid base for the new wider step, so we left it.
We chose a maintenance free vinyl decking to create our new step.
Last week I shared portico designs that I had rounded up to help my mom decide what style she wanted. Ultimately, we decided on the round italian style column.
We did enlist a little help with the install of the columns and roof. We DIY most everything around our home but occasionally, you need muscle for projects, more muscle than I have! ha.
I found it fascinating how they made a simple rectangular box as the supports for the columns. I have never seen a portico built before so this was a first for me. It’s always nice to see how things are actually made and what is underneath the “pretty” end product.
We used special brackets for fastening the wooden box to the house and new columns.
They used wooden shims on top of the columns to brace the support beams (rectangular box) until they got it level, then they removed them.
Kind of cool right?
Progress!
We decided to add a decorative inset on the front facing part of the new roof which I will share next week. It was a last minute decision but it took the roof line from nice to wow!
As you can see, it’s coming along nicely and the two toned shingles add so much color and texture to an otherwise, boring roof.
We still need to finish up the details and rip out the old door. The existing door is a solid wood gorgeous door with beautiful detail but unfortunately, that’s about all it has to offer. It basically lets in all the cold air during the winter months and you can see the outside through the cracks when you walk by it. Not good! I have plans for that door though, possibly a DIY headboard for our master bedroom. Stay tuned, the portico reveal is soon!
UPDATE: See our new Portico REVEAL! It’s finished!
Denise and Lesley says
Wow! What a difference Jess! It is just beautiful! Can’t wait to see the finished product!
Denise and Lesley
Jessica Bruno says
Thanks ladies!
Anne@DesignDreams says
That looks fabulous! A smaller scale portico is on my to-do list. Someday…
xox
Jessica Bruno says
Thanks Anne!!
Ashley@AttemptsAtDomestication says
The portico is looking really nice! Can’t wait to see it all finished!
Jessica Bruno says
Thanks so much Ashely!
Jane H. says
That looks fantastic. would love one on my house.
Maria says
I can’t wait to see it all done! It looks fantastic so far!
Jessica Bruno says
Thank you Maria 🙂 It’s almost done!
Pat D. says
Wow! Thanks for sharing! The new portico is going to be a beauty. The size is a great improvement over the prior one! And I, too, love seeing what’s under the pretty and the steps involved in making it all so pretty. Can’t wait for the final product!
Jessica Bruno says
Thanks Pat!
Dan Ryan says
I absolutely love your portico! It looks like you guys are really doing it the right way with quality materials. There are so many benefits to adding this to your home, not only great curb appeal but shades your front door from damage and gives your guest a place to stand under shelter with bad weather, just to name a couple. You are going to love it!
Marnie says
My husband and I are in the middle of a similar project and I am curious as to what diameter your columns are and how tall they are. Ours will be 9 1/2′ tall but I’m not sure whether to go with a 10″ diameter or a 12″. I would appreciate any help you could offer.
Lu says
Mind sharing what it cost?
Karen Trakas says
Could you share the cost? I’m having this done by a contractor. I want an idea of what I should pay. Thank you!
Anonymous says
Wow ! look so beautiful this is just what I’m intersting in doing to the front of my house. Thanks so much Gen
Linda says
Hi! I realize this is an older Post but was wondering if you could tell me the size of your step?