Concrete Steps and Stairs Contractor in Los Angeles

All throughout Los Angeles, you will see them -- concrete steps and stairs leading in front of homes. They may be an afterthought, with their grey color and utilitarian design, but they should be the showcase! With some design and color, you can make the steps to your home a grand, elegant entrance.

Why are my concrete steps damaged in Los Angeles?

Los Angeles is a surprisingly old and hilly city. Drive around Los Angeles you’ll find hundreds of homes that are at least 100 years old sitting on top of hillside lots, requiring steps. These historic homes are beautiful, but those concrete steps and patios are starting to show their age. Why?

The main culprit is just plain age. While Roman concrete is famous for having lasted for millenia, our modern concrete doesn’t hold up quite as well. Most concrete has a shelf-life of 50 to 100 years. Not too shabby. But, when you take into account that older concrete was installed without rebar or reinforcement, plus all the earthquakes that have battered Los Angeles throughout the years, it’s no surprise that so many steps and front porches are looking a little rough around the edges. When you also take into account that the average age for homes in Los Angeles is 60 years old, it’s no wonder homeowners are suffering with crumbling steps. 

How to design concrete stairs and steps in Los Angeles

Elevate your steps from bland to grand. When working with concrete, it’s easy for your contractor to pour you some new stairs when you are pouring a concrete walkway. Your contractor will work with you to design steps that are functional and structurally sound. After that, it’s time to make your steps your own!

There are many ways you can personalize your concrete steps and add some flair to your home. With so many techniques to choose from -- from colored and stamped concrete to exposed aggregate, you can make the steps to your home as individual as you. 

Can I DIY my concrete steps and stairs in Los Angeles?

The answer to this is a resounding, no. Don’t even try it. Small concrete projects, like, say, a short, flat walkway or step stones make for a good DIY project. Not stairs and steps.

In fact, for a project like this, you want to hire a licensed concrete contractor, instead of a general contractor. A licensed concrete contractor understands the minute details needed in order to create beautiful, functional and long-lasting concrete stairs and steps. A licensed concrete contractor will take into account many factors in creating your stairs and steps including:

• What is the traffic volume like? How concrete is prepared and installed depends in large part on the traffic volume.

• What is the terrain like? Is your home on a hillside? Will you need to consult a topographical engineer to ensure the stairs are stable?

• How dry is the soil you're pouring on? Believe it or not, concrete leeches moisture out of the soil as it’s drying. If you pour concrete on dry soil, the concrete will not cure correctly and you’ll be left with crumbling steps. Only a licensed concrete contractor will take soil moisture into consideration with pouring your steps. 

General contractors do great work. However, they are not concrete specialists. A licensed concrete contractor specialized in concrete. For specialized jobs, such as stairs and steps, it’s best to go with the licensed concrete contractor, rather than the general contractor. 

Colored Concrete Steps in Los Angeles

Those grey steps don’t have to be so boring. Why not go for some flair with colored concrete? Your contractor can use staining, dry-shake color, integral color and other techniques to brighten your steps. 

Staining your concrete will cost anywhere from $2 to $4 per square foot for a basic color to $12 to $25 per square foot for a customized, high-end look. The beauty of staining and stamping your concrete is that you can achieve the look and feel of natural stone, tile or brick at a fraction of the cost and have a more durable product in the end. With easy to maintain concrete, you merely have to clean it off about once a year -- compared to repainting and refinishing wooden steps or worrying about replacing cracked stones.

Stamped Concrete Steps and Stairs in Los Angeles

Why stop at staining your steps? You can achieve a more polished and high-end look with stamped concrete. What is stamped concrete? Stamped concrete is created when a stencil is applied to wet concrete. Stamped concrete designs can be made to mic the look and feel of brick, natural stone or slate, or even wood. Stamping, combined with color, gives you a high end look that is cheaper and easier to maintain.

Once finished, a stamped and colored patio can provide a premium look without the maintenance and expensive upkeep of other materials. In fact, stamped concrete can last for decades with minimal maintenance. Simply, wash the surface thoroughly with a hose and detergent before resealing the concrete to bring it back to its original luster.

Compare that to pavers or natural stone, which need constant maintenance to keep up. Wooden steps and stairs also need to be sanded and restained every few years, which is a costly venture. 

What are exposed aggregate finishes in Los Angeles?

While stamping and staining can mimic the look and feel of other natural materials, you could also choose to bring out the beauty in the concrete itself. With an exposed-aggregate finish, you can create spectacular results as a price that fits your budget. 

What is an exposed-aggregate finish? This decorative process has been around since the early 1900s. An exposed-aggregate finish is created by laying down concrete, and then removing the outer “skin” of the cement paste. That way you uncover the decorative coarse aggregate. It almost looks like decorative pebbles lining your steps. This finish is both durable and skid-resistant, making it perfect for the stairs and steps leading up to your home.

What kind of aggregates can you mix into your concrete?

• Granite

• Quartz

• Limestone

• Basalt

• Recycled colored glass

• Seashells

You can mix in almost anything into your concrete to create your exposed-aggregate design. However, you do want to avoid any materials that may stain your concrete, such as iron oxides and iron pyrites. 

Think of the amazing designs that could be uncovered with your exposed-aggregate finish!

How much will decorative concrete steps and stairs cost in Los Angeles?

As with any home improvement project, the cost will depend on the complexity and size of the job, as well as the materials used. If you are looking to install stairs up a hillside, you will most likely need to hire a structural engineer to design your steps, which will cost more money than if you are just installing two or three steps. 

What other considerations should you make when you are determining your budget?

• Materials: Your materials will also determine your price. If you are going for an exposed-aggregate look, the price of the aggregate you use is going to be a determining factor in the price for your overall project. The good news is you don’t have to use an expensive aggregate to achieve a stunning look. 

• Staining: If you are thinking of staining your concrete steps, it’s going to cost about $2 to $4 per square foot. Newer surfaces take less time and labor to prepare for staining.

• Stamping: Want to stamp your steps? You may be looking at spending between $1500 and $3000, or about $6 to $12 per square foot, depending on how much detail and complexity is shown in the final product. 

While the cost of stamped and stained concrete may seem high, you’ll actually be saving money in the long run. Why?

• Longevity: Stamped concrete can last for decades, much longer than other paving materials, which can add up to big savings over time.

• Upkeep: Stamped concrete is relatively easy to maintain overtime. Simply wash and reseal the concrete periodically.

• Increase in resale value: Stamped concrete adds curb appeal and aesthetic value to your home. This allows you to maximize the return on your investment.

Whatever your budget, stamped concrete is a beautiful way to add value and curb appeal to your home. When you’re ready to move on with your project, contact the experienced professionals at Concrete Decor Contractor at 1-818-722-8124 for your consultation and estimate. We work on all kinds of concrete projects, from expanding driveways and driveways with grass strips, to repairing driveway ramps and walkways.