DIY front porch idea: Easy 15 minute makeover

Want an easy way to boost your home’s curb appeal? Try this simple 15 minute DIY Front Porch idea to instantly improve your view.

reveal image of diy front porch makeover showing patio glider and diy outdoor side table and rail removed

Table of Contents

The Front Porch Dilemma

Spring is here and what’s better than being outside, sun shining, listening to the birds chirping 🙂 Though we love sitting out in the front reading or chatting with the neighbours, the edge of the railing was constantly obstructed our view.

image of front porch before railing removal — Before

image of front porch with table, flowers planter and patio chair — After

The Curb appealing Solution

While on a walk through the neighbourhood, we began admiring the look of porches unburdened by a railing. Some railings are for safety and some are for aesthetics or privacy.

However, since our porch is fairly low and we have tall teens, it seemed like a good time to explore the possibility of removing it (or at least part of it).

DIY railing removal

Before getting started, we had a good look at the posts and base of the railing. Once we knew what we were dealing with, then we grabbed a pry bar and a screwdriver and got to work.

The first step was to pop off the long railing cap with a small pry bar. Secondly, we removed the screws at the top and bottom of each panel.

image of man prying off top of railing — Using prybar to loosen post cap

image of man unscrewing railing — removing post cap

image of man carrying away railing pieces — removing railing

Thirdly, we unscrewed the posts at the base, then cleared off all the sections we’d dettached. Everything came apart easily piece by piece in a quick 15 minutes.

image of man loosening base of railing — loosening centre post

image of man removing the centre railing base — removing centre post

Front Porch: solutions for both sides

Finally, since we also removed the railing on the far side, I added a large planter with a pretty fern to act as a visually appealing edge. Because the railing near the front door borders the laneway, we decided to keep it in place.

image of grey diy patio table with pink flowers — Side railing remaining beside laneway

side view of curb appeal idea showing porch glider, blue pillows, pink flowers — Large planter & fern edge border on far side

DIY Front porch project benefits:

image of man and woman enjoying a drink on the porch glider

By removing the front porch railing, it both visually and physically opened up the area. Besides the overall improved view, we actually had an extra foot of room.

Given the extra space, we could now move our Outdoor Glider back to more easily move about in the front.

This was such a simple Front Porch DIY that transformed the look and function and added instant curb appeal.

Need more curb appeal ideas? Have a look at our Front door painted makeover. Such a quick and easy way to transform the front entrance.

reveal image 2 curb appeal idea showing porch with glider, diy table, flowers, blue pillows, large lilac trees and railing removed

Need a cute patio table idea? Check out how we built this DIY Outdoor side table for $0!

Our love for the front porch is renewed and wish we’d done it sooner. With an unobstructed sight line, we can now chat more easily with our neighbours. As a bonus, I have a perfectly clear view of that beautiful lilac tree in full Spring bloom 🙂

Here are several other pretty Front Porch ideas from Better Homes and Gardens.