How to Make Textured Concrete Steps
Concrete is durable and easy to maintain. It can, however, become dangerously slick due to rain, ice and snow. Adding texture to your concrete steps will help make them slip-proof and add value to your home. There are several different ways to texture concrete. The easiest method is to use a broom or trowel to make arcs, swirls and other designs on the surface. For faux brick or stone, use concrete stamps. For a dimpled affect, press water-softening salt into wet concrete; the salt will dissolve when the concrete sets. Make any kind of texture in concrete that is almost set; it should be soft enough to retain the pattern, yet hard enough that the pattern remains in the top 1/8 inch of concrete. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Concrete stamps
- Stamp-release powder
- Brush
- Broom
- Trowel
- 1/8-to-3/8 inch water-salt crystals
- Stone or gravel aggregate
- Concrete sealer
Instructions
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Test the concrete. Place your hand or a tool on the concrete and press down. If the concrete is nearly set, you should barely make a mark. If you sink into the concrete, allow it to harden more.
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Use stamps to make a faux stone or brick walkway. Brush powdered stamp-release across the steps with a soft brush. Press the stamps into the concrete, overlapping the edges. Wait until the concrete is dry before brushing off the stamp-release powder.
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Use a trowel or broom to make arcs and swirls. The depth of the arcs and swirls will depend on how soft the concrete is. The softer the concrete, the deeper the marks. Brooms generally make coarser patterns than trowels.
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Apply 1/8-to-3/8 inch water softener salt over wet concrete. Use a rubber roller to push the salt into the surface of the concrete. Allow the concrete to dry. Wash the steps with water. The water dissolves the salt, which will leave dimples or holes in the steps.
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Hire professionals to apply stone or gravel aggregate finishes. Stone aggregate is sold in sheets. The aggregate is pushed into the concrete when the concrete is wet. It takes timing, skill and a lot of practice to do this correctly.
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After the concrete has cured, apply a concrete sealer. Depending on the concrete mix, it can take 30 days to cure.
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Tips & Warnings
For a brick or stone affect, add concrete colorant to give your steps a more authentic look. It's easiest to simply texture the step's horizontal surface. Make your own stamps for an unusual surface or specific shape. Most concrete contractors will rent stamps. For large areas (like a walkway), hire a professional. If you don't like the pattern you have made, re-do it while the concrete is still soft.
