How to Restore Exterior Brownstone Stairs

Brownstone stairs create a classic entryway to your apartment or home that's reminiscent of old city neighborhoods and communities. Made from sandstone, brownstone is durable but porous in nature. Over time, exposure to the elements can leave stains and minor damage that must be repaired to ensure the longevity of your front steps.

Broom
Dustpan
Bucket
Ammonia
Rubber gloves
Scrub brush
Concrete pigment
1 gallon premixed concrete
Paint stirrer
Epoxy glue
Trowel

Instructions

- 1
  
  Remove dirt and debris with a broom and dustpan before repairs.
  
  Sweep dirt and debris off the surface of your brownstone steps with a broom and dustpan. Use the broom bristles to remove loose bits of stone that have fallen into cracks.
- 2
  Wash the surface of the brownstone to remove any stains. Fill a bucket with 1 gallon of warm water and add 1/2 cup of ammonia.
- 3
  Wet a scrub brush with the ammonia solution. Scrub the brownstone steps to remove dried stains from the surface.
- 4
  Empty the bucket and refill it with water. Rinse the brownstone with water to remove the ammonia and loosened stains. Allow the brownstone to air-dry completely.
- 5
  Add concrete pigment to 1 gallon of premixed concrete until you achieve a color that matches the pigment of your brownstone stairs. Stir the mixture with a paint stirrer or metal spatula for evenly distributed color.
- 6
  Spread epoxy glue over the surface of any cracks, pits and crevices in the brownstone. This creates a surface to which the concrete can adhere.
- 7
  
  A cement trowel spreads the cement evenly.
  
  Spread a layer of the colored cement over the area of brownstone that needs repair. Apply several thin layers until the cement is level with the rest of the surface.
- 8
  Smooth the cement with a trowel to ensure the surface is even. Allow the cement to air-dry according to the manufacturer's instructions.

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