How Much Does It Cost to Replace Brick Front Steps? [2024 Data]

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 old steps need to be removed 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, Angi Expert Review Board member and Raleigh, NC-based general contractor. “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 $6 apiece, depending on the type of bricks you choose to replace your front steps. Classic clay usually goes for less than $1 per brick, while concrete can go as high as $6 per brick.

Adding thin decorative brick veneer versus 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 cost $0.40 to $0.90 per brick or between $400 and $900 per every 1,000. These classic bricks offer 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. They 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 brick steps one-of-a-kind. Matching bricks to your historic home will add character to your exterior, but also add time and costs to your project. What you’ll pay depends on factors, such as color, firing method, stamping, and the history behind them.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro to Replace Brick Front Steps

We don't recommend replacing the brick front steps yourself. Installing bricks correctly and ensuring they are level is easier said than done, and an incorrect installation can become a tripping hazard that turns your front steps into a game of Minesweeper. Not to mention, frequent shifting of your front steps could be a sign of a foundation problem that goes beyond merely replacing the bricks. 

That’s why it’s best to rule out soil issues and other problems that could make your investment short-lived. With this in mind, we recommend you hire a professional masonry contractor near you to handle your brick front step replacement. Since most masons charge between $40 and $75 per hour, factor in the size of your project and ask several local contractors for quotes to find the most competitive prices in your area.

If you still want to get your hands dirty, there are options. “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,” states Tschudi.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

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