By the late-19th century, concrete was becoming he preferred building material for many aspects of home construction, from foundations to roof tiles. Stair steps, formerly made of stone, easily and readily were cast in concrete. Over time however, they suffered from settlement cracking, freeze/thaw cycling, the effect of ice-melting salts, and general wear and tear. At one time, serious degradation of one or more steps would signal the need to remove them and re-cast a whole new set.
With the advent of newer concrete patching compounds (Quikrete, Sika, etc.), however, as well as epoxies formulated for concrete, it’s within the capability of most of us to repair old steps. The front edge of treads often is cast in a classic half-round shape known as a bullnose. Trying to “free-hand” this shape is challenging. A template cut to match the profile is the easiest way to make an attractive repair.
Winging It:The amount of time that we have available often dictates the process we choose and the prep work we undertake. But, if sufficient time is not set aside, installation with a basic concrete mix will result in a disappointing appearance that doesn’t perform well over the long term.
Use a Template:Using a profile gauge or heavy card stock, trace the profile of the steps. Transfer this measured profile to a piece of thin sheet metal. (Aluminum is readily available but it’s soft, so it has a short lifespan.) Cut out the profile with snips and use fine files to smooth the edges. Mount this metal template to a wood block to keep it rigid. After installing the patching material— tinted to match the existing steps—let the concrete partially cure and then make multiple passes with the template to produce a perfect bullnose.
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3 Step Double-Sided Step Stool
Climbable on both sides, lightweight in fiberglass, this 3-step ladder is ideal for old-house owners. Hi-visibility green, quick setup without pinched fingers, large slip-resistant feet, wide top platform. Non-conductive and rated to 375 lbs.
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