Average cost to build a front porch
Figuring out how much it’s going to cost to build a front porch doesn’t need to be difficult. Knowing how much you need to budget helps facilitate the discussion with your contractor and the planning process. The following article goes over several issues that can affect the cost of a front porch project, as well as providing an estimate of what you can expect for your money.
Front porches are an American tradition — so much that the “how much does it cost to build a front porch” search string is one of the top questions asked on Google. We dug into this question using data from Decorilla. This infographic was a lot of fun to make and if you need help estimating the average cost to build your own front porch, check out our tool below.
Average cost to build a front porch
The average cost to build a front porch is $1,500 to $3,000. Materials are the biggest expense. The cost of labor varies depending on the region and contractor.
The size of your porch will affect its cost. Smaller porches may cost less than larger ones, but larger porches usually have more options available for materials and designs. The type of material used also affects the price; wood-frame porches will be cheaper than concrete or brick porches.
The most common material for building a front porch is wood, which costs about $10 per square foot (or $100 per square meter) to install. Concrete can cost anywhere from $20 to $60 per square foot ($200-$600 per square meter), while masonry costs more than either wood or concrete at around $50 per square foot ($500 per square meter). If you’re looking at installing a concrete front porch with a seating area in the middle, expect to pay even more — up to $250 per square foot ($2500 per square meter).
The average cost for labor for all these materials is about $20-$25 per hour, which means that it could take two or three days for two workers to install a front porch of any size.
How to Build a Front Porch
Building a porch is a fairly easy and inexpensive way to add value and curb appeal to your home. A new front porch can increase the value of your home by up to 15%.
The average cost to build a front porch is $7,000. This includes labor, materials and any permits or licenses you may need.
Front Porch Ideas
Before you start building, decide on what type of porch you want for your home. You can choose from several different styles:
Gable Front Porches – Gable front porches have gabled ends at each end of the porch. The gables are typically covered with decorative trim and windows. These porches are commonly seen in older homes but can be used on newer homes as well. They are also simple to build because they only require four posts and beams for support.
Boxed Front Porches – Boxed front porches have boxed sides that are built from 4×4 lumber or 2×6 lumber boards placed side by side with small gaps between them for added privacy. These porches must have both walls and a roof structure attached to them in order for them to be functional, which increases their cost considerably compared to other designs
How much does it cost to build a front porch?
The cost of building a front porch varies widely depending on the type of materials you use, the size of your porch and what features you add. A simple concrete slab with basic framing can cost as little as $1,000, while an elaborate brick structure with decorative columns could run into the tens of thousands.
If you’re looking for an inexpensive option, consider a concrete slab with basic framing. This is one of the least expensive ways to build a front porch because it uses standard materials that are readily available at any home center or lumberyard. A concrete slab will also last longer than most other types of porches because it’s durable and requires little maintenance.