Time to freshen up the front porch. I’d like to replace the tin faux block facing that goes from the ground to the deck boards. I don’t even really know what to call that. That stuff is likely 30 years old and has held up well. It’s just not very eye pleasing.
What would you use instead. It needs to withstand critters chewing through it and the weed whacker from tearing it up.

I'd call it skirting. First though would be wood-look composite decking layed horizontally.

^^^

They make skirting with various veneers, wood, stone, brick, so you should be able to find something attractive and meet your desire for ability to withstand abuse.

What's wrong with using brick?

quote:

Originally posted by Flash-LB:
What's wrong with using brick?

Nothing I suppose.
Never laid brick before. Not sure it would turn out so well.

With mine, I recessed some 2x6 boards between the uprights. They are stained and sealed the same as the deck (also 2x6) flooring.

The part next to the steps became the access door with the hinges and latch hidden between the gaps in the boards.

If you want it to last forever and be resistant to weedeaters and critters, I'd use actual stone. I have stacked limestone under my porch.

I think composite stairs running the entire length would look nice. If not the entire length then stairs and a nice railing. Then any of the above suggestions.

quote:

Originally posted by .38supersig:
With mine, I recessed some 2x6 boards between the uprights. They are stained and sealed the same as the deck (also 2x6) flooring.

The part next to the steps became the access door with the hinges and latch hidden between the gaps in the boards.

Pictures, by chance?

I had made this around 2004. Had to replace the floor about five years ago.

All that I had at the time was a triangle, tape measure, and a circular saw. No fancy tools or shop yet.
Later I was able to put a gate at the top of the steps (shown).
The worst part of that was recessing the hinges into the posts and gate sections.



I sent you some additional pics to your e-mail. Let me know if you would need anything else.

Pressure treated lattice from Lowe’s or home despot, then plant flowered in front of it.

If it needs to keep wind from blowing under the house, then back it with pressure treated ply, then lattice, then flowers

Or match the clapboard on the house and run it as skirting

A fresh coat of paint on the skirting that is there and leave it for another 30 years…..

quote:

Originally posted by frayedends:
I think composite stairs running the entire length would look nice. If not the entire length then stairs and a nice railing. Then any of the above suggestions.

great idea. dig a couple footing holes, fill with concrete get pre cut stringers at the depot some 2x6 and some deck boards.

it should seal it up and look good, not to mention the utility.

Paint the blocks a slightly darker color and liquid nail a lighter colored lattice panel in front of it.

quote:

Originally posted by TXJIM:
A fresh coat of paint on the skirting that is there and leave it for another 30 years…..

This.

No reason to even consider sealing it... I like the idea of either the heavy lattice (going to be the easiest to do) or the treated 1x6's horizontal and then painted after it drys for a few months.

quote:

Originally posted by frayedends:
I think composite stairs running the entire length would look nice. If not the entire length then stairs and a nice railing. Then any of the above suggestions.

I too think this would look really really good. Especially doing it on all 3 sides of the porch. That would extend the budget quite substantially I am afraid.
Though will keep it in mind for a couple years from now.

quote:

Originally posted by arfmel:

quote:

Originally posted by TXJIM:
A fresh coat of paint on the skirting that is there and leave it for another 30 years…..

This.

I am actually leaning towards this. Using a darker grey with less of a blue hue would be a pretty good idea. That paint is quite blue as they matched the paint to the metal roof. I think a more of a light stone grey would look better thank it does now and save me some money that I could put toward the floating dock I am wanting to build for the pond.

quote:

Originally posted by Blume9mm:
No reason to even consider sealing it... I like the idea of either the heavy lattice (going to be the easiest to do) or the treated 1x6's horizontal and then painted after it drys for a few months.

SNAKES!!!!!!
Around the house I try to keep clear and give those bastards no place to hide close enough to strike without being seen.
Last thing I need is for a copperhead to strike from behind the lattice when the dog is sniffing around there or kids running by.
I keep the grass very short around the house and won’t plant any flowers, shrubs, bushes or anything that could give some cover to them.

I was thinking if you painted the ‘brick’ squares a color that matches the foundation of the house and the ‘grout’ lines a lighter color it couldn’t hurt.
If you decide to strip the old paint off, please keep in mind that even though it has been painted 30+ years ago, you are a few years removed from when they had lead based paint.
A test kit may be in order, just for peace of mind if nothing else. Looks like a place for some good friends and a gallon of sweet tea.

quote:

Originally posted by a1abdj:
If you want it to last forever and be resistant to weedeaters and critters, I'd use actual stone. I have stacked limestone under my porch.

This is the best, longest lasting option. Just be sure to either use PT plywood or cement backer board so that it’s not affected by the weather, critters etc. You could then extend the stone to the house’s foundation (looks to be block from the pictures).
Are you going to replace the decking boards?

Do the 4x4s go all the way to the ground or is the a pier underneath them?