How Much Does It Cost to Replace Brick Front Steps? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $2,400 - $3,050
The cost to replace brick front door steps is $2,725 on average, but it can cost between $2,400 and $3,050 or more depending on the type of brick you choose and the total size of your project.
Most brick front step replacement projects will cost between $2,400 and $3,050, depending on the type of brick you choose. When it comes to replacing your front steps and adding to your curb appeal, you can’t go wrong with the classic look of brick. You also have the option of adding accents with veneers and antique bricks, which can drive up costs. Whatever your vision is for your project, we walk you through potential costs below.
- Average
- $2,725
- Low end
- $380
- high end
- $6,000
Cost to Replace Brick Front Steps per Square Foot
Your cost to replace brick front steps will typically range from $20 to $30 per square foot. Ornate designs can go as high as $100 per square foot.
The average square footage of a single stair is around 10 feet, but front door steps, especially wide porch steps, can be double or triple that amount. As front step sizes and designs vary significantly, so do their costs. For three front door steps, expect to pay between $1,200 and $2,700, and for six steps leading up to a wide porch entrance, it could cost $2,400 to $5,400. Costs are significantly lower if you only need to replace one step or just a few bricks.
Cost Factors for Replacing Brick Steps
There are several factors that will impact your cost for this project. These include:
Removal of Existing Steps
When there are old steps to remove before installing new ones, factor this into your budget. Step removal could cost anywhere from $200 to $800, depending on the size and number of steps involved. For the DIY savvy among you, you could save money by doing this work yourself. Always check with your contractor to ensure there aren’t any technical considerations.
Size and Number of Stairs
The cost to replace three 48-inch-wide basic brick front steps will be less than replacing eight 60-inch-wide porch front steps. The average cost per step is between $600 and $900, but it could be less than this for a narrow step design and more for wide porch steps.
Labor
Most masons charge around $40 to $75 per hour, with a typical minimum fee of $200 to $400 that will cover the first few hours of labor.
You can also ask a pro for a fixed rate. “We always ask for a fixed price to do demolition and rebuilding,” says Tschudi. “If you pay hourly, things tend to slow down a bit and you’ll pay a lot more than you anticipated.”
While this tacks on higher expenses, the expertise of a pro will ensure your front steps are safe, durable, and structurally sound.
Materials
Brick prices range from $0.50 to $5 apiece, depending on style and material. Classic clay usually goes for less than $1 per brick, while concrete can go as high as $5 per brick.
Adding thin decorative veneer bricks on top will set you back $1.20 to $1.80 apiece. Rare antique bricks can cost $7 to $10 per brick, although, with some research, you may find old bricks available for recycling.
Brick Patterns
The more time a mason has to spend on installation, the bigger the budget you need. That’s why the brick pattern you want plays a part in costs. Simple running bond or stack bond patterns are easier to install than a zig-zag herringbone pattern or the cut bricks needed for a pinwheel bond.
Building Additional Structures
You might want your local brick paver to build a new walkway, wall, patio, driveway, or porch to match the new brickwork on your steps. Doing this as a combined, rather than a separate, job can save you money. For example, the cost to build a paver patio with bricks ranges from $2,400 to $7,000.
How Much Do Different Types of Bricks Cost?
Red bricks are the first image that comes to mind when you think of brick steps. Although these are classic, there are other options if you’d like to get creative. Here are the main types of brick you’ll have to choose from.
Red Bricks
Red bricks are typically made of clay and will cost $0.40 to $0.90 per brick or between $400 to $900 per every 1,000. These are your classic brick with a timeless look—and durability to boot.
Face Bricks
Face bricks are thin bricks that usually go for about $1.20 to $1.80 apiece. These are decorative veneers that can add different colors and textures to your brick steps. Consider adding these atop the bricks on your risers for extra visual effect.
Antique Bricks
Antique bricks are much pricier, costing between $7 to $10 per brick (or possibly more). Still, they offer unique and rare features that will make your bricks steps one-of-a-kind. Matching bricks to your historic home will add character to your exterior, but also adds time and costs to your project. What you’ll pay depends on factors, such as color, firing method, stamping, and the history behind them.
| Brick Type | Average Cost (per Brick) |
|---|---|
| Red bricks | $0.40–$0.90 |
| Face bricks | $1.20–$1.80 |
| Antique bricks | $7–$10 |
How Much Does It Cost to Replace Brick Front Door Steps Yourself?
Brick steps are an advanced-level DIY and more challenging than learning how to build concrete steps, so proceed with extreme caution. Using the wrong materials can lead to crumbling and premature wear, so it’s important to do your homework before you get started. Be sure to research your area’s code requirements to ensure your stairs have the proper width and riser height.
If you’re fully prepared to take on this project, here are the tools and materials you’ll need:
| Material | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Concrete mix (60 lbs) | $15 |
| Bricks | $250–$800 per 500-brick pallet |
| Trowel | $6 |
| 2x4 lumber | $6 each |
| Screed | $75–$90 |
| Mortar mix (60 lbs) | $6 |
| Mallet | $7 |
| Mason’s line | $3–$15 |
| Masonry jointer tool | $7–$12 |
Total: $371 to $953
Again, this one’s a toughie if you don’t have any experience. If you’re at all uncertain, get in touch with a local mason to help you get it done right or consider more simple concrete step installation. The cost to pour concrete steps professionally is also considerably less, averaging between $600 and $5,000.
“The best choice for a DIYer is to take on the things that you can do, such as removal of railings and demolition of an existing staircase. You’ll find that masonry contractors will be happy to let you do the muscle work so that they can focus on rebuilding.” Bob Tschudi, Angi Expert Review Board member and Raleigh, NC-based general contractor.
Alison Kasch contributed to this piece.
Frequently Asked Questions
With proper upkeep, your brick steps can last hundreds of years. Cracks in mortar may start popping up after 20 to 30 years, but these are fixable by chipping out the old mortar and replacing it through a process known as repointing.
You can use mortar mix to repair cracks in the mortar of your brick steps. There are also specific mortar mixes available for repair projects.
No, unfortunately. Crumbling bricks need a full replacement, especially for steps since they’re creating a potential safety hazard.
Brick spalling—which refers to the crumbly, flaky, or pitted appearance that can develop over time—is caused by a few different conditions. These include:
Climates with constant freeze-thaw cycles
Use of non-breathable sealants
High-pressure water cleaning
Improper installation
While you can’t do anything about the weather, you can preserve your bricks by cleaning them with soapy water and a good old-fashioned scrubbing. Pressure washers may be satisfying to use, but they can eventually wear away the surface of your bricks. If you don’t have advanced-level DIY skills in masonry, you can hire a reputable masonry contractor in your area for your project.
You can purchase from many brick manufacturers and distributors via their websites, where you can also get estimates based on the quantity you need. You’ll find bricks at your local home improvement stores as well, though they won’t have as much of a variety to choose from. As for antique bricks, secondary selling websites like eBay can be a great resource.