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[Mom2Dogs]

My front porch is long and fairly wide.....hard to make look nice.  The landscape is nice but the porch is a large, long cement slab.  We cannot take out the slab, but I am trying to think of what we can lay ontop of the slab to update the porch.

There is a construction adhesive for outside that can 'glue' the product to the existing surface, just need idea for the 'floor'. We do need to keep in mind the transistion from the drive way to the porch....it could be an issue....any ideas?

We would not do the work ourselves but before I call a landscape contractor I need some ideas to bounce off of him/her....thanks for any ideas.

[ValuSkr]

I think stamped concrete is very nice.  It can be colored to look like whatever you want.  Look online for more images.  I believe it's applied over an existing surface.

[Mom2Dogs]

@ValuSkr I like that look but wonder if a skim coat can be applied over top the existing slab...thick enough for stamping?

[Sooner]

I know there are veneer bricks that are not as thick as regular brick--don't know how they hold up.  

How thick could a top coat be?  How much drop from the threshold to the concrete?

Does it have a fence?  Could you post a picture?

Could you add or does it have a roof?  If so, those large white columns could be added.  They are not terribly expensive.  

[ValuSkr]

@Mom2Dogs   I don't know, as I haven't had the work done myself.  But I'd definitely call in a company that does this work and get their thoughts and suggestions.  I want to do it some day on my back patio.  I'm pretty sure it can be done on top of an existing slab.

[Mom2Dogs]

@Sooner The porch and drive way are at the same level and we currently have large tall pillars that go to the roof line...I really dislike the pillars, not my style but we cannot change the roof line....think of the White House...tall white pillars, to me it is stark looking and nothing I would have picked out.

[Peaches McPhee]

So many options!

There is a stain that goes over existing concrete to give it some color.  You can combine colors.

As someone said upthread, look into stamped concrete.  All colors and all patterns are available.

Tiles on top of the existing concrete.

Paint the concrete.

Good luck and let us know what you do.  With pictures!

[Lucky Charm]

Stamped concrete is a good option.  You can even paint concrete with a paint specifically for that.  Perhaps slates can be applied to top concrete?

I believe the pillars can be replaced/changed out, and no need to change roof-line. 

But to offset the *White House* look, tall ceramic (I loathe plastic/composite) planters with tall grasses or other large plants/shrubs placed next to the pillars.

Could a change in shutter colors help the curb appeal and overall look of the front porch?

Do you have pretty furniture out there?  Frontgate, (a part of QVC) has the most beautiful, and substantial and breathtaking outdoor furniture I've ever seen.  It's pricey, but it's worth it.  Your porch/patio won't look like everyone elses.

[Fressa]

I have the same situation but on a smaller scale. I purchased a trio of Veranda indoor/outdoor rugs for ours. I have one area for the front door entrance with planters flanking the entry. I have another for a seating area. and a third that is a smaller seating area with a planter and a few hanging feeders.  It no longer looks like a slab but more like a porch. The seperated areas really breaks up the "runway" look.

[Mom2Dogs]

@Lucky Charm The pillars were recently painted so they will stay. I do like the slate idea...I do not want anything that will look busy.  The house/shutters were painted a few years ago, so that all looks good.

It's the front porch I do not like...we do not sit out there, we have a three season room in the back that we use, and I do not think furniture would look good in that area....but I will consider all thoughts!

I have lived here my entire married life, 40+years and have never enjoyed the front of the house....I'd rather live else where, but that is another thread!  I am trying to make good use of what I have.