Brick & Stone Steps Repair & Build
We build and repair safe, beautiful steps that enhance your home's entrance and stand up to daily use.
Why Your Steps Matter
Your front steps are the first thing visitors see when they arrive at your home. They set the tone for your entire property. But beyond looks, steps have a critical job to do. They need to be safe, stable, and able to handle constant foot traffic in all weather conditions.
Damaged steps are more than an eyesore. They're a safety hazard and a liability. Loose bricks can cause trips and falls. Crumbling mortar weakens the structure until steps shift or collapse. Water infiltration during winter causes freeze-thaw damage that accelerates deterioration. And all of this happens faster than most people realize.
Here in Spokane, steps take a beating from our weather. Snow, ice, rain, and temperature swings all take their toll. That's why proper construction and regular maintenance matter so much. At SKA Spokane Masonry, we build steps that look great and last for decades, and we repair damaged steps before small problems become dangerous failures.
Common Step Problems We Fix
- •Loose or shifting bricks that rock when you step on them
- •Crumbling mortar joints that compromise structural integrity
- •Settling or sinking steps that create uneven surfaces and trip hazards
- •Cracked or broken stones from freeze-thaw cycles and age
- •Water pooling on treads that creates ice in winter and erosion year-round
- •Inadequate railings or no railings where they're needed for safety
Building New Steps That Last
Whether you're building new steps from scratch or replacing old ones that are beyond repair, we follow proven construction methods that ensure stability and longevity.
Proper Foundation Is Everything
Steps need a solid foundation below the frost line. We excavate deep enough to prevent frost heave and pour a concrete footing that won't move or settle. This foundation supports the entire structure, so we never cut corners here. Many failed steps we see were built without adequate foundations, and they're doomed from day one.
Material Selection
We offer several material options for your steps. Brick creates a classic look that works with traditional homes. Natural stone like bluestone or granite delivers timeless elegance and incredible durability. Concrete block with brick or stone veneer combines strength with beauty. We'll help you choose materials that match your home's style and your budget.
Code Compliance and Safety
Building codes specify minimum requirements for step dimensions, rise and run ratios, and handrail placement. These rules exist for good reason. They ensure steps are safe and comfortable to use. We know Spokane's building codes inside and out, and every step we build meets or exceeds these requirements. We also factor in accessibility considerations when needed.
Drainage and Water Management
Water is the enemy of masonry steps. We design each stairway with proper drainage in mind. Treads slope slightly forward so water runs off instead of pooling. We install weep holes in retaining walls behind steps. And we make sure water from downspouts and roof runoff doesn't flow across your steps. Good drainage prevents ice buildup in winter and extends the life of your steps by decades.
Expert Step Repair Services
Not every damaged step needs complete replacement. Often we can repair and restore existing steps for a fraction of the cost of rebuilding. The key is catching problems early before damage becomes too extensive.
When you call us for step repair, we thoroughly inspect the entire structure. We check the foundation, look for settling or movement, examine every brick and mortar joint, and assess the overall stability. Then we explain exactly what needs to be fixed and provide options that make sense for your situation.
Common Repairs We Perform
Tuckpointing and repointing: We remove deteriorated mortar and replace it with fresh mortar that matches your existing color and texture. This restores strength and prevents water infiltration. If you're noticing widespread mortar problems, our specialized tuckpointing services can address issues throughout your masonry.
Brick and stone replacement: We remove damaged individual bricks or stones and install matching replacements. We're experts at color matching so repairs blend invisibly with the original work.
Foundation stabilization: If steps are settling, we can often stabilize them by underpinning the foundation or adding support where needed. This is more economical than complete replacement.
Rebuilding individual treads or risers: Sometimes just one or two steps are damaged while the rest of the structure is sound. We can rebuild those sections and integrate them seamlessly with the existing steps.
Whether you need a complete stairway built, a few steps repaired, or advice on the best course of action, we're here to help. We've built and repaired steps of all styles and sizes throughout Spokane. And if you need other masonry work like brick repair on your home's facade, we handle that too. Every project gets the same attention to detail and commitment to quality craftsmanship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Step repair costs depend on the extent of damage and what needs fixing. Simple mortar repointing might cost a few hundred dollars, while replacing several damaged bricks or stones costs more. Complete step rebuilds vary based on size, materials, and site conditions.
We provide detailed written estimates after inspecting your steps. We'll explain what work is necessary, what's optional, and help you prioritize based on safety and budget. There are no hidden costs or surprise charges.
It depends on the condition of your steps and foundation. If you have isolated damage like a few loose bricks or deteriorating mortar, repairs make the most sense. But if the foundation has failed, the structure is severely compromised, or more than half the steps are damaged, replacement is usually more cost-effective and safer.
We'll give you an honest assessment after inspecting your steps. Sometimes the best approach is a hybrid where we repair what we can and rebuild only the most damaged sections. We always recommend the solution that makes the most sense for your situation and budget.
Properly built brick and stone steps can last 50 years or more with basic maintenance. The materials themselves are incredibly durable. What usually fails is the mortar joints or the foundation if it wasn't built correctly.
The key to longevity is quality construction from the start, proper drainage, and periodic maintenance like repointing mortar joints every 25 to 30 years. We build steps using time-tested techniques and quality materials designed to handle Spokane's climate for decades.