Going on 2+ years now, this Hacienda renovation has been a never ending saga—particularly when it comes to the backyard. Last week we had yet another major setback with permitting issues on the pool/landscaping, and there seems to be no end in sight.
Update: Check out the final porch reveal here!
While it has been a frustrating year so far, we have made some great progress on the back porch—enough to warrant a progress update post! We started on this area back in August of last year, and have been slowly chipping away at it. Here’s how it started:
Originally I purchased a sectional sofa set for this space, but then I got a wild hair after browsing too long on Pinterest (per usual) and decided I just had to have custom built-in seating and lots of arches. Luckily, Lucas was on board! Here’s the inspiration that started it all…
Jump to:
DIY Stucco Sectional
After measuring the space and mocking up a drawing, I came up with the plans and handed them over to Lucas to work his magic.
He started by building a simple 2×4′ frame for the seating. This back wall is just over 8′ wide and 9′ tall, for reference.
My design plan included ledges for built-in table top surfaces.
The benches were wrapped in OSB sheathing.
Then it was time to build the arches. Lucas drew a half-round arch on each wall (using the screw and string method) measuring 73″ wide and 94″ from the ground.
He cut out the shape on the sheathing, and held everything up for a test fit.
Next, he added 2×4 blocking to the back of the arches and attached it to the walls.
Finally, the front of the arches were covered with sheathing.
Arched Opening
While we were adding arches to the patio, we figured we may as well make a few more for the top corners. The lackluster squared opening of the original house was just not working with the new design…
Lucas whipped up these arch sandwiches (you can find more details about how to build these in my DIY arched doorway post):
The next step is one we were smart enough to hire out: stucco. This requires several steps and expertise we don’t have, so we were happy to leave it to the pros.
I can’t provide instructions for this part unfortunately, but here are some progress photos!
I was worried they wouldn’t be able to match the texture of the original stucco, but they did a great job.
After testing out a handful of paint samples, I landed on my tried and true—Sherwin Williams Alabaster. This is also the color of the interior walls.
It really is the perfect creamy white that looks good in every lighting.
I also grabbed two of these lanterns for a steal—they’ve unfortunately since gone out of stock!
This portion was completed back in November, and the patio remained unchanged until last month, when Lucas began working on the ceiling.
Wood Ceiling Beams
Inspired by the rich wood beam porch ceilings in traditional Spanish-style architecture, we set out to recreate the look with inexpensive pine lumber.
Lucas constructed the beams with our go-to method—you can find a detailed tutorial in my DIY box beams post.
We also added tongue and groove planks, stained using Valspar semi-transparent exterior stain in the color Potato Skin.
It can’t be overstated how much of a difference ceiling beams make—indoors or out! They completely transformed this patio.
We replaced the old outdated fans with these sleek 3-blade fans.
The ceiling was completed over the course of five days, and cost $1,102 in lumber and stain. It’s my favorite feature, and 100% worth every penny and hour spent!
Floor tile
I went back and forth on the tile selection so many times, before finally landing on this fun patterned ceramic tile. The style is a mix of Spanish/Mediterranean, the colors coordinate with the interior of the home, and the design is eye catching and fun but not too trendy IMO.
The edge is lined with handmade terra cotta bullnose tile, which is also used on the front porch and steps.
Porch Reveal
The porch is about 90% done—here’s how it looks today!
I love our new outdoor ceiling fans and they’re on sale, too. We still have to update the doors and window, which we’re starting on today. Update: check them out in my easy DIY window grids post!
I found a seller on Amazon to make custom seat cushions in the exact shape and size I needed. They were great to work with, and even made matching pillow covers in the same faux linen fabric!
I’m so glad we spent the time and energy on creating this custom built-in sofa. The arches really take it to the next level and make this space truly one of a kind.
As special as the interior of this home is, we envision the backyard as the main attraction and gathering area for our guests. This unique Mediterranean-style patio is one big step towards that vision!
Cost breakdown
| DIY sofa/arch supplies | $611 |
| Stucco (labor) | $1,750 |
| Paint (labor) | $1,100 |
| Wood beam ceiling | $1,102 |
| Sconces and fans | $955 |
| Tile | $3,300 |
| Tile install | $2,300 |
| Total | $11,118 |
This makeover is easily one of our top bang-for-your-buck transformations! Money well spent, and we’ll reap the rewards for years to come.
We’re working on getting the door makeover finished in time to share next week, so don’t go anywhere! Make sure you’re following along on my Instagram stories in the meantime for sneak peeks 🙂
Martha K says
This porch is beyond beautiful! The wood, the beams the paint colors and stain…the arches the tile…Wow! your creativity and style are unmatched and your husband is an incredible and talented carpenter. What a lovely team!
Sandra says
Unreal!!!
Jenny says
This is amazing and looks so high end. You two are the dream team! Making the exterior arches match was the most genius idea ever! That really takes it to the next level
Karen says
Y’all slay me!
Loretta says
Everything you did to the porch looks amazing and so beautiful. Until you see the stucco post in front of the French doors leading outside. When I see the post I keep reading to see a note to where you are going to move the doors so the post will not be the first thing you see when you look out the doors or go out the doors.
Jenna Sue says
The post is structural and can’t be removed. This is also an investment property and we don’t have an unlimited budget to completely transform it, so we’re doing our best to work with what we’ve got.
Peggy says
Seriously? You felt the need to criticize a structural post? Their porch is beautiful and they are doing amazing work! Jealous much?
Wendy says
What an amazing transformation. This turned out so beautiful.
vs says
You two just blow me away! You vision, imagination, skill in execution! What a pair!!! This is just gorgeous!!!!
Cheryl says
Love love love love!
Robin says
Very beautiful!!
janet dye says
OMG!! What a team you two are!! This porch is so fantastic!!
Alana Sayler says
Omg. This is my favorite reveal so far. Besides the bathroom! The tile and that ceiling are to die for. You and Lucas make one solid team. I find it so funny how you say Lucas just whipped these up…cracks me up! Do I spy the pool? Is that in an upcoming reveal? Cannot wait for that one either. I am curious what you used for decking….
Hope your little family is doing well. 🙂
Vicki Bray says
Wow! This is a great porch area! I am in the process of getting my back porch updated and this is great inspiration! Thank you!
The tiles are gorgeous and certainly not anything I had thought of doing, but will certainly start looking into tile products!
Nicole says
This patio is stunning!
Deb says
That ceiling!!!!! I do like the tiles but that ceiling just makes the place so inviting and having lived in Florida years ago I always loved the places with beams or wood ceilings.
I feel certain a lot of people are going to want to update their patio spaces to have ceilings like this one.
Erin says
This is unbelievably gorgeous – your creativity and ingenuity are incredible!!
Jenna Sue says
I really appreciate that, Erin! ♡