Fixing the Bullnose on a Concrete Step
Do this, not that, when repairing the broken edge of a masonry stair step.
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.
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— Written and illustrated by Ray Tschoepe
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