Say Goodbye To Concrete Front Porch: The Material That's Classic & Timeless

A concrete front porch certainly serves a purpose, but for some, it's not nearly as appealing as brick. A brick front porch could invite a lot of character to your doorstep, literally, making it a wonderful alternative to traditional concrete. However, this classic and timeless material has more to boast than just aesthetics. When it comes down to concrete versus brick, these pavers might be superior. 

On one hand, concrete is a go-to choice for many because of its affordability and quick installation. On average, you might expect to pay anywhere from $6 to $15 per square foot of poured concrete, compared to brick pavers, where the cost could range from $10 to $30 per square foot. However, while concrete can be long-lasting, its longevity depends on the weather patterns where you live. Areas that see a lot of precipitation, stark humidity changes, or varying weather might notice their concrete degrade faster. The material is prone to cracking, which could result in expensive repairs, unlike brick pavers, which can be replaced individually. 

While it is possible to say goodbye to deep cracks in concrete with a simple, budget-friendly solution, it may not be as straightforward as replacing a couple of pavers. Further, poured concrete may suffer from flaws during the installation process. Ever seen the age-old joke of the cat paw prints walking through wet concrete? Additionally, to maintain your concrete porch, experts recommend sealing it every two years, something you won't have to do with brick pavers.

If you're interested in giving your front porch an elegant old-world vibe with brick pavers, there are a few things to know. One advantage of brick pavers is that while temperature and humidity fluctuations could cause bricks to shift, the gapping likely won't be as permanent or costly to repair as cracks found in concrete, since you can replace bricks individually or fill any gaps. Another advantage of brick pavers over poured concrete is that there are more options when it comes to material and customization.

Of course, there are still some things to be mindful of if you choose brick pavers. Challenges with weeds growing between the cracks could put a damper on your aesthetic, even on your front porch, though this can be prevented. Another struggle with pavers is significant shifting or movement of the bricks, often a result of poor installation. Areas with drastic weather fluctuations could also see changes in the landscape, which could impact how level the bricks are. 

The greatest downsides of a brick front porch are the cost and installation time. If you want to know what you can expect to pay for a brick paver patio, much of the price will depend on the material. Aside from the hefty upfront cost, brick paver installation may require more steps than poured concrete. Thankfully, though, you won't have to worry about the material curing or keeping cats away from your freshly laid front porch!