This spring, we gave our front porch a fresh look. The old concrete slab was solid but boring. Instead of tearing it out, we covered it with beautiful wood flooring. Here's how we did it.

Why We Picked Wood

Our concrete porch worked fine but didn't look nice. We wanted:

• A warmer, more inviting entrance

• Better curb appeal for our home

• A natural material that ages well

We picked Ipe wood because it's tough and weather-resistant. It can last decades with little care.

How We Installed Wood Over Concrete

Step 1: Prep the Concrete
First, we cleaned the slab thoroughly. We fixed any cracks and made sure the surface was level. A clean, flat base is key.

Step 2: Build a Wood Frame
We built a grid of pressure-treated wood strips called sleepers. These:

• Keep the wood flooring off the concrete

• Allow air to circulate underneath

• Create space for water to drain

Step 3: Install the Wood Decking
We attached the ipe wood boards to the sleepers. We used hidden clips so no screws show on top. Small gaps between boards let the wood expand when wet.

Step 4: Set the Rocking Chairs Back
The final touch was returning our white rocking chairs to their spot. They look perfect against the rich wood flooring. We added a small side table between them for drinks.

The Finished Porch

Our porch went from cold and plain to warm and welcoming. The wood feels great underfoot. It's now our favorite spot to enjoy morning coffee.