Combine Materials in Concrete Front Steps For Texture & Depth
Concrete front steps provide a practical and durable foundation for home entryways, but their blank canvas offers potential for so much more.
By combining concrete with complementary textures and materials like natural stone, wood, or metal, you can create depth and visual interest while enhancing curb appeal.
Simple Yet Impactful: Concrete with Stone Layer
One of the easiest ways to upgrade basic concrete stairs is by adding a layer of stone. Materials like slate, bluestone, and gravel pair nicely with concrete to deliver texture and character.
Thinner stone tiles work well for a smooth finish, while thicker stones like irregular bluestone bring more dramatic layers. The color variations and natural shapes make each stone unique while complementing the concrete base.
Affordable and Easy Upgrade
The projects require minimal demolition of existing steps, keeping costs down. Simply clean and prepare the concrete, cut stone to size, set the pieces in mortar, and fill seams with gravel or mortar.
Enhances Texture, Grip
The stone's coarse surface creates friction underfoot for improved traction. Moisture permeates through the cracks, reducing slick spots.
| Pros | Cons |
| - Enhanced texture | - Heavy lifting of materials |
| - Improved grip | - Potential for uneven steps if improperly installed |
Tips for Installation
Proper prep and installation techniques ensure structural integrity and clean sight lines between stones.
- Clean concrete steps thoroughly before applying mortar
- Use concrete adhesive for durable bond
- Shim stones to level any uneven concrete surfaces underneath
- Avoid mortar squeeze-out between stone for cleaner finish
Complementary Combination: Concrete with Brick
For a classic look, brick beautifully complements poured concrete stairs. Match existing brickwork on a home's exterior, or introduce a brand new brick pattern or color.
Geometric Herringbone Pattern Option
Laying bricks in a timeless herringbone pattern adds visual drama to the steps. Contrasting mortar colors - light gray with red brick, for example - makes the geometry pop. Concrete steps enhanced with a brick overlay gain character and appeal.
Brick Stairs Installation Guide
Proper planning and precise bricklaying techniques prevent cracking or settling issues down the road.
- Pour concrete stairs slightly smaller to account for brick thickness
- Waterproof concrete before attaching brick
- Use concrete adhesive and mortar for durable bond
- Keep narrow, consistent mortar joints for clean finish
Low Maintenance and Durable
Clay brick holds up well to heavy foot traffic, moisture, and temperature fluctuations. Resealing mortar every few years preserves the staircase.
Terracotta Tile Texture and Style
For a Mediterranean feel, terracotta tile infuses warmth and old-world charm into concrete steps. The tile's earthy red-orange colors contrast beautifully with cool gray concrete while adding texture.
Warmer Color to Contrast Cool Concrete
The handmade clay tile sports rustic imperfections that catch the eye. Its color softens concrete's sometimes harsh, industrial vibe. The combination feels both ancient and modern at the same time.
Texture Prevents Slips
Terracotta tile retains some porousness for traction even when wet. Large grout lines also improve grip and drainage.
| Pros | Cons |
| Warmer, natural aesthetic | Sealing required for longevity |
| Added texture prevents slips | Grout needs periodic resealing |
Incorporating terracotta tiles, whether on a few steps or an entire run, brings charming Mediterranean character to concrete stairs.
Wood Planks for Organic Look
Wood introduces warmth and softness to poured concrete steps. Composite planking offers durability, while reclaimed materials like barnwood add rustic character.
Softer Visual Aesthetic
The layered wood horizontal planks contrast the solid concrete mass with slim lines and varied grain patterns. Its lighter tones open up shadowed areas under a stoop or porch.
Complements Gardens and Greenery
The organic, natural wood look blends nicely with potted plants, flower beds, trees and other exterior landscaping surrounding the home's entrance.
Over time, allow the wood to weather naturally for a muted, aged appearance that complements concrete's patina. Proper sealing protects the planking from deterioration.
Creative Contrast: Patterned Cement Tile
Intricate cement tile patterns - like zigzags, geometric shapes, or ornate motifs - energize plain concrete stairs with color, texture and whimsy when used as contrasting inlays.
Distinctive Statement Piece for Entryway
Lively Moroccan-inspired designs, vibrant Mexican motifs, or interesting grey and white combinations make cement tile "the jewelry" against ordinary concrete. Their creative pop greets guests with visual impact.
Complement with Simple Concrete Sides
Too much visual busyness competes. Keeping concrete riser sides clean and bare allows the gorgeous tile work to shine. Sealing the tiles protects their longevity in an outdoor setting.
Cement tile patterns lend artistic flair when combined strategically with basic concrete staircases.
Metal Inlays and Accents
Industrial metal components - like sleek handrails, metal panels inlaid in steps, or stainless steel lighting fixtures - complement concrete's utilitarian nature.
Great for Modern, Urban Settings
The combo works perfectly for modern city homes. Metal's straight, clean lines and silver-gray palette contrast the mottled color and texture of stone aggregate in concrete.
Low-Maintenance & Easy-Clean Material
Brushed stainless steel, powder-coated aluminum, or other metal alloys stand up well to weather and wear-and-tear with little maintenance required. Their smooth surface easily wipes clean after storms or winter weather.
| Pros | Cons |
| Sleek, modern look | Higher cost than other materials |
| Low maintenance | Improper anchoring can lead to noise |
Hardy metals smartly combined with concrete help create an industrial-chic style statement.
Built to Last: Concrete + Granite
For high-traffic entryways seeing constant footfalls, granite delivers unmatched durability. This natural stone withstands all weather conditions - from frigid winters to sweltering summers.
Matches Strength of Concrete Base
Granite contains high levels of quartz, one of nature's hardest minerals, giving it compressive strength and shock resistance on par with industrial concrete. Granite stairs stand the test of time.
Withstands Weather Fluctuations
The dense stone prevents moisture absorption that deteriorates other building materials. Freeze-thaw cycles don't faze granite, maintaining its integrity and vibrant color.
For superior resilience to heavy use and outdoor exposure, granite complements concrete's functional benefits. Proper installation for this expensive stone maximizes long-term stair durability.
Creative Inspiration for Combinations
Concrete steps serve as the perfect base for all kinds of creative combinations using complimentary materials and textures.
Mix multiple materials on a single set of stairs for eclectic personality. Contrast light and dark colors for depth and dimension. Coordinate material choices with a home's architecture and color scheme for cohesion.
Incorporate lighting or built-in planters into the design for added flair and functionality. The options for customizing concrete stairs are endless.
While concrete front steps provide beneficial sturdiness on their own, combining contrasting textures and materials unlocks their design potential for enhancing aesthetics and curb allure.
A stone layer introduces organic variation. Bricks add warm, geometric style. Wood creates a welcoming look in outdoor spaces. Metal infuses modern personality. And tile options impress with artistic flavors. Coordinate material colors and textures with the home's existing features for a cohesive style.
Proper installation and sealing methods ensure that dual-material stairs stand the test of time, while giving homeowners creative opportunities to upgrade their home's entryway.