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How To Refinish Concrete Steps

How much does it cost to resurface concrete steps?

Resurfacing concrete steps costs $150 to $500, depending on the damage. Only repairing the damaged areas costs the least, but the area will look different than the other steps.

Can you refinish concrete stairs?

As long as your walkway isn’t cracked all the way through, you can coat the slab with a concrete resurfacer, a no-shrink blend of Portland cement, sand, and polymer additives that fills divots and makes a uniform finish. Its natural color is dark gray, so buy enough to cover your entire walk.

How can I make my concrete stairs look better?

There are a lot of designs you can use as a basis to make your concrete steps look better from painting, applying decorative tiles, wood planks, bricks, or even stamped concrete. However, before you start your makeover project it is important to check if your concrete steps are in need of repairs.

Can old concrete be resurfaced?

Concrete resurfacing is a way to make old concrete look new again. A concrete coating is applied over the existing surface, offering a variety of color, texture and pattern options. This type of decorative refinishing can be done on driveways, patios, pool decks and even indoor floors.

Is resurfacing concrete expensive?

The average cost to resurface 100 square feet of concrete is $400. Less expensive projects can run as little as $300 while more expensive ones are about $500. The price per square foot can range between $3 and $5.

What is the best paint to use on concrete steps?

Masonry paint, also called elastomeric paint, is a good choice for concrete steps because it contains binders that contract and expand with the concrete. Other types of paint can crack and peel on concrete. Make sure the concrete is very dry before you paint.

How do you sand concrete steps?

For basic sanding, use sandpaper with the grit between 40-60. To remove minor irregularities, use 80-120 grit sandpaper. For perfect finish and smoothness, use superfine sandpaper with grit ranging between 200-400. If there are severe imperfections, then you need to use a floor grinder or special diamond disc.

How do you clean old concrete steps?

For mild cleaning, spot cleaning, and/or indoor cleaning, use a mild dish soap and a stiff bristle brush to remove stains from your concrete steps. For stubborn stains and outdoor jobs, use a concrete cleaner with a push broom or a pressure washer to clean your concrete steps thoroughly.

Does resurfacing concrete last?

Thanks to its durability, concrete resurfacing can last a long time. Considering it’s been properly installed, well cared for and the existing concrete base is strong. A properly resurfaced floor can last from 10-20+ years.

How can I paint my stairs without sanding?

How to Refinish Wood Stairs without Sanding – The Process Step No. 1 – Cleaning the Surface. Step No. 2 – A Little Sanding Never Hurts Anyone! Step No. 3 – Dabbing the Surface Clean – Once Again! Step No. 4 – Taping the Sides of the Staircase. Step No. 5 – Applying the Stains. Step No. 6 – Let It Sit for a While.

Does concrete resurfacer need to be sealed?

Under normal conditions no special curing is required. Keep temperature above 50°F for 24 hours after finishing. QUIKRETE® Concrete Resurfacer can be brush or broom finished for a professional look. QUIKRETE® Concrete Resurfacer is applied with a long handled squeegee or a steel finishing trowel.

What is a concrete coating?

Concrete coating is a broad term that is used to describe a liquid material applied to concrete. This includes paints, epoxy coatings and cement overlays. This is because epoxy material adds durability to the surface of the floor. Epoxy coatings are also easily maintained and are stain proof.

What can I cover my concrete steps with?

To cover over concrete stairs, run a line of carpet from top to bottom. When covering wood stairs, fairly narrow strips of carpet are typically run down the center portion of the stairs, leaving bare areas on each side. For concrete stairs, cut the carpet to fit edge to edge.

Can you paint outdoor cement steps?

Both indoors and outdoors, concrete paint can be used to make your stairs look great. If you don’t need any repairs, it’s a DIY project that you can complete in a few days.

Can you put Trex over concrete steps?

Can composite decking (such as Trex) be installed over concrete? Yes. In most cases you can lay composite decking over concrete (keeping in mind you’ll have to build a substructure that allows airflow and drainage).

Is concrete overlay a good idea?

They’re Strong and Durable Concrete is one of the strongest materials available for your floors. The decorative overlay consists of stain or pigments, so the floor remains as strong as ever. The floor coatings themselves are resistant to most damage, including stains and etching from chemicals or heavy equipment.

How do you paint old concrete steps?

Tips for painting cement- Clean the steps really well. Make sure the steps are completely dry before painting them. Prime the steps before painting them with a cement primer (this will prevent chipping). Paint with a cement paint. Apply paint with a synthetic roller that has some texture to speed the process up.

Can I paint steps with masonry paint?

When it comes to painting your concrete steps you must use non-slip paint because once it rains masonry paint becomes very slippery (see below). You can use a roller or a large paintbrush do not use a sprayer because the paint is to thick and will just clog up your sprayer.

How long does painted concrete last?

However, when correctly carried out and well-maintained, painted concrete can last for around three to five years, depending on the level of footfall or exposure to the elements. It also depends on the brand of paint you use, as some are higher quality than others.