Transform Your Home Front

6 DIY Projects Guaranteed to Make a Great First Impression 

This Old House, Photo: Nat Rea

When it comes to home improvements, the backyard often steals the spotlight. However, it’s time we shift our attention to the “greeter good.” Yes, we’re talking about the front of the house, the outdoor living space that welcomes you home every day but rarely gets any summertime fanfare. So we figure it’s about time this unsung hero gets its day in the design sun. 

With the help of Real Cedar, a naturally beautiful and versatile building material, you can transform your front yard, foyer, and porch into captivating spaces. Here are some DIY project ideas that will not only enhance your home’s curb appeal and create an invitation to the beauty within, but also bring the joy of nature right to your front door.

Garden Front of House Entrance 

Transform the entrance to your home with a modern, gated Entrance Trellis. The use of sturdy Western Red Cedar posts makes for a dramatic statement, adding curb appeal and serving as a charming host to a myriad of climbing plants and creating a spectacular garden front of house entrance. 

We love this project because it provides a soft privacy solution, meaning it works beautifully on its own with vegetation on either side. But it also works beautifully surrounded by cedar fencing. Either way, it’s going to blend naturally into your outdoor space. Plus, with Real Cedar’s inherent rot and decay resistance, this entrance trellis will be a long-lasting addition to your front yard.

*Watch How to video and/or download free plans here.

Foyer Entryway Decor

Did you know that bringing in elements of nature, such as Real Cedar, enhances your mental and physical health, by reducing stress and increasing air quality. It’s all part of biophilic design and it’s just one of the many reasons we love this beautifully crafted hallway storage. Aesthetically, it’s a great way to enhance your foyer with natural materials. 

In addition to being a showpiece that promotes well-being, this bench offers practical storage with hooks for coats, cubbies for shoes, and a welcoming seat for preparing to face the day. Melding beauty and function, it enriches your foyer, blending the outdoors with your indoor space in a gentle, inviting way. Choose a crisp, clear grade of cedar for a modern look, or embrace the warm, rich texture of a knotty grade for a more rustic feel. 

*Watch How to video and/or download free plans here.

Front Door Transformation 

Introduce some natural beauty to your front door area with our Real Cedar stand-up planter box. The beauty of this design is in its versatility. Whether you opt for a single box to create a chic herb garden on a compact balcony, two to bookend your main entrance with vibrant blooms, or several to define areas in a larger outdoor setting, this planter box will enrich your outdoor space. 

Furthermore, not only is this a great looking project, it’s actually a green project. That’s because wood is a renewable resource that captures and stores carbon. Whereas other materials emit carbons. So by choosing Cedar, you contribute to a healthier environment while adding a touch of charm to your front door.

*Watch How to video and/or download free plans here.

This Old House, Photo: Nat Rea

Front Porch Enhancement 

Want to enhance your front porch’s charm without a hefty budget or a time-consuming overhaul? Consider upgrading your home’s curb appeal with a beautifully re-clad cedar soffit. This impactful yet economical project can be accomplished over a weekend, avoiding the hassles of major home renovation projects.

Opting for Real Cedar over man-made materials such as vinyl not only increases the resale value of your home but also adds a touch of natural elegance. Even a small addition of this versatile wood can significantly elevate your porch’s aesthetics, promising a warm welcome every time you return home.

*Find a retailer near you

Stunning Cedar Privacy Screen

Define your outdoor living space elegantly with a Real Cedar horizontal privacy screen. This versatile building material adapts flawlessly to your needs, offering both privacy and beauty in one package. The contemporary, horizontal pattern on the screen adds visual interest, harmonizing seamlessly with the surrounding natural environment.

Real Cedar, with its superior performance qualities, ensures your privacy screen stands up to the elements without sacrificing aesthetics. This screen is more than a boundary – it’s an extension of your living space into the outdoors, integrating perfectly with nature.

*Watch How to video and/or download free plans here.

Rock On with a Cedar Rocking Chair

DIY Super Star April Wilkerson brings us a timeless classic: the Real Cedar rocking chair. This simple yet sturdy design is a perfect project for both beginner and experienced DIY enthusiasts. But the real star of the show is the Real Cedar itself, which inspires creativity and the desire to build.

Real Cedar, being durable, yet lightweight and easy to work with, makes the process of creating this chair a pleasure, as it ability to take fasteners well. It’s a perfect seating solution for your front porch. 

*Watch How to video and/or download free plans here.