House Number Ideas for an Easy Curb Appeal Upgrade

Great curb appeal ideas don't have to be expensive or time-consuming. Small projects like updating your house numbers, refreshing your front door, or giving your mailbox a makeover can make a noticeable difference in your home's appearance.

Better yet, updating your house numbers can add personality to your exterior while making your address easier for guests, delivery drivers, and emergency services to spot. Here are a few house number projects you can tackle in a weekend.

A fresh coat of paint or stain on your front door can make a big difference. Don't be afraid to try a bolder color, either. A little contrast can help your entryway stand out and give the front of your home a new focal point.

Once the paint is dry, consider adding a new kick plate and coordinating house numbers nearby. Mount the numbers on a porch post, beside the door or anywhere they can be easily seen from the street.

How to add house numbers:

1. Decide where each number will go and check visibility from the street. If you have an HOA, make sure to check its requirements before getting started. Some fire code requirements include a minimum number height of four inches and numerals only.
2. Use a level to keep the numbers straight and evenly spaced.
3. Mark your fastener locations and pre-drill holes if needed.
4. Secure the numbers using the appropriate fasteners.

Tip: Before you drill, step back to the street and make sure the size, placement and contrast make your address easy to read.

Want to combine a little greenery with your new house numbers? Build a simple planter box and add your address to the front for a custom look. You can also start with a pre-made planter and personalize it. You can find some great options here: DIY Projects | McCoy's Building Supply

Once it's finished, fill your planter with flowers or greenery that complement your home's exterior. Change out the plants seasonally for an easy way to keep your entry looking fresh throughout the year.

• Pine or cedar boards
• Exterior screws
• Exterior paint or stain
• House numbers
• Potting soil
• Flowers or greenery

Basic steps:

1. Build a rectangular planter box using the wood of your choice.
2. Finish it with exterior paint or stain.
3. Attach the house numbers to the front.
4. Add potting soil and your favorite plants.
5. Place or securely mount the planter where your address will be easy to see.

Your mailbox is another easy place to add curb appeal — especially if it has faded paint or hard-to-read numbers.

Start by cleaning your existing mailbox and giving it a fresh coat of exterior paint if needed. Then replace old numbers with new ones that are easy to see from the road. You can coordinate the mailbox color and number style with your home's exterior for a more pulled-together look.

Basic steps:

1. Clean (a mild dish soap is often enough) and prep your mailbox.
2. Repaint it with an appropriate exterior paint if desired.
3. Allow the paint to dry and cure according to the manufacturer's directions.
4. Add new address numbers or decals

If your current mailbox has seen better days, replacing it with a new mailbox can be another simple upgrade.

If you want your house numbers to have a little more personality, create a custom sign that complements your home's style.

For a farmhouse-inspired look, mount metal numbers on a stained cedar board or fence post. For a more rustic or ranch-style option, consider displaying your address on a large stone or freestanding post near the road.

• Cedar board or fence post
• Exterior stain or paint
• Metal house numbers
• Exterior sealant
• Appropriate mounting hardware

Basic steps:

1. Cut your board to size and sand any rough edges.
2. Apply exterior paint or stain and allow it to dry.
3. Position and securely attach your house numbers.
4. Apply an exterior sealant as needed to help protect your project from the weather.
5. Mount your finished sign where it can be easily seen from the street.

Looking for a bigger curb appeal project? Decorative shutters can add color, dimension and character to the front of your home while creating another opportunity to highlight your address.

Choose a shutter style that complements your home, such as louvered, Bermuda or paneled. You can purchase ready-made shutters to paint and install or, if you're Born to Build®, tackle a custom set yourself.

Once your shutters are installed, consider placing coordinating house numbers nearby to tie the look together.

What you'll need

• Decorative shutters
• Exterior paint or stain, if needed
• House numbers
• Appropriate mounting hardware

Basic steps:

1. Paint or stain the shutters if desired and allow them to dry.
2. Install the shutters according to the manufacturer's directions.
3. Add your house numbers nearby, choosing a location that keeps them clearly visible from the street.

Ready to build your own? Check out our Weekend Warriors Project: DIY Window Shutters for step-by-step instructions.

Improving your home's curb appeal doesn't have to mean taking on a major renovation. Updating your house numbers and tackling a few small exterior projects can give your home a more polished, welcoming look in just a weekend.

Need help choosing the right materials for your project? Stop by your local McCoy's. We'll help you find what you need to get started.