Damaged concrete stairs don’t always need to be demolished and rebuilt. With the right surface preparation, repairs and finishing system, existing stairs can be transformed into a cleaner, more contemporary feature of your home.
For this East Vancouver project, the homeowners wanted to improve the appearance of their front entrance. The existing concrete stairs had deteriorated following poor tile removal by the previous owner, and some of the steps sloped toward the house.
The team at 5 Star Finishes repaired and refinished the staircase, improving the step profiles and correcting the slope of the affected steps before applying a modern microcement finish in a colour chosen by the homeowners. Products included Rapid Set repair mortars, Extreme Primer Plus, localized reinforcement, Microcement Fine Floor for the steps and Microcement Fine Wall & Shower for the side faces.
The Challenge: Deteriorating Concrete and Drainage Concerns
The original staircase had a chunky, uneven appearance left behind by the removal of the previous tile finish. The exposed concrete was rough and deteriorating, with small pieces breaking away over time.
There were several concerns to address:
- Deteriorating concrete: Bits of the surface could break off in the rain and during power washing.
- Difficult maintenance: The rough, irregular texture made the stairs harder to clean and keep looking tidy.
- Steps sloping toward the house: Some of the original steps had an inward slope, raising concerns about water draining toward the home rather than away from it.
- An unattractive entrance: The chunky, worn finish detracted from the home’s exterior.
Rather than simply covering the damaged surface, 5 Star Finishes addressed the condition and profile of the stairs before applying the new decorative finish.
Before: Rough, deteriorating concrete stairs with an uneven finish and drainage concerns.
The Solution: Repairing and Resurfacing Concrete Stairs
The objective was to retain the existing staircase while improving its surface, step profiles and drainage slope, then finish it with a clean, contemporary look.
1. Preparing the Existing Concrete
The team prepared the existing surface to create a suitable foundation for the repair and coating system. Addressing the deteriorated areas before applying the new finish was essential to achieving a more consistent result.
2. Repairing the Steps and Correcting the Slope
Mortar was used to improve the profiles and heights of the steps. Importantly, the team also corrected the inward slope of the affected stairs so they would drain away from the house rather than direct water toward it.
This was an important functional improvement, not just a cosmetic one.
3. Applying Primer
Once the repairs and preparation were complete, the surface was primed in preparation for the microcement layers. Using the appropriate primer for the substrate and coating system helps establish the bond needed for the finishing layers.
4. Applying Microcement
Two layers of microcement were applied to create a continuous, refined finish across the stairs. We used Microcement Fine Floor for the steps, and Microcement Fine Wall & Shower on the side faces.
Microcement is a versatile decorative coating that can transform suitable existing surfaces without necessarily requiring complete removal and replacement. Its relatively thin application allows for a contemporary, minimalist aesthetic.
With our products homeowners were able to select their exact preferred colour, choosing a modern grey tone that complements the home’s exterior and black railings.
5. Finishing with a Topcoat and Sealers
Topcoat and protective sealers from 5StarFinishes completed the application, including Poly Seal, Poly WB with silica sand, and Hi-Wear with aluminum oxide.
For exterior stairs, the coating system must be suitable for the exposure and intended use. Correct preparation, compatible products and appropriate finishing are important considerations for surfaces exposed to rain and changing temperatures.
The Result: A Cleaner, More Modern and Better-Prepared Entrance
After: Resurfaced concrete stairs with a uniform grey microcement finish and cleaner, more contemporary lines.
The transformation is immediately visible. The formerly rough, chunky stairs now have a consistent, clean finish. The repair work addressed the uneven step profiles and corrected the slope of the affected stairs to direct water away from the house.
The project demonstrates how concrete stair resurfacing can improve both the appearance and the function of an existing staircase without resorting to a complete rebuild.
Can You Resurface Existing Concrete Stairs Instead of Replacing Them?
In suitable conditions, yes. Concrete stair resurfacing can be a practical option when the existing structure is sound enough to retain but the surface is damaged, unattractive or difficult to maintain.
The right solution depends on several factors:
- The condition of the existing concrete
- The extent of cracking, erosion or surface deterioration
- Whether the steps have appropriate heights and slopes
- How water drains around the staircase and house
- Moisture exposure and the condition of any enclosed spaces nearby
- The intended use and slip-resistance requirements of the finished stairs
Microcement is a finishing system, not a substitute for structural concrete repairs or drainage corrections. Loose or unstable concrete, significant cracking, inappropriate slopes and underlying moisture issues need to be assessed before a coating is applied.
An assessment of the existing staircase can help determine whether resurfacing is appropriate or whether more extensive repairs are necessary.
Explore Microcement from 5 Star Finishes
Interested in a similar finish for your own project? Explore the microcement products used for this type of surface transformation at shop.5starfinishes.ca.
For the staircase, we used a combination of concrete grinding, Rapid Set repair mortars, Extreme Primer Plus, localized reinforcement, and Microcement Fine Floor.
For stair side faces: Microcement Fine Wall & Shower.
The protective system included Poly Seal Gloss, Poly WB Semi-Gloss with 70-mesh sand for texture, Hi-Wear with aluminum oxide for additional slip resistance, and Stain Shield on the sides.
Review the product specifications and application guidance to confirm suitability for your intended substrate and exterior conditions.
Transform Your Surfaces with 5 Star Finishes
From deteriorating concrete to contemporary decorative finishes, the right combination of preparation, repairs and coating can make a significant difference to an existing surface.
This East Vancouver project shows the importance of looking beyond appearances. By repairing the concrete, correcting the slope of the affected steps and applying a modern microcement finish, 5 Star Finishes helped give the homeowners a cleaner, more functional entrance.
Planning a concrete stair resurfacing project? Visit the 5 Star Finishes Shopify site to explore microcement products and discover new possibilities for your surfaces. Our products are also great for fireplace modernizations, modern contemporary showers and bathrooms, and floors and walls.