Our house was built in 1958. We purchased it 10 years ago. It is a typical ranch home with a concrete front porch/stoop and step. But it also has a dropped down extension of concrete connecting to it that is about 8' long. I sealed the porch with Thompsons when we moved in but it is in dire need of something more than sealing now. Structurally it is in good shape with some pits, stains and normal wear for the age. To me it just looks bad! I am not interested in building a deck over the top of it. I was considering a colored stain but don't want to become a slave to the maintenance of anything I put down. I don't like the look of a chipped painted porch. Was considering tile but not sure how to secure it without it slipping/scooting. Also, If I did tile how would it be secured to do the front/face of the concrete and the step? What kind of price am I looking at per square foot for tile? Thanks

Concrete is porous and normal use and weather can stain it unevenly. Have you tried just power washing with detergent?

Wow, now that sounds simple! Hmmm. No didn't think that would make a difference. I am just thinking that even if I clean it up it needs a little brightening too. I have talked with a buddy that works in the concrete business and knows my porch. He recommended a product made by Thoro. It is a concrete based paint, sort of, that might spuce it up. What do you know about this product? Thanks!

No matter what you want to use to coat your porch it must be cleaned first. I'd make a batch of warm water with TSP and spray it over the concrete. Then take a power washer to it. Allow to dry and you will see a much improved, brighter surface. If you still want to coat or color it at least its ready for that now.

Oh and also, he said because this product is cement based it could be tiled over without stripping if I decided to do that later. The only thing I forgot to ask was... is it going to look like grey basement paint? Yuck!

It certainly does need cleaned! I will start there. Thanks!