Concrete vs Brick Steps – Best Choice for Your Entryway?

Concrete Steps

Concrete steps offer a lot of flexibility at an affordable price point. You can mold concrete into various shapes and designs or apply decorative stamping. This allows concrete steps to complement different architectural styles.

Concrete is also a durable material that can withstand weathering over many years. However, concrete does require some ongoing upkeep as cracks can form with frost, and it may stain more easily than other materials. Sealing is usually needed to protect the concrete’s appearance.

Benefits of Concrete Steps

• Concrete steps provide great value for the money. Concrete is an affordable material that helps keep the overall cost of constructing steps low compared to other materials like wood or stone.
• It’s also very customizable through coloring, stamping, carving, or adding a decorative border. Concrete can be dyed or stained to match the exterior of a home.
• With proper sealing and maintenance, concrete will last for decades before needing repairs or replacement. When sealed annually and any cracks are repaired promptly, concrete is incredibly durable.

Drawbacks of Concrete Steps

• Concrete steps tends to crack more easily than brick over time, especially when exposed to freeze/thaw cycles in harsh winters.
• Without proper sealing, concrete can stain or attract more dirt over the years compared to other materials like natural stone or brick.

Brick Steps

Brick steps offer a timeless look that will enhance the appearance of any home. They provide longevity for generations with little maintenance required once installed properly.

Benefits of Brick Steps

• Brick steps give a tailored, custom look that can match any architectural theme.
• Brick adds significant curb appeal, providing a refined aesthetic that can increase the curbside charm of a property.
• Maintenance is simple because bricks last for decades. Brick is exceptionally durable, with individual units capable of withstanding weathering for 50+ years.
• Problems can be fixed by replacing only the affected bricks instead of the whole staircase, making repairs cheaper.
• Water drainage occurs naturally without holding stains or moisture against the surface.

Drawbacks of Brick Steps

• The quality, timeless look of brick comes at a higher initial cost compared to concrete.
• The weight of the brick material means steps must be securely installed on stable footings or a slab.

Cost Comparison

Concrete steps are low-cost due to easy precasting, mixing, and install. Brick steps require pricey skills like mortaring, precise stone cutting, and specialized masonry work.

Over time, maintenance costs can change. Concrete may develop cracks or require repair, raising long-term costs. Brick typically needs only occasional cleaning since damaged bricks are cheaply replaced individually.

Durability and Longevity

• Both materials hold up very well to foot traffic, but concrete may develop small surface cracks faster than brick.
• Brick allows for water drainage without holding moisture while concrete may crack or spill with freeze-thaw cycles depending on the climate.

Aesthetic Considerations

Style and Design Flexibility

Concrete allows for more modern designs through stamping, carving, and custom forming. However, nothing matches the classic, traditional charm of a brick staircase.

Color and Texture Options

While concrete dyeing and stamping creates various color/texture options, brick offers a naturally beautiful range of hues from reds and oranges to blues and grays.

Installation

Time and Labor

While a concrete project can be handled by a general contractor, brick ideally requires a skilled mason. Hiring a professional ensures the staircase is properly installed according to code and manufacturer requirements.

Maintenance Requirements

Cleaning and Upkeep

Both benefit from routine sweeping, but concrete may require occasional sealing or waterproofing, whereas brick cleaner or a light power washing usually suffices.

Repairs and Replacements

Small concrete cracks require patching compounds while loose bricks can simply pop out and be replaced individually on brick staircases.

Safety Concern

Slip-Resistance

When new, both have adequate grip levels. Over time, concrete may become smoother, whereas brick maintains a textured surface.

Structural Soundness

Both materials can provide safe, durable staircases as long as they are properly installed on an adequate base with routine visual inspections.

Contact Best Masonry Contractor in Fredericton

For over 15 years, Atlantic Brick and Stone has completed countless concrete, brick, and stone works with unparalleled quality and attention to detail. Whether you need a small entryway installed or a large commercial concrete steps, we have the expertise and experience to handle any job flawlessly. Contact us for a free estimate!

To Close

Both concrete and brick steps deliver attractive, rugged entryways when installed by professionals. But preferences for curb appeal, budget, and long-term care should sway the decision.

FAQ about Brick and Concrete Steps

How to Make Concrete Steps More Attractive?

Options include stamping/molding, adding a border, dyeing/staining, and using sealants and outdoor carpeting for traction.

Are Brick or Concrete Steps Better?

There is no single better choice – it depends on budget, installation complexity, maintenance preferences, and desired aesthetic.

How Often Does Brick Need to Be Replaced?

Brick steps can last indefinitely with proper installation. Repairs may be needed every 20+ years depending on environment and usage.