Project Overview
This 1920s Hightstown home had a deteriorating front porch that was original to the house. The homeowners wanted to restore its historic character while also adding a rear deck for outdoor living. The challenge was making both feel like they belonged to the same home.
Front Porch Restoration
Existing Conditions
- Original wood framing: some members salvageable, others rotted
- Decorative columns: solid but needed repair and paint
- Original beadboard ceiling: 70% salvageable
- Porch floor: completely failed, unsafe
Restoration Approach
We took a preservation-minded approach, saving what we could:
Structural Work
- Replaced rotted framing members with treated lumber
- Sistered weakened joists
- Installed new rim board and ledger
- Poured new concrete footings for columns
Flooring
- Tongue-and-groove fir porch flooring
- Painted with Sherwin-Williams porch paint
- Traditional blue ceiling (“haint blue”)
Columns & Railings
- Repaired original turned columns (wood filler, sanding)
- Replaced two columns that were beyond saving (custom milled to match)
- New railings matching original design
- Fresh paint throughout
Ceiling
- Patched damaged beadboard sections
- Primed and painted all ceiling boards
- Added period-appropriate ceiling fan
Rear Deck Addition
Design Philosophy
The rear deck is modern and low-maintenance, but uses design cues from the front porch:
- Similar column proportions (wrapped with PVC for maintenance-free)
- Matching railing style (composite instead of wood)
- Complementary colors
Deck Specifications
- Size: 16’ x 20’ (320 sq ft)
- Decking: Fiberon Good Life in Beach House
- Framing: Pressure-treated, 12” on center
- Height: 30” above grade (stairs to yard)
Features
- Covered area over door with small roof structure
- Built-in planters at corners
- Under-deck storage access
- Pathway lighting to yard
Materials Comparison
| Element | Front Porch | Rear Deck |
|---|---|---|
| Flooring | Fir (painted) | Composite |
| Structure | PT lumber | PT lumber |
| Columns | Original wood | PVC wrapped |
| Railings | Wood (painted) | Composite |
| Ceiling | Beadboard | Aluminum soffit |
| Maintenance | Annual painting | Occasional cleaning |
Historic Considerations
Hightstown’s historic district has guidelines for exterior changes:
- Front porch: Restoration work is encouraged; we documented original details and maintained character
- Rear additions: More flexibility allowed; deck design was approved through normal permit process
We coordinated with the Historic Preservation Commission to ensure the front porch work met their standards.
Timeline
Front Porch (3 weeks)
- Week 1: Demo, structural assessment, framing repairs
- Week 2: Flooring, column repairs, railings
- Week 3: Painting, ceiling, final details
Rear Deck (2 weeks)
- Week 1: Footings, framing, decking
- Week 2: Railings, cover structure, finishing
Result
The front porch looks like it could have been there for 100 years — because most of it has been. The restored columns and traditional details honor the home’s history while providing a safe, beautiful entrance.
The rear deck gives the family something the original home never had: a private outdoor living space for relaxing and entertaining. The covered area protects the door during rain and creates a natural transition from inside to outside.
Property value impact was significant — the curb appeal alone transformed how the home presents from the street.