Front Entrance and Steps Transformation – Before and After

When the Williams family wrapped up their backyard pool deck project, they were thrilled with the outcome, so they decided to extend the makeover to their front entrance and steps as well.

“We found the front yard, especially the stairs leading to the porch to be too narrow,” said homeowner Craig Williams. “My mother struggled to get up and down the stairs, as she has some mobility issues.”

Craig envisioned an expanded porch that not only added usable space to the front of their home but also addressed the safety concerns posed by the steep steps.

Opting for Unilock Umbriano® in Summer Wheat, they utilized the random bundle to craft a fresh, clean front entrance, while Umbriano U-Cara panels were employed for the step risers leading to the front entrance. The extended patio provided a cozy spot for a couple of chairs and a coffee table, perfect for enjoying the afternoon sun and chatting with neighbors. The added step ensured a safe journey to the front door—a feature that was especially important to Craig.

“Now the stairs are much wider. My dad can accompany my mother up and down the stairs, and there is much less worry of her falling when she’s trying to get into our house.”

Having already experienced the benefits of Umbriano in their backyard, Craig and his family appreciated the uniform aesthetic it brought to their entire home. Manufactured with EnduraColor™ technology, Umbriano boasts a refined surface that resists the appearance of fading over time. Beyond its durability, Umbriano exuded a sleek, modern appearance reminiscent of traditional granite. This innovation created a natural, non-slip surface that shimmered in the sunlight.

An added perk of choosing Umbriano is its EasyClean™ stain resistance technology: a factory-applied sealer that helps protect the surface of pavers against staining, ensuring faster cleanup of spills and debris on the surface.

The perimeter of the front entrance is encompassed by a multi-layer border of Unilock Copthorne® pavers in Basalt, bringing forth a rustic charm that complements the home’s roof panels and provides a sturdy border around the front entrance. These pavers are created using a combination of concrete technology, which delivers up to four times the strength of conventional poured concrete, to create a product that will last for years.

The use of beige and black color tones allows nearby biophilic design elements to thrive, with the Copthorne walkway encircling a stationary tree, creating the illusion that the tree is breaking through the paved surface. Additionally, the outer border of the front entrance features a combination of natural boulders, shrubs, flowers, and hedges. This blend of natural elements fosters a sense of harmony while promoting positive health and well-being for those enjoying the space.

With the front entrance and step project completed, Craig reflects on how this seemingly small change has made such an improvement to the front of his home.

“When I pull up to the house now, I can’t believe that we live here,” he said. “The change has been dramatic, and I’m so proud and impressed with the work that’s been done.”

If you’re considering a hardscape project for your front entrance, check out our front entrance landscape design ideas that will make your home stand out from the crowd.