DIY Network

When we moved into our first home just two months ago, the concrete steps leading up the the front door looked immaculate. The home is approximately 75 years old and there is no reason to believe the steps are any younger. The previous owner had patched the steps and had them painted. Now, the quality of the patch job is unfortunately becoming apparent. At first I noticed some small hairline cracks in the otherwise flawless surface and now, those cracks are turning into chips and chunks. Tapping on the surface reveals some sections that sound almost hollow and others that sound rather solid.

We would like to cover the steps in fieldstone. Other homes in the neighborhood have had this work done and it looks spectacular. It seems like it would be a great solution to this problem.

If it would help, I have some photos I can post tonight when I get home.

Is this a potential DIY project? I am really enjoying getting my hands dirty with the new home and learning new skills. Is this something that might be manageable for a first timer?

I have a couple of hopefully quick questions...

1) How would I go about prepping the steps? I have read that I will need to remove the paint, is that really necessary? If so, what are some suggestions for doing so?

2) How do I handle the cracks, chips and chunks? Is it necessary for me to repair the steps first or can I simply use the fieldstone to repair it? Is there anything I need to look out for?

3) What type of adhesive should I use?

4) Are there different types of field stone? How thick should it be for this application?

5) What type of saw works best for cutting this material?

6) Any tips, tricks, suggestions for making this project go smoothly?

Thanks!!!

well you are not going to like what i have to say. based on what you said. that it is crcaking
and chunks are coming loose. you have a foundation problem. if it is moving enough to crack. just covering it up won't stop the under laying problem. tear it out and start over. it sounds to me that the last owner, patch fixed enough to sell it to you. post your pictures
this was just my humble opinion.i could be wrong

Ypu can do it DIY - but it will be quite a bit of work. Here is what I would do (I used to be a mason)

Rent a roto-hammer with a 2" chisel blade. Use ti to knck anything loose on the steps that would come loose later. You don't need to demo the steps out, just clean them up

Anywhere you need to build the steps back up, use the rotohammer to "key" into the surface for good adhesion of the new cement.

Build up small forms as needed and set new cement to get your steps back to the correct shape.

Lay the stone on the steps using exterior rated thinset and a 1/2 or 3/8 notched trowel.

Best of luck.

ok your a mason, so i'll accept your directions. but i have a question. maybe you can teach me, i am always eager to expand my gray matter. what caused it to crack in the first place. and if you clean it up and repour it.will it crack again.