Aging concrete steps often present aesthetic and functional challenges due to surface deterioration, including cracking, spalling, and discoloration. Applying a new surface material or coating is an effective way to restore safety and significantly enhance curb appeal. This transformation requires a methodical approach, starting with proper structural preparation and followed by selecting appropriate covering materials for a fresh, durable look.
Necessary Surface Preparation
Before applying any new material, the existing concrete structure must be meticulously prepared to ensure optimal adhesion and longevity. Preparation starts with thorough cleaning, typically involving power washing to remove loose debris, dirt, and contaminants. If steps are exposed to oil or grease, a specialized concrete degreaser must be applied and scrubbed before the final rinse to eliminate residues that compromise bonding.
After cleaning, existing structural damage must be repaired using appropriate patching compounds. Cracks should be widened slightly into an inverted “V” shape before being filled with a polymer-modified concrete patching material, which offers better flexibility and bond strength. Spalled areas, where the surface has flaked or pitted, need to be chiseled out to sound concrete and filled flush with the surrounding surface.
Addressing unevenness across the step treads and risers is crucial to ensure a level, stable base for subsequent covering. For minor variations, a thin layer of specialized floor-leveling cement or mortar can be applied to create a flat substrate. These self-leveling products correct slopes and depressions, which is important for installing rigid materials like wood. Once repairs and leveling are complete, the concrete must be allowed to fully cure and dry, as excess moisture inhibits the performance of primers and adhesives.
Applying Wood Treads and Risers
Overlaying concrete steps with dimensional lumber or composite material provides a robust, structural solution that changes the entrance’s look and feel. For exterior applications, materials like pressure-treated lumber or composite decking are preferred due to their superior resistance to moisture and decay. Composite materials offer minimal maintenance and consistent color but generally require more precise cutting than natural wood.
Installation begins with precise measurement of each existing concrete tread and riser to determine the dimensions for the new covering pieces. Treads are typically cut to allow for a slight overhang, often one to one and a half inches, extending past the riser below to improve aesthetics and shed water efficiently. Cutting the new lumber or composite pieces to fit the exact contours of the existing steps ensures a tight fit against the surrounding structure.
Securing the new treads and risers requires a combination of construction adhesive and mechanical fasteners rated for concrete. A heavy-duty polyurethane-based construction adhesive is applied to the back of the wood pieces to create a continuous, waterproof bond with the prepared concrete surface. Supplemental fasteners are necessary because adhesive alone is not sufficient to ensure a permanent installation that resists movement from foot traffic and temperature changes.
Concrete screws or masonry nails are driven through the new lumber and into the concrete structure, typically requiring pre-drilled pilot holes to prevent cracking the concrete. For exterior steps, ensure a slight forward slope or incorporate small gaps between the wood pieces to facilitate proper water drainage. This prevents standing water, which can accelerate the degradation of both the wood and the underlying concrete structure.
Durable Surface Coatings
Specialized surface coatings offer a non-structural, direct application solution to refresh the appearance of concrete steps. Concrete paint and stain are common options; stains penetrate for translucent color, while paints form an opaque film. Both require a specialized concrete primer formulated to bond with the porous substrate and resist alkalinity, preventing premature failure of the topcoat.
Application is typically done using rollers and brushes, often requiring two thin coats for uniform coverage. While cost-effective and easy to apply, paints and stains offer a shorter lifespan than advanced coatings, often requiring reapplication every few years in high-traffic or harsh weather environments.
Two-part epoxy systems provide a significantly more durable and chemical-resistant finish by creating a thick layer that chemically bonds to the concrete. Proper preparation involves either acid etching or mechanical grinding of the concrete surface to create a profile for maximum adhesion. This process is more labor-intensive but is necessary to achieve the superior performance characteristics of the epoxy coating.
The epoxy is mixed just before application and often includes broadcasting anti-slip additives or decorative color flakes onto the wet surface. Once cured, the thermoset polymer creates a seamless, non-porous layer that resists abrasion, impact, and moisture penetration better than standard paint. Although the initial material and labor cost for epoxy is higher, the superior lifespan and performance often make it a more economical choice long term.