A Simple Ask: Somewhere to Sit
Not every project starts with a problem to solve. A Crystal Lake homeowner came to the design meeting wanting one thing: a front entry worth decorating and sitting on. No structural headache, no long list of complaints, just a plain concrete stoop that never gave him a reason to spend time out front.
Starting With What Had to Come Out
Getting there meant demolition first. The old concrete stoop sat at a height that put the new deck surface well above the door threshold, and a deck that doesn’t meet its threshold flush is a trip hazard waiting to happen every time someone steps outside. The crew removed the stoop entirely, clearing the way to build a deck surface that lands exactly level with the door.
That single decision, tearing out concrete before laying a single board, is what let the rest of the build come together cleanly.
What Went In Its Place
- Decking: Fiberon decking replaces the old stoop with a warm, wood-tone surface running the width of the front elevation.
- Trim: White Azek trim finishes the columns and fascia for a crisp, low-maintenance look.
- Access: A short run of steps leads down to the front walk, sized for everyday moments: morning coffee, holiday decorating, greeting guests at the door instead of shuffling past them on a slab of concrete.
The Result
A house that had a stoop now has a porch. Nothing about the project needed to solve a crisis, and that’s exactly the point: sometimes the best projects start with a homeowner who simply wants a better front door.