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A good front step revamp can transform the whole look of a house.

They're not simply how we access our residences. Front steps mark the beginning of our homes, the place where the outside world ends and family life begins. In summer we sit on them, watching our children play, or chatting with the neighbors, or simply sipping iced tea. Front steps are meant to welcome guests, to invite friends and family in for a spell. But while they need to be sturdy, they don't have to be humdrum. They should be just as appealing as the rest of our home's exterior. And yet, front steps are often overlooked by homeowners looking to upgrade their property, perhaps simply because they're so functional. A good front step revamp can transform the whole look of a house, adding plenty of curb appeal for little money or effort, as the following DIY front step ideas prove.

Part of a front porch makeover, all this fun update took was five minutes and a $5 package of waterproof vinyl numbers.

Get the tutorial at Remodelaholic.

These front steps were made from the ground up, along with the railings to go with them. The finials were cleverly created using two kinds of furniture feet.

Get the tutorial at Addicted 2 Decorating.

Pretty as a picture, these steps were made from reclaimed lumber. If you're using pressure-treated lumber, you might need to let it dry for a few months before adding a finish.

Get the tutorial at The Merrythought.

All it took was a few coats of carefully applied paint on the railings and stairs to turn this front entrance from drab to fab.

Get the tutorial at Crafts by Courtney.

Rather than paint unappealing concrete steps, why not cover them with wood? You can even create a grander entrance for your home by making them wider.

Get the tutorial at Farmhouse on Boone.

Bring your home's entrance to life with gorgeous arborvitae. Keep them in pots on your front steps, or on either side of the stairs. They can reach 15 feet at maturity, so be aware you'll probably need to eventually plant them.

Sometimes all it takes is a little bit of smart decor to dress up your front stairs. Think about using planters in interesting colors, and place them symmetrically for a welcoming feel.

Get the tutorial at Bless'er House.

Even the most tired brick can be freshened up by painting it—and with the proper paint, you don't even have to prime. Just be sure to clean and sweep the brick thoroughly so the paint will adhere.

Get the tutorial at Thistlewood Farms.

Building brick steps for your home's entrance is easier than you might think—just check often to ensure you're installing every layer completely level.

Get the tutorial at Provident Home Design.

Who says tile is just for kitchens and bathrooms? These tile front step risers are not only beautiful, you can DIY for around $100.

Get the tutorial at Nesting With Grace.

Every set of front steps needs a smart-looking railing, both for safety and aesthetics' sake. For strength and durability, think about choosing classic wrought iron rather than aluminum.

Dress up your front steps for spring with inventive decor, like these fun chalkboard pots. Write your address, a fun message or anything you like on them, then fill them with posies.

Get the tutorial at Sweet Parrish Place.

A little elbow grease can go a long way toward beautifying your home's entrance when you strip and paint the railing. Pressure wash the concrete steps, add some greenery alongside and you might not even recognize it.

Get the tutorial at RemodelaCasa.

A porch remodel can be a big job, so why not take the time to make the stairs something really special too? Instead of a single small step, this porch now features a wraparound step made out of the same lumber.

Get the tutorial at Sew a Fine Seam.

Necessity really can be the mother of invention. When bluestone pavers replaced slate at this home it made the stairs too tall to meet code. An added step solved the problem—and made the entrance more grand.

Get the tutorial at Jennifer Allwood Home.

Sometimes paint isn't the answer—stain is. Believe it or not, solid stain made these stair risers and railing bright white.

Get the tutorial at The Inspired Hive.

After unsightly outdoor carpeting was peeled off, these stairs were patched and painted, giving the home a whole new look.

Get the tutorial at Aratari at Home.

This handsome stone-textured finish was applied to the stair risers using simple construction adhesive, making the DIY process a snap.

Get the tutorial at Lovely Crafty Home.

These front steps were also hidden under unsightly outdoor carpeting, but a careful patch-and-paint job has them looking better than ever.

Get the tutorial at Small Stuff Counts.

Accent pieces can really make your front steps sparkle, especially when they're stylish solar-powered lanterns. This LED flameless candle will shine for six hours.