Just finished replacing cedar siding with Hardi Board and painting it.

The roof is dark green metal shingles, same as the doors. Gutters go on next week, and will also be green.

The front porch is 8' wide, but the steps are only 3 ft. wide.

Would like to take out the 2 shrubs and widen the steps to 8 ft. also. We refloored the balcony with a dark gray composite decking. Was thinking of just covering over the existing brick steps with the same stuff, using stringers at each end for support and to hide the brick. Not sure about the risers, as without any the 3' brick risers will show through. Would you use the same decking to cover that?

Then, would you put a railing on the steps? Or just on the balcony? I found some Versadeck aluminum railing that can be powder coated to match the green. Looking for any other more creative ideas. I'm no designer. Thanks.