Your cart is currently empty!
How to Build a Raised Concrete Porch
Raised concrete porches are fast becoming a popular alternative to the traditional wood porch. Not only does concrete make for a great addition to your home but it is also cheap and easy to maintain. Although it can be a bit of a challenge, you will find that when you’re finished you’ll have a one of a kind concrete porch that you can enjoy for years to come.
Raised concrete porches have been gaining popularity in recent years. If you’re wondering what to build for your new home, a raised concrete porch may be the answer. It’s durable yet beautiful. Plus, a raised concrete porch can be built during construction or added later as an addition.
🛠️ What This Is About
A raised concrete porch involves creating a sturdy concrete slab elevated above grade—typically on a framed base or foundation wall—to provide a durable, level surface for your entry or outdoor space.
📋 Materials & Tools Needed
✅ Concrete (and rebar or steel mesh)
✅ Form materials (pressure-treated lumber or steel channels for subfloor support)
✅ Gravel or crushed rock for fill/subbase
✅ Pressure-treated wood for framing (or concrete/block walls)
✅ Reinforcement: rebar or steel mesh
✅ Drainage pipe (if built against soil mass)
🔨 Tools: drill, saw, level, tamper, concrete mixer (or order premixed), float/trowel, concrete saw or grooover for control joints
⚙️ Step‑by‑Step Instructions
1. Plan & Measure
- Determine porch footprint—verify space and door-height alignment.
- Confirm substructure type: slab over fill, on block walls, or steel-framed system.
2. Build Foundation/Base
- If using fill: install gravel in 3–4 inch compacted layers.
- For elevated systems: construct concrete/block walls or install steel channels 12–16″ OC, per FHA method.
- Ensure level base for forms or channels.
3. Set Forms & Reinforcement
- Attach sturdy forms (wood or metal) around perimeter.
- Add rebar or steel mesh—ideally centered vertically in slab.
4. Pour & Screed Concrete
- Pour 4–6″ thick concrete into forms/over fill or sheathing .
- Screed level and pitch outward (1/8″–1/4″ per foot) for drainage .
5. Finish Surface & Control Joints
- Trowel smooth or add texture.
- Cut or tooled control joints early to manage cracking.
- Cure with water, plastic, or spray retarders to maintain strength.
6. Inspect & Clean Up
- Remove forms after 24–48 hours.
- Check slab pitch, edge clean-up, and any exposed joint lines.
✅ Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Durable, low maintenance, versatile finish | Heavy—needs strong substructure |
| Can be customized (stain, stamp, texture) | Requires compaction and proper drainage |
| Lasts longer than wood, resists weather | Elevated versions may need steel or block support |
💡 Expert Tips
- Compact fill in layers to avoid future settling and cracking.
- Reinforce slab properly—rebar prevents structural failure.
- For elevated porches, inserting steel channels into wall framing is key.
- Include slope away from house (1/8″–1/4″/ft) to avoid water pooling.
👷 Who Should Do This
- DIYers with concrete experience and tool access.
- Homeowners replacing or upgrading an entryway or porch.
- Those comfortable with forming, reinforcement, and finishing techniques—or ready to hire selective pros.
📌 Quick Checklist
- Layout & locate drain pitch
- Build base: compacted gravel or framed walls
- Install forms & reinforcement
- Pour & screed concrete slab
- Add control joints & finish surface
- Cure properly, remove forms, clean edges
how to build a raised concrete front porch
Raised concrete porches are popular for several reasons. They can be built with little or no excavation, which makes them convenient for use in areas where space is limited. They also have the added benefit of being visible from the street and adding curb appeal to your home.
If you’re considering building a raised concrete front porch, here are some tips for getting started:
Excavate for Concrete Piers
The first step in building a raised porch is to excavate for concrete piers. The depth of these piers depends on how tall you want your porch to be, but generally speaking they should be at least 12 inches deep and extend down below the frost line.
Build Forms Around Pier Locations
Next, build forms around each pier location so that there’s a space between the form’s outer edges and the inside edge of the pier. This will ensure that no concrete spills out of the forms during pouring.
Pour Concrete Into Formed Piers
Once all forms are in place, pour concrete into each one until it reaches just below grade level (or whatever height you’re aiming for). Then allow it to cure completely before continuing with other phases.
how to build a raised deck over concrete porch
A raised concrete porch is a great way to build a new front entry or side door into your home. You can also use a raised porch to create an outdoor living space that’s off the ground, so you can enjoy it in any weather.
A raised concrete porch is a perfect solution for older homes that don’t have enough room for an addition or even an attached garage. It also makes it easier for wheelchair-bound individuals to enter and exit their house without having to step up or down.
A raised concrete porch is typically built with wood framing and then covered with concrete slabs, but you can also build one with cinder blocks or other materials if you prefer. This article will show you how to build a raised deck over a concrete foundation, including how to frame the opening, pour the footings, construct the posts and support beams and install your decking surface.
How Much Will It Cost?
| Item | Description | Estimated Cost per Square Foot |
|---|---|---|
| Decking Boards | The primary surface material of the deck. Choose from wood, composite, or PVC. | $4.00 – $7.00 |
| Railing Posts and Rails | Supports for the railing system. Essential for safety and aesthetics. | $1.50 – $3.00 |
| Joist Hangers | Metal brackets that secure the joists to the frame. | $0.50 – $1.00 |
| Fasteners | Screws, nails, and other hardware to assemble the deck. | $0.30 – $0.75 |
| Plywood Subflooring (if needed) | Base layer for the deck; necessary if the concrete is uneven. | $1.00 – $2.00 |
| Screws | Specific screws designed for the material of your choice, enhancing longevity. | $0.20 – $0.50 |
how to build forms for a raised concrete porch
Raised concrete porch is a great addition to any home. It is one of the most popular ways to expand your outdoor living space. The elevated deck can be used for many purposes, from relaxing with family and friends to entertaining guests.
Raised concrete porch can be built from scratch or you could simply remodel the existing one.
Building a raised concrete front porch is not very different from building other types of decks. If you are planning on adding a concrete front porch on your home, here are some tips on how to build forms for a raised concrete porch:
Pour Concrete
The first step when building forms for a raised concrete porch is pouring the foundation. This step involves mixing cement and water in order to get the right consistency before pouring it into forms that will hold up the concrete slab. You should make sure that you have enough sand and gravel if you want your porch to last longer as this will help with drainage issues as well as prevent cracking or breaking over time. It also helps if you use masonry sand instead of builder’s sand because masonry sand has larger particles which allow for better drainage and less chance of cracking than builder’s sand does.
Raised concrete porches can add beauty and value to your home. They also provide an area for entertaining and relaxing.
When building a raised concrete porch, you need to make sure that the structure is strong enough to support the weight of people and furniture. You also need to consider drainage issues and keeping the area free of debris.
The first step in building a raised concrete porch is laying down a base layer of gravel or crushed stone. This layer should be at least six inches deep, with 12 inches being ideal. You will then use this layer as a base for your forms, so make sure it is level and even throughout the entire perimeter.
The next step is installing form boards on top of this base layer. Form boards are usually made from wood or plastic, but they can also be made from metal or other materials depending on your project’s needs and budget considerations. The boards will help keep the shape of your porch walls consistent as they are poured into place around them, forming a sturdy foundation for your finished product.