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Stamped Concrete for Porch Floor?

farmhousemoderne's picture

Stamped Concrete for Porch Floor? (post #176305)

farmhousemoderne on Fri, 05/13/2005 - 01:18
in

We are building a farmhouse-style home with an L-shaped front entry porch and a true screened porch in back. We were considering composite decking until we took a look at stamped concrete and realized it would probably be much cheaper, maintenance-free, and more "permanent"-looking. We want a flagstone look with a rough texture. But I haven't seen examples of it used for porch floors, so I'm wondering if there's some reason to avoid it in that usage. Anyone have experience?

-A +A

(post #176305, reply #1 of 5)

by WayneL5 in reply to farmhousemoderne [original] on Fri, 05/13/2005 - 02:44

I think it is a wise choice because it is so much more durable than wood.  I cannot think of a reason it would not work for a porch.

(post #176305, reply #2 of 5)

by BobKovacs in reply to farmhousemoderne [original] on Fri, 05/13/2005 - 12:38

No reason I can think of for why it wouldn't work.  I'm a bit confused by the "probably be much cheaper" part- stamped concrete is more expensive than composite decking.  I'm assuming you're taking into account the cost of the whole wood-framing system as well?  have you considered the cost of perimeter frost walls if necessary to support the slabs?


Bob

"Brilliance!! That's all I can say- Sheer, unadulterated brilliance!!" Wile E. Coyote- Super Genius

(post #176305, reply #3 of 5)

by brownbagg in reply to Anonymous [original] on Sat, 05/14/2005 - 02:23

I did my drive way with a cobblestone pattern. It is not easy, it is not a diyer type project. I have many mistakes, it looks bad. But would I do it again, in a heartbeat. but I would hire it out next time.

(post #176305, reply #4 of 5)

by jcrew2 in reply to farmhousemoderne [original] on Thu, 05/19/2005 - 07:27

I am currently undergoing the exact same project. L-Shaped porch will be screened in on the side though. I considered using stamp for the porch floor, but I have decided to go with a wood floor instead because I believe it follows the style of the house better. With a frame or ranch style home i.e. lap siding of some sort, it seems to me that wood or at least "wood look" gives you more of a porch feel to it, especially with a wrap around porch. Much more classy and inviting. It's almost like a deck. The concrete, although durable and good looking when stamped, is more of a patio style. It goes better with stucco or brick if you ask me. It's not to say that you can't wear sneakers with a tux, but dress shoes just look better. As for cost, when I compared the cost of building my home's foundation with crawl space (i.e. wood) and pouring a slab, the cost of the crawl space was approx 20% more expensive. Theres my 2 cents.Maybe with a few more donations, you'll finally have a dollar. Good luck with your project.


Jcrew2


First Class Homes

(post #176305, reply #5 of 5)

by aberwacky in reply to Anonymous [original] on Thu, 05/19/2005 - 15:03

It's interesting how stamped and stained concrete can look like a stone floor, depending on the pattern in the stamp.  I saw a bluestone-style stamped concrete porch and steps that I would have sworn was real!  It was on a wood-sided lodge-style house, and the two looked perfetly natural together.


There's a lot of variety that you can do with the stamped concrete, though, and depending on your house style, it could definitely clash.


Leigh

"Happiness does not depend on outward things, but on the way we see them." 
-Leo Tolstoy