Front Porch Styles - Which is Better, Concrete or Wood?
We were recently asked this question: "Is a concrete or wood front porch or deck a better choice?"
If you've been touring any Raleigh new homes lately, you've probably noticed a good combination of styles of front porches.
Most entry level homes have slab foundations with a ground level concrete porch.
Mid-level homes are usually built with a crawl space foundation instead of a slab, and the entry of the home is usually several steps above the ground.
Some have concrete porches with a few brick steps (such as seen to the left), and some have "deck" porches with wood steps.
So which is better - concrete or wood front porches?
Choosing concrete or wood as the material for your front porch can be mainly a matter of personal 
preference.
Concrete front porches have gained in popularity over wood deck surfaces, but both types of porches have visual and practical appeal.
Here's a few highlights of each style of front porch available with today's new homes.
Concrete Front Porches
- Don't need to be repainted
- Don't peel
- Don't lose water protection over time
- Are easy to clean
- Holds up better under high heels, sports shoes, and dog claws
Wood (Deck) Front Porches
- Can be painted or stained with a variety of colors
- Will need to be repainted or resealed over time
- Can sometimes collect debris in the cracks between boards that are necessary for water run off.
- Will require more upkeep
- Can be more costly depending on the size and height
- Can add to the exterior appeal of a home through use of color and accents
From an aesthetic point of view, wood or concrete is a matter of taste and preference. Both can be very appealing, and can really add to or change the look of a new home.
So which is less expensive?
For a front porch, it depends.
If the front porch is several steps above ground, a concrete porch may require at least some amount of backfill and compacting to support the concrete, which can add to the cost. Depending on the height and ground conditions, the cost may be about the same for a treated wood front porch or a concrete front porch.
Of course the cost for concrete can also increase if a "stamped" version is requested. View a recently completed Raleigh new home with a stamped concrete front portico and rear porch.
Ask your builder which type of front porch they build on a standard home.
Or take them the floor plan you're considering, and discuss which type would be best, based on your budget, the slope of your lot, the type of foundation, and the size of the porch.
Stanton Homes provides FREE lot inspections, and can help you determine your new home front porch options, based on a lot you love.
Read more about new home front porches, decks, screen porches, and exterior styles in these articles
Each of these links contain pictures and/or photo tours of Raleigh new homes with porches, decks, screen porches, and custom designed exterior styles:
New Home Front Porch Styles - Front Porch Pictures
Custom Home Rear Porches - Photo Tour
Screen Porches with Custom Details - Outdoor Living Ideas
New Home Exterior Styles - Video Tour of Custom Home Exterior Types
Finding Your New Home in the Raleigh Area
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Articles copyright Stanton Homes 2006-2011. Unauthorized use is not permitted. Provided for informational purposes only, no claims are made by Stanton Homes regarding the validity of any statements. Please note: all listing information per MLS, and current as of posting date. Information subject to change. Stanton Homes does not make claims to ownership of any lot listings, but can work with homebuyers to purchase available lots and build. Home plans to be approved on an individual basis, subject to neighborhood restrictive covenants and lot restrictions. Ask for further information regarding any community, lot or floor plan. Photos represent typical homes and details of each neighborhood, to help highlight different options available in the Raleigh/Triangle area. No claim of ownership is made to homes or land pictured.
Good post on options that we can do. I prefer the concrete but to each his own. Have a great week!
Good post Penny. From an inspectors point of view (gotta luv us here) there are pros and cons to each material. Salt damage, cracking, and settlement is a con for concrete. Higher maintenance costs and eventual age replacement is a con for wood. Both are good materials and will last a long time if maintained properly.
PENNY - My wife and I were talking about our concrete porch yesterday. I was telling her that I would like to build over it at some point. What do you think about Trex for the porch? It has the low maintenance of concrete, but the warmer look of wood.
Nice post. I like concrete porches. It is just my preference.
The new synthetic wood products that are now on most markets, are also very appealing, and do not have many of the disadvantages of either wood or concrete. The synthetic (plastic wood) products need very little maintenance, come in a variety of colors and styles, and can have all of the appeal of natural wood look, if desired. The only drawback is that as of right now, the cost is still pretty high. As more and more people start using it though, I believe the cost will come down.
Chip - It's definitely a matter of preference!
Michael - Always good to hear an inspector's point of view. Fortunately we don't have to worry about salt damage hear in the Piedmont area - and you're right, maintenance is key!
Adam - Synthetic products can be a terrific choice. They are great for anyone who loves the look of a wood deck, but isn't as thrilled about the maintenance. However, they are quite a bit more costly than standard wood or concrete options, which is why they are normally only installed by special request.
Gita - Concrete does have a great, clean look - and the light color can brighten up a porch area, particularly a small porch.
Kevin - All great points. One advantage of wood over synthetic is that you can change the color if you want to. Other than that, synthetic can be the best of both worlds, but as you noted, it can be quite pricey. Unless the cost reduces by quite a bit, I don't think we'll see this as a standard choice anytime soon.
Good post. I guess it does come down to personal preference. I like concrete. Our front porch is concrete and the back deck is wood. I can't wait to tear it down and replace it...but the wife likes it.
Rob - At least wood is easier to remove than concrete! Do you find that most of your clients prefer concrete as well, or would you say half and half?
Hi, it's a very nice post. Thank you. you have listed very good reason to have concrete around our home. Although its a good idea to take help of a builders, but it will more effective if an architecture is there, especially who is an expert in garden design. They have better sence of designs, i think.