I’m going to be replacing some rotted porch steps and posts soon and was wondering if anyone had experience with granite steps. It is only 4 treads.
My idea was to build and pour concrete steps and then attach the granite treads and risers to the concrete. For the sides of the steps I was thinking I would cut another cedar stringer to cover the concrete. The existing porch is cedar.
Any suggestions anyone has would be greatly appreciated…as far as what to use to adhere the granite to the steps, etc. If there are easier ways than building and pouring steps, I’m all eyes.
Replies
Would you even need concrete? A 12" x 36" by 3 cm. tread would only weight 50 pounds, and the risers would be about half of that. I would think three stout, pressure treated stringers would carry that load with no problem.
What would you reccomend as an adhesive for the granite to the PT stringers?
Good question, except you weren't supposed to ask questions that show that I've never actually done this. :o) Lot of guys here like PL Premium. Is it rated for stone?
I just checked their website...thanks. PL Premium is indeed rated for stone (as well as wood obviously). What luck. This is actually for my parents. I'm a formsetter by trade and can do most things with concrete and a guy I know recommended using concrete steps as a base. I'll run the stringer idea by them...if I could get by with just a pad for the stringers I'd save tons of time.
I hate to assume things but I will anyway....I assume you are talking about 1-1/2" or 3" thick countertop type polished granite? If so don't do it. Slippery granite will hurt.
Use solid rough cut granite steps. The granite blocks are sized and cut for steps. Source from a landscape stone supplier. Install on compacted gravel. No framing. Use concrete for side curb or granite blocks.
I'm going to the granite supplier tomorrow. You're saying there are precut blocks to stack for the steps? I'll check...that would be the best solution. Will I have to mortar the block or stack them like a retaining wall? Thanks.
I built a staircase 16 steps with 2x4x8" granite blocks. I poured a good size footing to start with then stacked from there up a hillside.
I drilled holes for 3/4" stainless steel pins in between the steps to lock the assembly together
A neighbor has a nice long set of stairs to his front door. I'll see if I can snap a piccie to post this w/end for you. Cheers
Lots of graniute stpes around here. Gravity holds them in place. Each is progressively smaller cut from the quary and they just stack right up. It's a good idea to dig down and place 18" of crushed strone or sand and stone mix under it for base.
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Piffi,
I think you should pour a footing and install "real" granite steps. [dim 7h" x 12w' or 14w". I'm getting ready to have one installed on a porch I just rebuilt. Its two steps and wraps around three sides of the porch.
The granite comapany is going to make all the cuts and place the stone. Cost approx. 2100.00, not incld the footing.
Will last forever. think about it. ROB
Yeah, for something that long, I would want a footing too. It all depends on site conditions and climate. if I poured a footing, It would have to go to four feet deep.
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Actually, The conditions in this area is all sand. I've spoken to two masons and both say the footing only has to be 4-5" deep by 24' to catch the steps.
That's not that bad.
ROB