Home Improvement Stack Exchange
Home Improvement Stack Exchange

Questions tagged [steps]

14 questions
7
votes
1 answer

What can I do about this deteriorating staircase?

The side entrance stairs to my home are deteriorating. They appear to be several different patches, coats and possibly capped concrete. I have a temporary fix lined up to make it safe for travel. My question is: Other than demolition and replacement…
BrownRedHawk
  • 1,958
  • 1
  • 12
  • 14
7
votes
2 answers

Should I include an expansion joint between steps and a foundation?

I am building this retaining wall that ends with steps. The steps will be on one side against the foundation of the house. My question is should I use expansion joints between the step units (SRW concrete units) and the foundation or it'd be…
Iulian Ilies
  • 71
  • 2
7
votes
1 answer

Do I need to do anything at the base to support deck steps?

I want to add some wood steps off my wooden patio deck (which is in Iowa). The deck surface is around 30 inches above the ground, in which the steps would go from the ground to the deck. At the ground where the base of the steps would be, it is…
Dave
  • 71
  • 1
  • 1
  • 2
6
votes
7 answers

How can I subtly mark a height difference to prevent tripping?

Between two of my rooms I have a height difference of about 4cm. What is an obvious but subtle way to mark the marble floor so the step is obvious, and help to prevent tripping? I'm thinking of using mini battery-operated LED lights. By the way in…
rabbid
  • 295
  • 1
  • 5
  • 9
5
votes
1 answer

How to rig up temporary steps?

My yurt is up, but I need some steps. The deck is 32" above grade. Eventually I'll build a landing / small deck, but I'm too busy with other projects right now (like closing in the yurt wall canvas!) What can I do to put together some simple,…
Jay Bazuzi
  • 11,658
  • 32
  • 94
  • 143
4
votes
1 answer

What are my options for resurfacing or repainting my old concrete steps?

My front steps are very old. The paint was chipping off so I used a chemical paint stripper to remove it. I also used a pressure washer to get the rest of it off. I would like to stain the steps but they do not have an even surface. It looks like…
rachel
  • 41
  • 1
  • 2
3
votes
1 answer

What is the name of the metal strip that goes over a step

Between 2 rooms, there is a small single step, the step being only about 1-2 inches tall. Over this step is a piece of metal, bent in half. Mine has come undone, and has ended up broken but I've just found the same thing in another house. It looks…
Dave
  • 147
  • 1
  • 5
3
votes
2 answers

How to build a small set of steps/stairs

I just had a paver patio installed and had the builder re-install the old wooden steps that he removed to do the work. We did this as a cost savings measure since stone steps would've doubled the price of the project. Now with this nice new patio,…
j08691
  • 197
  • 1
  • 1
  • 8
2
votes
1 answer

How do I alter the shape of my existing concrete steps?

I have some concrete steps from my back door that I plan to cover with paver brick, so that they tie in aesthetically with my new paver patio. The existing steps are rectangular, but I want them to be circular, like so: If you were going to do…
lecrank
  • 155
  • 2
  • 6
2
votes
2 answers

Making an existing concrete step taller

I have a step down out the back door of my house and the first step down is way too far, about nine and a half inches. It's concrete. What is the best way to make…
kelly
  • 21
  • 1
  • 2
2
votes
2 answers

should I stain the bottom of exterior steps?

When staining exterior steps should I also stain the bottom of the steps? I ask because I think it might better to leave the bottom unstained to let any moisture in the wood evaporate. There would be no stagnant water on the bottom surface of the…
Chris H
  • 121
  • 1
2
votes
1 answer

How to build deck steps down to patio?

I have a deck on the back of my house with a patio next to the deck. I would like to build a wide set of steps down to the patio. Can I have the steps rest on top of the patio or should I put footings in the ground to support the steps? I live in…
Darren71
  • 21
  • 2
2
votes
1 answer

Does clear silicone sealer damage stone?

I purchased some ice breaking mats. They are supposed to be attached to steps using clear silicone. I am worried that the clear silicone will damage the steps when removing the mats. The steps are made of blue stone. Please explain what affect the…
Michael
  • 253
  • 1
  • 3
  • 13
1
vote
1 answer

What is this landing/wrap-around feature on porch steps called.

What is this style or feature called? If it has a name...!
jqning
  • 636
  • 1
  • 5
  • 17