Front Porch

So, we are about to start our porch

We are trying to decide whether to do concrete with stone on top or one of the composite-wood ones(like TREX). Most of the houses in our neighborhood are the same as ours so we checked out the porches in the area and many of them are concrete. I was worried that the concrete would crack with the changes of temperature, because is will be a big piece (22 x 12). Does anyone have any experiences to share?

What are some must haves for porches?
So far, I know I want to put high-hats on the roof that hangs over the porch. I want to make sure I think about everything before we build it so I don't regret not adding something.

I also have to decide where to put my mailbox. Right now it is hanging on my house next to the front door. Do we leave it there and make the mailman walk onto the porch or should we move it near the steps?

I can;t wait for it to be finished

Re: Front Porch

we are still decidign what to do. DH wants to do concrete with Stampcrete top.
I am really worried about it cracking.
Does anybody have experience with this?

Re: Front Porch

No sorry - I don't have an input on this. BUT - as for the mailbox - I would keep it on her your house that way YOU don't have to leave your house to get the mail. It's just more convenient for you. The mailmen are used to the front porches.

Good luck - can't wait to see pix.

Re: Front Porch

Julz, if you are concerned about cracking, you can ask the contractor about putting in expansion joints in the concrete - these are the things that look like seams in between the panels of concrete. The purpose of the joint is to allow the concrete to expand and contract slightly with the freeze-thaw cycle we experience in NY. Concrete can crack, but if you see cracks later, you can fill them in.

I looked at the stampcrete website - it looks like they use concrete that would be the same strength as that typically used for concrete work in this area - 3500 psi. They should also be sealing the top of the stampcrete, so that should protect the surface from the elements somewhat too. How high is the porch - how many steps up from the ground is it?

I like the look of concrete, but I have seen porches with the wood composites and they look nice too.

Message edited 3/25/2006 10:12:43 PM.

Re: Front Porch

Our porch is going to be really big... 12 x 22 feet and 3 steps off the ground.
Our neighbors that had theirs done by the same guy don't have the expansion joints, and they don't have any cracks either. It just seems hard to believe it won't crack, especially with such a big porch.
We asked the contractor and he said it won't crack

Re: Front Porch

If the porch is going to be that deep, they probably wouldn't put expansion joints, just pour it all at once, as one huge piece. I was thinking it would be more like a patio-type thing. If the contractor is good, it should be OK. I would use someone who comes highly recommended, though. I think cracking occurs more often if the contractor is not that great, if they don't compact the base soil underneath adequately or the concrete itself is not good material. And if you go with concrete, only use calcium chloride on it to melt ice or snow in the winter - rock salt causes the top layer to spall, or sort of peel off.