Home Garden
# Home & Garden >> Landscaping & Outdoor Building >> Paving

Can You Put Brick Over Concrete Stairs?

By choosing the right types of brick, you can cover your concrete stairs to add character, match surrounding hardscapes or simply hide unsightly stains and minor damage. Using half-thick bricks to complete your project will prevent the problem of an extra high riser at the bottom step which may otherwise throw off your normal stride and cause you to fall. You can also create your own interesting pattern layout or mix bricks of different colors for more interest. With the right preparation, a few tools and supplies, you can completely transform your steps with a long-lasting brick veneer.

  1. Surface Preparation

    • It's important to prepare the concrete steps properly before attempting to apply the brick veneer. Removing all bulges, rough edges and uneven areas from the surface, using a masonry wheel winder, helps produce a smooth and even surface. This preparation will help to achieve proper mortar adhesion and a level surface to lay the bricks. For final preparation, clean the surface with an acid cleaner, rinse it thoroughly and allow it to dry completely before beginning brick application.

    The Proper Mortar

    • It's important to use a type "M" mortar mix for exterior use to adhere your bricks to the concrete surface. This type of mortar has the highest amount of Portland cement and is formulated to hold up to ice and snow conditions. The bond strength of this mortar is greater than other types, making it an ideal choice for horizontal paving applications.

    Brick Application

    • For a successful brick veneer application, ensure that the temperature of the concrete surface is above freezing, before you begin. The optimum temperature range is between 35 and 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Choose bricks with dimensions that require you to make as few cuts as possible to cover the steps. To support the brick veneer on the sides of the steps and the first riser, you will need a concrete footing for them to rest on. Begin your project by adhering the bricks to the footings and work your way up the sides of the stairs and the risers. Finally, secure bricks to the treads. Ensure that the bricks are level and straight by checking them regularly with a level throughout the installation.

    Protective Seal

    • To protect the surface of your new brick veneer, applying a masonry sealer is a beneficial step. The sealer protects the texture and surface from scratches. It will also prevent stains from setting into the surface. There are several stain finishes to choose from, including low sheen, high sheen, low gloss, high gloss and matte. Before application, you must allow the mortar to cure for at least 30 days. Once applied, allow it to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions. To preserve the protective coating, reapply the sealer every 1 to 2 years.

Previous:

Next:

Paving
  1. Can You Varnish Over Stickers?
  2. Can You Install Concrete Over Asphalt?
  3. Can You Put New Concrete Over Old in a Driveway?
  4. Can You Lay Concrete Over a Brick Porch?
  5. Can You Put Siding Over Brick?
  6. Can You Put Mortar Mix Over Painted Concrete
  7. Can You Put Stone Pavers Over a Concrete Sidewalk?
  8. Can You Place Brick on Top of a Concrete Driveway?
  9. Can You Skim Coat Concrete Over Chipped Driveway?
  10. Can You Put Peel-And-Stick Tiles Over Concrete?
  11. Can You Put Carpet Tiles Over Concrete?
  12. Can You Put Concrete Anchors in Brick?

Home Garden © https://www.98905.com