How to Resurface Residential Cement Steps
Cement used to create concrete steps can last decades. However, even the strongest of surfaces can wear down due to continual use or weather conditions. When this occurs, the steps may still be structurally sound but require resurfacing to deal with minor cracks, pitting or the results of wear. To resurface residential steps, you'll have to apply a new layer of concrete. The new layer clads (covers) the original steps in new material that both returns the steps to a newly installed look and adds a strong durable surface that extends the life of the steps. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Chisel
- Hammer
- Power washer
- Duct tape
- Portland cement
- Water
- Bucket
- Concrete patch mix
- Trowel
- Concrete mix
- Wheelbarrow
- Spade
- Bonding adhesive
- Paintbrush
- Margin trowel
- Cove tool
Instructions
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Use a chisel and hammer to remove any loose concrete from the steps.
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Clean the surface of the steps, removing any dirt or debris that is present. Use a power washer to thoroughly clean away ingrained dirt. Wait for the concrete to dry before proceeding.
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Mask off any edges where the new concrete will not be placed using duct tape.
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Repair cracks, chips or spalling (pitting or scaling of the concrete surface) in the concrete surface. Fill the cracks in the concrete using a grout made of Portland cement and water mixed to a thick paste-like consistency. Repair chips and concrete spalling with a concrete patch mix applied to the surface, filling in the damaged area and smoothed with a trowel. Mix any repair materials used in a bucket with a trowel.
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Mix the concrete in the wheelbarrow using a spade, according to manufacturer instructions. This is a regular concrete mix, mixed to the consistency of peanut butter to be easy to spread, yet not settle on its own. Use a concrete mix with a strong PSI to resist normal wear and tear; 3000 PSI should be sufficient. The mix can be purchased from a home improvement store, but is not the same as the earlier concrete patch used. Instead the new mix is stronger and meant for creating larger surfaces.
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Using a paintbrush, apply a layer of bonding adhesive to the steps to be resurfaced. The bonding adhesive helps the new concrete adhere to the old step surfaces. Allow the adhesive to set for 30 minutes, slightly dried but still tacky to the touch.
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Use the spade to place a thin layer of concrete onto the steps. Only place a layer one-quarter of an inch thick, as the new surface should act as an overlay.
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Spread the concrete evenly over the surface of the step using a trowel. Angle the trowel at 45 degrees and drag along the surface of the concrete to smooth the surface. Extend the concrete layer over the edges of the steps and spread the concrete along the sides as well, cladding the steps completely in the new concrete. Allow a slight layer of concrete to pool in step joints connecting the steps. Work the concrete within three hours of mixing. After three hours, the concrete reaches an initial set stage where it becomes too hard to spread or edge with the trowels.
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Shape the edges of the steps using a margin trowel to create a rounded edge that is easier on the eyes. For edges where steps meet, use a cove tool dragged along the joints to create a slightly rounded angle and create the image that the meeting steps are joined.
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Allow the new concrete layer to cure completely before using. Curing times may vary depending on the concrete mix used. Follow the manufacturer's directions concerning curing time before using the steps. Remove the duct tape from the protected surfaces.
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