Concrete steps or terraced stairways are the most prominent feature at the entryway of many homes and public buildings, yet too often they get relegated to purely utilitarian status. Elevating concrete stairs from bland to grand makes them the dramatic focal point of any front entrance. Even greater visual impact is possible by combining decorative stairways with modern walk ways including landings that will make your home more beautiful than ever before.
Concrete steps can be poured right along with your walkways or entryway by concrete contractors, so they can make a statement on their own. Precast concrete stairs and precast concrete steps are also an option that would work for any home's exterior design style.
Concrete Stair Design
Not all front steps are made the same. If you're looking to add some flare and pizzazz, try one of these five creative concrete stairways that will make your home's entrance unique!
Colour, Colour, and More Colour
The exterior of your home will never look the same again! You can choose from a variety of colors to make concrete stand out. The most popular are adding integral color, using staining techniques or applying dry-shake hardener with stamps for unique patterns and marble effects.
Stamped Concrete Designs
Stamping mats come in a wide variety of patterns to create the perfect design for your project. Whether you're looking for stamped concrete, brick, cobblestone or just a simple border- there's something out there that will be sure to fit all needs! The best part is many stamping mats mimic their material perfectly so they produce amazingly realistic results with no need for any further finishing work whatsoever.
Exposed Aggregate
Exposed aggregate is a versatile and affordable way to achieve unique effects in your outdoor space. With many types of decorative aggregates available, you can create endless color variations for an artistic look that will never be the same twice.
Exposed-aggregate stairways are the perfect option for those who want a durable and non-skid surface that is resistant to foot traffic, weather extremes, and even time.
Fancy Edges
Curvilinear steps may be the new thing in architectural design. Rather than going with a sharp 90-degree step edge, you can create a variety of curved profiles using foam liners that adhere to inside formwork and bend into various shapes.
Combining Walkways with Stairs
As you desire more and greater impact, consider combining decorative concrete walkways with stamped or stained stairways and landings that incorporate coordinating colors and patterns. With a few strategic steps to transition from one elevation to another, your entry way can be as unique as the person living there.
The design and styling of concrete stairways has come a long way since the days when they were just utilitarian structures built out of necessity. Today, we have options for adding color in order to make your stairs more interesting or even matching them with exterior flatwork that's been stained by using dry-shake hardener if desired. The best part is you don't need any special tools because these techniques are all doable with basic equipment like an air compressor and paint gun - easy peasy!
