Stamped concrete steps and porches in Pittsburgh
Stamped concrete steps and porches are the first thing a visitor touches, and in Pittsburgh a lot of them are tired. A stamped top with a clean edge can transform an old front stoop, as long as what's under it is still sound.
Can your porch be saved?
Old porches fail in a few typical ways. The first job is to find out which ones you have.
- Worn or scaling surface: a stamped overlay may be all it needs
- Chipped step edges: these can be rebuilt with a patch
- Cracks at the house: often just settling, so seal them
- A porch pulling away from the house: check the footing first
- Hollow-sounding slab: the fill below may have washed out
- Rusted steel showing: the structure needs a closer look
Getting steps right
Steps are the hardest part of any stamped job. The treads must be level from side to side, with a slight fall to shed water, and each rise should be the same height. If the steps are uneven, people trip. Forming is slow, and the stamping is done by hand. That's why steps usually cost more per foot than any other part of a project.
We use a textured pattern on the treads and a smooth or lightly stamped riser. A bullnose or chiseled front edge looks finished and stands up well to feet and shovels.
Rails, codes and old porches
If you pour a new porch, it may need a permit, and railings may need to be replaced or reset. Check with your town before you start. For an old slab, drill new anchor holes with care, as rusted rail posts can crack concrete from the inside. If the porch is too far gone, we'll say so and quote a rebuild. If your walkway leads to the porch, see stamped concrete walkway so that they match.
How the job goes
- Check it
We sound the slab and check for movement.
- Choose
You pick overlay or rebuild, and a pattern.
- Prepare
Loose concrete is cut back, or the old porch comes out.
- Form and pour
Treads and risers are formed, poured and stamped.
- Seal
Grit goes in the sealer for footing.
Common questions
How long before you can walk on concrete steps?
A day or two for light use. Keep a ramp or another door handy for the first day.
How long before you can walk on concrete after it is poured?
Usually a day or two. Stay off any fresh sealer until it's dry, too.
Can you repair concrete porch top corner edge?
Yes. The corner is cut back, pinned and rebuilt with a patch mortar. It will show unless the porch is coated.
More services
- stamped concrete
- stamped concrete patio
- concrete patio contractors
- stamped concrete walkway
- stamped concrete pool deck
- stamped concrete overlay
- stamped concrete sealing
- stamped concrete repair
- concrete staining
- decorative concrete
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- decorative concrete driveway