Cabin Fever? DIY Cabin Front Porch Makeover For Your Mobile Home
Are you dreaming about chilling around a fireplace? Or are you in need of some rest?
If you answered yes, you might have cabin fever. In this case, we are talking about a deep yearning for some time spent in your favorite hideaway. Unfortunately, it’s not always possible to take a vacation or even a weekend away. That’s why you might be better off bringing a bit of your hideout home.
Read on for our guide on a do-it-yourself cabin style makeover for your porch. This way you can feel miles away while you are spending time at your mobile home.
Guide to creating the cabin look
The cabin aesthetic we are talking about is the typical style you’ll find at log cabins tucked into the mountain or on the shores of a lake. It is rustic, cozy, and will leave you looking for any excuse just to lay back and relax for a couple of hours.
Your mobile home’s front porch is the perfect place for this makeover. Because it is outside, the location can help you feel even closer and more connected to the natural world. And if you are lucky, you might even have a fantastic view to complete the picture.
All in all, there is plenty you can do to create this style. Here we will look at how you can recreate some of the crucial elements.
You can stick with just one or two. Or go for all of them depending on your budget. But be sure to also consider the time and effort you are willing to spend.
Log or stone siding
Natural textures and materials are a central part of any cabin. People often build their cabins entirely out of wooden logs and timber. So this should feature in your porch makeover.
Luckily, many fabricators produce mobile home siding that resembles logs. They might make them from natural wood. But you can also find some faux siding. Manufacturers usually make them from wood fiber that they compress.
For some variation, you can always install log panels on the upper half of the wall. And then install a row of faux stone at the bottom.
The project can work as a do-it-yourself. However, some carpentry experience and skills will come in handy.
In short, the steps for replacing mobile home siding are as follows:
- Get a pry bar. Then use it to remove the existing siding. Take out all the nails that are still on the wall too.
- Next, measure the dimensions of the porch. For consistency, you might want to install it along the entire length of the front wall.
- Now, you can cut the pieces of new siding into the right size with a table saw.
- If necessary, attach some metal siding fittings to help you secure the strips. Afterward, you can begin the installation. Start by securing the starter strip at the bottom of the wall. Follow this by installing the rest in a staggered pattern.
- Make sure to attach the strips with nails every eight to ten inches.
- Once this is done, fill any gaps with caulk. For a finished look, you can stain the mud when it is dry.
Outdoor fireplace
Did you know that you can have an outdoor fireplace?
Overall, this is probably one of the best additions to your front porch. It can add value, add atmosphere, and it will fit the theme perfectly. But it can be a pretty complicated project, and there are some hazards involved.
You need to make sure the surrounding area is fireproof. Besides this, it usually works much better on a screened porch. This way, it will be protected from the elements, especially wind.
You will also need a permit to install an outdoor fireplace.
Therefore, we recommend getting an electric one instead of a gas or even traditional wood one.
The benefits of these fireplaces are:
- Low maintenance
- No smoke or fumes
- Energy efficient
- Useable all year round
Plus the installation is quick and easy to do. This makes it a perfect do-it-yourself project. All you need to have is access to an electrical socket on your porch.
A touch of green
You can’t have a cabin without greenery and foliage of some kind. This will help you feel closer to nature while sitting on your own front porch. On top of this, it can certainly increase your properties curb appeal by adding color and texture to your facade.
All in all, this is easily managed as a DIY project from start to finish. There are several options for you to consider depending on the look you want.
One option is to get some hanging pots. These will work really well if you have a small porch and don’t really have much room to spare. Some of the best plants for hanging baskets are spider plants. But if you are looking for something more colorful you can consider flowers like fuschia, pansies, and begonias among others.
Alternatively, you can use standing potted plants. A pro tip is to play with variety. Use plants of different heights, colors, and textures to make your porch more interesting.
Talk about beloved aesthetics, one thing that pairs beautifully with a log cabin are crawling vines. You can train them to climb up pillars, balustrades, or even the walls of the porch. This will truly make your mobile home look like a country escape.
Once again, there is no shortage of options. You can get plants like ivy or honeysuckle or more exotic varieties like passion fruit.
Flooring
Another way that you can bring the cabin design home is by changing the flooring of your porch. An iconic feature of these hideaways is their authentic wood floors.
Most people build their porches with timber. But if yours isn’t, you might want to consider replacing the flooring. Or at least laying new planks over the existing service. You can do this with all kinds of materials, including concrete slabs.
The method that you use will, of course, depend on how you constructed the porch.
A few of the best species for floors are:
- Maple
- Pine
- Red oak
- Cherry
- Douglas fir
Try to find a texture and color that will combine well with the siding of your mobile home for a more coherent finish.
But for a cheaper alternative you can always used faux wood panels. On top of this, these products often require less maintenance. Most of them look just like the real thing.
You want to keep the pattern of the planks simple. Laying them down in straight lines will suit the overall aesthetic that you are trying to create.
In case you already have wood floors on your porch, you should perhaps refinish them to highlight their natural characteristics. You can do this by sanding them down and then applying a stain of finish.
Porch swing
Can you even call a cabin without a swing seat a cabin?
We would like to think not. That’s why it will make a fantastic addition to your cabin-style porch,
It’s not only a piece of furniture. These benches can bring an air of romance and nostalgia to any yard. Luckily, they are pretty comfortable to boot.
Installing your own porch swing should be pretty easy as long as your patio is already covered with a roof. Most of the times it will only be necessary to install an eye bolt or screw eye from which you can hang the seat.
Just remember to put it in a spot where it has some room to move.
There are fantastic ready-made porch swings which you can choose from. For the cabin look and feel we recommend that you buy one made from natural wood like cedar.
But if you want to go all-in, you can even make it yourself from scratch. All you need to do is to construct a bench to which you can attach ropes with eye bolts.
Kicking back
For many of us, porch swings go hand-in-hand with another all-time favorite, the rocking chair.
You need seating to enjoy your porch fully. And few things go as well with the cabin exterior like these timeless pieces.
You can use rocking chairs to help you create a relaxed and welcoming ambiance. They are an excellent way to add some character too.
If you decide to get a few of these chairs, you want to get at least two for the full effect. You can then mix and match it with other furniture of your choice.
As always with this theme, wood is king. So it’s a great idea to get chairs with a natural finish. An alternative to this are ones made from wicker. They should go well with the other elements of this style.
Playing with textiles
One of the best things about a cabin is that it feels like a haven in the wilderness. A safe place where you can rest and get comfortable. We think that this is a feeling you should try to recreate on your mobile home porch.
How can you do this?
A beautiful way to do this is by introducing some different textiles to the decor. But not just any. Preferably you want to choose materials that can help you make the space warm and inviting.
That’s why one of the best textiles you can use is wool knitted cloth. If you are feeling creative, you can knit pillowcases or blankets that you can scatter on the furniture.
All kinds of woven cloth can fit in, even ones that have been made with hemp.
Besides this, it can also be a good idea to put out a few rugs on the floor. It can work really well to choose ones in a mixture of light and warmer colors like red.
The goal of all of this is to make your porch as inviting as possible.
To screen or not?
Nowadays, many modern mountain cabins have covered porches. People usually screen them with glass panels. This is super practical as it can allow you to enjoy the veranda in all kinds of weather. It will keep you and your furniture warm and dry.
But it looks very attractive as well. It can be a great way to add some contemporary flair to a more rustic theme.
One of the easiest ways to achieve this look on your own is by using pre-hung windows and doors. You might have fewer customization options using this method, but it will be much easier and much quicker.
In short, you need to:
- First, make careful measurements of the circumference of the porch. Use these dimensions to calculate how many windows of what size you will need.
- Then you need to secure a bottom plate to the floor of the porch with contractor glue and screws.
- Install upright studs for additional stability.
- Measure out and mark the exact placement of the panels and build a frame into which they will fit.
- Install the windows and the doors in the openings.
- Afterwards, you need to make the screen waterproof by applying caulk to any gaps. Also, spread mud where you attached the windows and doors to the frame for a snug fit.
Getaway at home
Hopefully, this guide has shown you that you don’t have to plan a whole trip to experience the authentic cabin atmosphere. Instead, you can transform a piece of your mobile home so that you can enjoy the cabin feel every day. You only have to step onto your front porch.
In addition, this project is a great idea if you are planning to sell. It can help you to add some value and curb appeal.
Although brilliant, this isn’t the only upgrade you can make to the exterior of your house. To fit with the theme, you may want to check out these DIY fire pits you can build in your mobile home yard and 15 things you can do to your landscaping this fall.