How do I rebuild outside concrete steps ?

Question

I have one step that is damaged by the weather and I have the concrete how do I go about it ?

Answer 1

Oh boy... well, lets start off with some more information... details details details.. hehehe.

Let me just put this plug in here.... folks... if you take the time to put more detail in your questions.. you will get better answers!

Ok... now that thats done... heheheh... What do your steps look like... and where is the damage? Are the steps squared off? Bullnosed? Is this the top step, one somewhere in between, or the bottom? Is there a 'chunk' missing from the step, a crack, what? All of these things will indicate how the step should be 'repaired', or replaced.

Alright.. lets assume youve got a 'bullnose' step... that is... a rounded edge to the step, that protrudes just a bit. Lets also assume that THIS is what is damaged and needs repair. I would take some plywood, saranwrap (yep, plastic food wrap), and some expanding foam insulation to make a 'mold' of a good portion of the step, and transfer that to the damaged portion. That sounds a whole lot simpler than it actually is, hehehehe. Expect to spend some time on this project, if this is the type of step you have, and the type of damage indicated.

Second approach... if your step is a simple 'square edge', then you can just run some lumber across it, and pour the cement in... you may need to run a trim glide over it, to put just a tiny rounded edge on the new cement. Now... depending on how much of the step(s) is damaged... you may get away with a very small concrete form.. or you may have to build a fairly large one. Details! (heheheh)

Third approach... lets say you have just a crack in between some steps.... then you need to pull the broken section away... clean out in between the two pieces (or more, as necessary), realign the old parts, leaving a small gap, and then work the new cement in between them, and smooth it off at the top. (you might actually be ahead to use an epoxy here, rather than cement, to bond the pieces.... )

Hopefully, one of these guesses adresses your situation...

Good Luck!

Answer 2

Bullnose Concrete Steps

Answer 3

Using a chisel and hammer, make sure the damaged step is at least 2" below the final level you want your step to be at. Go to th hardware store and get some epoxy bonding agent. Form the step with plywood and 2x4's. Apply the bonding agent to the existing concrete per instructions and then place concrete. Finish as desired (smooth trowel or swept). Note, you can also pick up an edging tool at the hardware store to round the edges of the step, this will make it less likely to crack. When the new concrete has set hard, cover with plastic for 2-3 days for curing.

Answer 4

Honestly, if you know so little about framing, concrete, etc..., I would have a pro handle it. If it costs too much to get a contractor, maybe you can place an ad in Craigslist for a handyman or laborer with some expereince, and work out a price for consulting, even if you do the work. Plans are nice, but having expereinced eyes get a look at the project itself cant be beat. There will be detail work to be done, explained, if you want a succesful project.

Answer 5

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Answer 6

Build a wood form that goes around perimeter of broken stair ,apply concrete mix and screed from back to front with a flat board on edge.Make sure you span the board across both sides of the form.Wait a day before carefully removing the form .Make sure it is cured in full before any traffic.

Answer 7

You'll have to make a "form" over it, then pour the concrete into this and let it set. If it's bad enough you can buy the steps but, since you already have the concrete?

Answer 8

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Answer 9

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