This particular homeowner was very unhappy with their existing front steps. As you can see from the before pictures - see below. These steps were a precast concrete type unit. They can be seen all over the Toronto area. The only problem with these particular steps is that they were covered with quarry tile. The quarry tile was starting to deteriorate, in several areas the tile was separating from the concrete. Many tiles were chipped and several had come loose and fallen off. The homeowner wanted an updated front entrance and had decided that the steps had to go.
After visiting my local stone supplier and going through the available options. Silver valley grey, limestone steps were chosen. Installation went without a hitch. The quarry tile on the landing, which was directly connected to the house was chipped off to make room for 2" limestone coping. A concrete pad was poured and the 6" steps were placed. I like doing large steps this way because it makes for a large monolithic mass. The frost will move the steps up and down every winter but the whole mass will move, not, individual units. We build steps this way because it minimizes and/or /eliminates any movement and settling. There is nothing worse than having your front steps to your house completely cave in, in the center. The front door was changed since the photos were taken. There is also some stucco repair that needs to be taken care of, this will happen in the spring, weather permitting.
Materials Used On This Project:
Steps: Silver valley grey limestone 6' wide x 6" thick steps. Flamed surface. Rock faced.
Landing: Silver valley grey limestone 6' wide x 2" thick coping. Flamed surface. Rock faced.
Stone Veneer: Silver valley grey limestone, 24" x 36" x 1" thick square cut flagstone. Flamed surface.
Demo Day!Natural Stone Steps, Entrance Project, Toronto
Preparing For A Concrete PadNatural Stone Steps, Entrance Project, Toronto
Removing The Tiles On The LandingNatural Stone Steps, Entrance Project, Toronto
2" Coping. Still A Little WetNatural Stone Steps, Entrance Project, Toronto
Steps Being InstalledNatural Stone Steps, Entrance Project, Toronto
These Are Pretty Heavy, 6' WideNatural Stone Steps, Entrance Project, Toronto
All The Steps Are InstalledNatural Stone Steps, Entrance Project, Toronto
Now Doesn't That Look Better?Natural Stone Steps, Entrance Project, Toronto
Water.. Need WaterNatural Stone Steps, Entrance Project, Toronto
The Water Was Turned Off For The Season. Still DustyNatural Stone Steps, Entrance Project, Toronto
A New Front Door Was Installed, Stucco Repairs CompleteNatural Stone Steps, Entrance Project, Toronto
A New Front Door Was Installed, Stucco Repairs CompleteNatural Stone Steps, Entrance Project, Toronto
A New Front Door Was Installed, Stucco Repairs CompleteNatural Stone Steps, Entrance Project, Toronto
A New Front Door Was Installed, Stucco Repairs CompleteNatural Stone Steps, Entrance Project, Toronto
A New Front Door Was Installed, Stucco Repairs CompleteNatural Stone Steps, Entrance Project, Toronto
Demo Day!Natural Stone Steps, Entrance Project, Toronto
Would you like to know more about Natural Stone steps? Here is a video I took at Beaver Valley Stone. Many varieties and surface finishes are available.