Safe, beautiful steps that enhance your home's entrance and protect your family from hazards.
Your front steps are often the first thing people notice about your home. They're also one of the most important safety features. Loose, cracked, or uneven steps create serious hazards for you, your family, and your guests. Every year, thousands of people are injured in falls related to damaged steps and stairs.
Beyond safety, damaged steps hurt your home's curb appeal and value. Real estate agents tell us that worn or dangerous-looking steps can turn potential buyers away before they even get to your front door. On the flip side, beautiful new steps make a powerful first impression and can significantly boost your property value.
We specialize in both repairing existing steps and building new ones from scratch. Whether your front porch steps need attention, your back deck stairs are failing, or you want to add elegant garden steps to your landscaping, we have the skills and experience to do it right. Our work meets all local Birmingham, AL building codes and safety standards, giving you peace of mind along with beautiful results.
This is one of the first questions homeowners ask us. The answer depends on the extent of damage and the age of your current steps. Let's walk you through how we make this decision.
If your steps are structurally sound but showing cosmetic damage, repair is usually the best option. We can replace individual bricks or stones, repoint mortar joints, fix minor cracks, and level small areas of settling. Repairs typically cost 40 to 60 percent less than complete replacement and can be completed much faster.
Good candidates for repair include steps with a few cracked bricks, worn mortar joints, or minor settling in one area. If the overall structure is still solid and level, we can restore your steps to like-new condition at a fraction of the cost of rebuilding.
Sometimes rebuilding is the safer and more cost-effective long-term solution. If your steps are severely settling, leaning, or pulling away from your house, the foundation has likely failed. Attempting to patch these problems is like putting a bandage on a broken bone. It might look better temporarily, but the underlying issue remains.
We recommend rebuilding when steps show major structural problems, extensive cracking throughout, significant lean or tilt, or when the base has completely deteriorated. We'll also suggest rebuilding if your steps don't meet current code requirements for rise and run dimensions or handrail placement. Modern codes exist to keep you safe, and bringing old steps up to standard protects everyone who uses them. Similar to our approach to masonry repairs, we prioritize long-term solutions over quick fixes.
Here's how it works when we build new steps for your home. Every project is different, but this process ensures beautiful, lasting results every time.
We start with careful measurements and planning. Building codes specify exact requirements for step dimensions. The rise (vertical height) of each step and the run (horizontal depth) must fall within specific ranges to be safe and comfortable. We'll design your steps to meet these requirements while complementing your home's architecture.
We'll help you choose materials that match or enhance your home's existing masonry. Brick steps work beautifully with brick homes, while natural stone creates an upscale, timeless look. We can also combine materials, perhaps using stone treads with brick risers, for a custom appearance.
A proper foundation is critical for long-lasting steps. We excavate below the frost line and pour a reinforced concrete footer that won't settle or shift. Then we build up the structure with concrete block or poured concrete, creating a solid base for the finished masonry.
Drainage is a key consideration. We slope the foundation and add weep holes or drainage channels to prevent water from getting trapped behind or under your steps. Water is the enemy of masonry in freezing climates. When trapped water freezes, it expands and can crack even the strongest materials.
Once the structure is ready, we install your chosen brick or stone. Each piece is carefully set and leveled. We use high-quality mortar and tool the joints for both strength and appearance. If your steps require railings, we install those according to code requirements. Finally, we clean everything thoroughly and seal the masonry to protect it from stains and moisture. For projects that need additional masonry work, we often combine step installation with retaining wall construction for a cohesive landscape design.
Step repair costs vary widely based on the extent of damage. Minor repairs like replacing a few bricks or repointing might cost $300 to $800. More extensive repairs can run $1,000 to $2,500. Complete rebuilds typically range from $2,500 to $8,000 depending on the size, materials, and complexity.
A typical front porch with three or four steps might cost $3,000 to $5,000 to rebuild in brick or $4,500 to $7,000 in natural stone. We provide free estimates that clearly explain what work is needed and why. We'll never pressure you to do more than necessary, and we'll always give you options at different price points if they exist for your situation.
When properly built, brick and stone steps can last 50 years or more with minimal maintenance. The key is proper foundation work and drainage. Steps that settle or trap water will fail much sooner, sometimes within 10 or 15 years.
You'll need to maintain the mortar joints over time. Plan on repointing every 20 to 30 years, which involves removing deteriorated mortar and filling the joints with fresh material. Individual bricks or stones might occasionally crack and need replacement, but the overall structure should remain solid for decades. Quality materials and expert installation make all the difference in longevity.
In most cases, yes. Building codes in Birmingham, AL require permits for step construction and major repairs. The permit process ensures your steps meet safety standards for dimensions, railings, and structural support. Some minor repairs might not require permits, but it's always best to check.
Don't worry about the permit process. We handle all of that for you. We'll submit the necessary paperwork, schedule inspections, and make sure everything is done according to code. Working with a licensed contractor like BH Birmingham Masonry means you don't have to navigate the permit process yourself. We've done it hundreds of times and know exactly what's required.
Don't wait for damaged steps to cause an injury.
Schedule Your Free Step Inspection