Stanton Homes - Building Green in the Triangle

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?

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 great 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. 

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. 

Learn More About Building Your New Home in the Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill Area

Stanton Homes offers "Meet the Builder" events, where any potential homebuyer can bring floor plans and ask an experienced, knowledgable general contractor a variety of questions.  

This question regarding front porches was brought up at a recent event.   Feel free to attend our next "Meet the Builder" event,  or we can meet with you on an individual basis to discuss your home building project.

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