Highlights
Replacing brick front steps typically costs $20 to $30 per square foot.
Ornate designs can cost as much as $100 per square foot.
DIY-ing this project is possible but requires advanced expertise.
Improper installation can lead to premature cracking and crumbling.
With the right care and installation, brick front steps can last hundreds of years.
Most brick front step replacement projects will cost between $20 to $30 per square foot 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.
How Much Do Brick Steps Cost per Square Foot?
Your cost to replace brick front door steps will typically range from $20 to $30 per square foot. Ornate designs can go as high as $100 per square foot.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace Brick Front Door Steps Yourself?
Brick steps are an advanced-level DIY, 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 | 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.
“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,” says Bob Tschudi, Angi Expert Review Board member and Raleigh, NC-based general contractor. “You’ll find that masonry contractors will be happy to let you do the muscle work so that they can focus on rebuilding.”
Breaking Down the Cost of Brick Steps
The cost of replacing your bricks steps will come down to labor and materials. Here’s how these will play into the numbers on your bill.
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.
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. While they aren’t used for support, 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.
Cost Factors for Replacing Brick Steps
There are several factors that will impact your cost for this project. These include:
Removal of existing steps
Size and number of stairs
Type of brick used
Rates of the mason you hire
Building additional structures around your brick steps, such as a paver walkway
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.
