One of the best ways to add curb appeal to your home is to install impressive masonry in the front. This adds a “wow factor” that surprises and pleases you and everyone else who arrives at your home.
Masonry porches and even steps can do this all on their own, adding not just aesthetic appeal but also a long-lasting feature to your home. When you’re choosing materials for your porch and/or steps, it’s important to consider factors such as aesthetic appeal, safety, maintenance and durability.
Think about your budget and design preference, as well as the climate in which you live and the maintenance that is required for each type of material. Finding the right balance among all these things will be key to getting masonry steps or a porch that meets your desires, lasts a long time and is safe.
Below are the different aspects you should consider when designing and planning new masonry steps or a porch.
Understanding the Site and Existing Hardscapes
The first step before you design a new project is to evaluate the needs of your site. This includes determining how many risers would be required, the overall style or aesthetic of your home and/or the surrounding landscape and neighborhood, and how the steps or porch will blend with any other existing hardscape elements.
It’s important to analyze the slope and drainage patterns of your site, and how that will fit in with the rest of the existing and/or planned surrounding landscape. Proper drainage is essential to ensuring that your masonry lasts a long time and that no other damage is done to your home’s foundation and interior.
You should also determine how your masonry installation will be used. For instance, will there be heavy foot traffic on your steps or porch, or will they mostly be used for decorative purposes?
Each one of those example scenarios would either require certain materials for extra safety or could allow for more latitude when it comes to the materials you can choose.
Durable Materials for Outdoor Stairs
If you’re building masonry steps, you want to choose a material that is both durable and strong. Not only that, but it should be able to withstand the harsh winter weather conditions that Michigan has.
While materials such as composite decking and galvanized steel are both attractive options for their durability, weather resistance and relatively low maintenance, natural stone can add an element that neither of those man-made options can.
Limestone and granite, for instance, are two types of natural stone that blend in well with natural surroundings and also add a timeless touch to homes. It’s not all about looks, though.
Natural stone is extremely durable, with the ability to withstand whatever Mother Nature throws at it. In addition, while some maintenance is required to keep the natural stone looking great and performing well, it often doesn’t take much to do so.
It’s also extremely safe, which is an important aspect you shouldn’t overlook.
Alternative Options for Outdoor Stairs
There are certainly some alternatives to natural stone for outdoor stairs. However, if you’re considering some of these alternatives, you should be aware of some of the major downsides each of these materials has.
Wooden steps are popular because they can bring natural charm and warmth to any outdoor space. To protect the wood from harsh weather conditions, though, you’ll need to perform regular maintenance, which can be both time-consuming and expensive.
Some of that maintenance can be eliminated by using pressure treated wood, but it will still require ongoing attention. Not only that, but this type of material can get very slippery when it’s wet, which isn’t ideal for cold, wet climates.
Choose metal stairs such as stainless steel or aluminum for a modern look that’s also rust-resistant. While they’re ideal for waterfront environments, they can be slippery in colder climates and expensive, too.
Best Practices for Installation and Maintenance
To create a beautiful and safe masonry structure, you need to ensure that you’re using a non-slip surface. This is very important in Michigan’s cold and wet climate to protect accidents.
Beyond the actual materials themselves, you also can ensure safety by installing all steps at a consistent height and width, which will help avoid tripping hazards. A railing should be installed on at least one side for safety, though you might need a railing on each side depending on how wide the steps are.
As touched on before, you also need to integrate drainage into your masonry steps. It’s important to ensure that no water pools on top of the steps when it rains, and if you need to, you should install the steps on a slight slope or incorporate a full drainage system to avoid any issues.
Designing Your Outdoor Stairs
As with any new outdoor installation, you should choose a material for your outdoor stairs that complements the natural beauty of your outdoor space, of the exterior of your home and that can withstand the test of time and climate.
Your home’s unique architecture and style should play a major factor in the material selection for your outdoor staircase. While it’s great to have your steps stand out and make an instant impact for all who visit, they should also blend well into the rest of your home.
It’s also important to consider how frequently the steps will be used, which could necessitate a resistant material to withstand potentially heavy foot traffic.
Create a Plan and Hire an Experienced Mason
Masonry is a great choice for outdoor stairs. While materials such as composite decking, concrete, wood and galvanized steel are all solid options in their own right, natural stone offers some unique advantages.
Not only does it look great, but it’s a material that can last a lifetime without a lot of maintenance.
When you’re planning new outdoor stairs and choosing a material to use, consider the durability, maintenance, safety, cost and aesthetics of each. By choosing the right material, and following the best practices for installation and maintenance, you can get functional, safe and visually-appealing outdoor stairs that last for years to come.
Choosing the right contractor for your job is just as important as choosing the right materials for your outdoor steps. This can make or break your project, as an experienced and licensed contractor will know what they’re doing and give you exactly what you want.
At All Brick, we have been mastering the art of masonry for more than 10 years now. We build visually-pleasing outdoor steps and many other types of installations for clients all over Southeast Michigan.For more information, or to get a free quote, please contact us today.
