As you are constructing or renovating your home, one of the last things on your mind is likely the front steps. However, these stairs can significantly impact your home’s curb appeal, not to mention its accessibility. For these reasons, your front steps deserve your attention, especially when it comes to the installation process.
If it’s time to upgrade the stairs on your porch, you will need to decide which material the stairs should be constructed. Most commonly, exterior stairs are made of brick, wood, stone, or concrete. Here’s an overview of the different types of materials used during a front step installation and how you can choose the exterior stair that is right for your home.
Brick Steps
Front steps made of brick provide a timeless appeal to your home. It pairs well with any home exterior paint color and looks stunning next to vibrant flowers and shrubs. You can choose classic red bricks or opt for one of the numerous other colors, including pink, white, or brown.
Brick is a highly durable material that will age well. When installed by a professional contractor, you will not have to worry about the steps’ upkeep because brick requires minimal maintenance and cleaning.
Wood Steps
Another classic material for your front steps that looks gorgeous for years is wood. This material is very versatile, offering numerous color, shape, and size options. It’s also highly affordable, so you can design a dreamy front porch without breaking the bank.
If you decide to install wooden steps, you will want to select pressure-treated cedar, pine, or redwood to ensure it can withstand the elements. It’s also important to note that wood stairs require more maintenance than brick steps. For example, you may need to apply a weather stain after the installation to prevent rotting.
Concrete Steps
You can never go wrong with the simple appearance of poured concrete for your front steps. It is long-lasting and complements a variety of home designs. It is also fairly inexpensive, and its nondescript appearance will allow the beauty of your landscaping to shine.
An alternative option to traditional poured concrete includes concrete block steps. These steps come in various styles and textures so that you can choose the option that best matches your home’s modern or rustic aesthetic.
Stone Steps
If you’re not a fan of concrete steps but want something just as durable, consider stone steps. Stone is a material that lasts several years with minimal maintenance and looks amazing that entire time, especially when paired with other natural elements. You can choose from flagstone, fieldstone, and granite when constructing your front steps out of natural stone. Our masonry contractors in Bergen County, NJ, will make the installation process easy and ensure the stones are laid correctly to heighten the appearance and safety of your property.
Questions to Ask to Determine the Best Material for Your Front Steps
Now that you know the benefits of each type of material for your front steps, it’s time to narrow down your options. Here are a few questions you can ask yourself when deliberating about which material you should use for your front steps:
What Is the Exterior Finish of Your House?
- If your house is made of wood planks or aluminum, install wooden steps to complement the home’s exterior.
- If your house is made of brick, choose concrete steps to add a beautiful contrast.
- If your house features a stone finish, install stone steps with complimentary texture and color.
Will Your Steps Experience a Great Deal of Traffic?
Will the front door be the main point of entry into your home? If so, you may want to consider choosing a durable material for your front steps, such as brick or concrete. However, if your front stairs will only be used occasionally, you can choose a more decorative material, such as wood or stone.
How Many Stairs Will the Porch Need?
If your front porch requires anywhere from three to eight steps, you will want to make the stairway out of concrete since this material resists weather better than stone or wood. Always check your municipality’s building codes to ensure your porch steps meet the minimum safety requirements.
What Is Your Budget?
When choosing the right material for your front steps, you must consider your budget. Wood and concrete steps are the most economical choices, while stone steps will be more expensive because of the expertise needed to cut and install the material.
Go the Extra “Step” With a Professional Installation
Transforming the exterior appearance of your house could be as simple as installing new front steps. Instead of risking your stairs’ aesthetic appeal and safety by attempting the installation process on your own, reach out to Capital T Construction for professional installations. We’ll help you choose the right material for your front steps and ensure it meets all safety requirements. Contact us today to schedule an appointment! We can also help you improve your home’s curb appeal with timely roof repairs in Bergen County.