Terraced Landscaping Near Porch Steps

Layout

• The general layout for terraced landscaping near porch steps involves a series of stepped terraces that are roughly parallel to the angle of the stairway. For example, if you have eight stairs from your sidewalk to the porch, you can use three terraces, each of which is the height of two steps, with the highest terrace's surface two steps below the edge of the porch. Porch-side terraces can wrap around your home or step down as they approach the corners of your home, blending into ground-level flowerbeds.

Process

• Adding terraced landscaping around your porch steps involves several steps. You need to build a series of retaining walls with brick, wood or stone, beginning with the lowest level and working upward toward the top of the porch. Once each wall is in place, you can add soil and prepare the foundation for the next wall. Planting in the terraces is the final step.

Considerations

• To match the height of your stairs and give each terrace enough width for plants, you need to make calculations and diagrams before beginning. This planning also allows you to determine how far out into your front yard the bottom terrace needs to extend. Make sure that the front wall of your porch, which might be part of your home's basement or foundation, is strong enough to support the added weight of terrace soil.

Pros and Cons

• The biggest advantage of terraced landscaping around porch stairs is the benefit to your home's appearance. Terraced landscaping means more space for different types of plants. It also gives your home a finished look, allowing it to blend into the natural landscape. Terraced landscaping reduces the usable square footage of your front yard. Depending on the size of the terraces and the materials you use, it also can be an expensive process compared to a basic flowerbed.