Story by Micaela Arnett / March 27, 2025
In Charleston, a porch is more than just a place to sit. It’s a piece of the city’s architectural soul. For this vibrant green row house tucked just off the peninsula’s west side, time and weather had taken their toll on the front and rear porches, threatening the structure and the home’s character. Luckily, the homeowners called on Stono Construction, a local custom builder known for its expertise in historic renovations and thoughtful craftsmanship.
With its classic side porch design, bracketed columns, and haint blue ceilings, the house blends the charm of a traditional Charleston single with the vertical presence of a modern row house. The Stono Construction team began by evaluating the porches’ condition. While the structure was mostly intact, years of salt air and humidity had led to wood rot, sagging joists, and several decorative elements deteriorating.
Rather than replace everything, Stono Construction preserved as much as possible. Their team carefully documented existing features, sourced historically appropriate materials, and rebuilt them with care. Porch decking was milled to match the original profile, and the balustrades and brackets were replicated to maintain architectural integrity. The upper-level porch, now reinforced and beautifully restored, features new ceiling fans and paint finishes that nod to Charleston tradition while improving comfort and durability.
Subtle modern upgrades, including improved drainage solutions and pressure-treated supports, were made to improve the structure’s long-term performance. These changes were thoughtfully concealed to maintain the historic façade’s visual continuity.
Today, the home’s front porch welcomes graceful symmetry and renewed strength. It’s the kind of craftsmanship that blends quietly with the surrounding streetscape but makes a lasting impression up close. Whether restoring a historic façade or building from the ground up, Stono Construction continues to bring craftsmanship, care, and Lowcountry sensibility to every project they touch.
For more information, call Stono Construction at (843) 805-4141 or visit stonoconstruction.com.
