Steps for the porch: the original design of the main

In modern construction, the steps of the porch, like the porch itself, are probably not a necessary element, but an original design solution that makes the entrance to the house more memorable and interesting. The article describes how to make steps for the porch, materials and tools needed for construction, finishing materials for the steps.

Steps made of natural wood

Wooden steps are perfect for the porch, which is also made of wood (see How to build a wooden porch). For an open porch, steps can be made around the perimeter of the porch, thereby extending the porch. Such steps can be used not only for its intended purpose. They can perfectly serve as a place for recreation, get-togethers, as well as a place for flowers in pots.

The advantages of such steps

It:

• Cheap material;
• This type of work does not require special skills and professional tools;
• Ability to change the color of wooden steps.

Tools and materials needed to make wood steps

• Edged board from 50 mm thick;
• Nails or screws;
• Screwdriver;
• Hammer;
• The beam is 100 × 100 mm;
• Jig saw or saw;
• Morilka;
• Floor varnish;
• Paint brush;
• Roulette;
• Level;
• Sandpaper;
• Means for deep wood impregnation.

Manufacturing technology and installation of steps made of wood

Before performing the work, it is desirable to make a plan-drawing, with all sizes and configuration of steps.

For the manufacture of wooden steps it is necessary to make the frame of the timber to which the boards will be fixed. Boards are customized to fit the size and attached to the bars with screws or nails.

Then the finished steps are processed by means of deep wood impregnation. Further steps can be simply painted with paint for the floor (for exterior work) or coated with stain and varnish. Lacquer is better to use high quality (for ship decks), as precipitation can spoil the design.

Steps on the porch of wood can be done in another way. For this purpose, guides are cut from a board with a minimum thickness of 50–60 mm (steps are directly placed on them). The number of guides depends on the size of the steps.

Guides should be fixed at a distance of 45–50 cm directly to the porch itself (see The Porch with your own hands: recommendations of specialists). This can be done with a metal corner and screws.

Further to the guides you can mount the steps themselves. They are fastened with screws or nails. If necessary, you can make railings that are attached to the steps.

The next stage of manufacturing steps will be their finishing. You can also use stain, varnish or paint for finishing.

Note! Painting work should be carried out in a respirator and goggles, as a pair of varnish and paint is very harmful to human health.

Concrete Tiled Stairs

Concrete steps, unlike wooden ones, have a longer service life (see Concrete Porch).

The advantages of concrete steps

• Durability;
• Strength;
• Ability to make almost any configuration.

Tools and materials needed for this type of treads

• Cement;
• Sand;
• Formwork boards;
• Fittings;
• Hammer;
• Nails;
• Crushed stone;
• Tile for exterior work;
• Comb;
• Concrete mixer;
• Glue for tile;
• Bulgarian;
• Level;
• Rubber hammer;
• Crosses for laying tiles.

Work execution technology

A porch with semicircular steps can be made using this method of building steps.

For the construction of concrete steps it is necessary to make formwork. It is made from old (you can use not edged) boards. The formwork serves to give the desired shape to the steps.

Inside the formwork it is necessary to install reinforcement, tying it with a special wire. If the steps are low (small), then it can be done without dressing, that is, just lay down the reinforcement. Next, you need to prepare a solution. For the solution you need to take cement, sand and gravel in the ratio of 1: 2: 3.

All fall asleep in the mixer, add water and mix thoroughly. Further in the formwork must pour concrete. Concrete is poured in layers, starting at the bottom step.

After complete drying of the concrete, you can begin to finish the steps tile.

Note! Tile for the porch must be of high quality, especially for outdoor work for the floor.

To work was of high quality, the tile first falls on a horizontal surface, then the end of the steps lies down. Tile adhesive must be prepared exactly following the manufacturer's instructions. Crosses are needed for even seams. After laying the tiles (it is necessary that the adhesive is dry), the joints are rubbed with a special grout with a rubber spatula.

The porch, whose steps are lined with paving slabs, does not require special grouting. For grouting such tiles, you can use an adhesive.

Steps made of metal

Metal steps (forged steps) are one of the most expensive types. The manufacture of such steps requires special skills and tools for working with metal. These steps can be purchased ready-made, but you can also buy only the elements of the steps and make them yourself.

Advantages of the steps made of metal

• Durability;
• Strength;
• Huge selection of decor (forged items).

Tools and materials necessary for arranging metal steps

• Metal elements for steps and railings;
• Decor;
• Welding machine;
• Protective mask;
• Roulette;
• Electrodes;
• Bulgarian;
• Primer for metal products;
• Paint;
• Paint brush.

Work execution technology

Installation of metal steps is very similar to the designer. First guides are fixed, then rails and steps.

All elements are fixed with a welding machine. Forged items can be purchased ready-made, but if you have experience with metal and special equipment, then all items can be made independently.

After mounting the elements, they need to be treated with sandpaper or a brush on metal. Places of welding are processed (cleaned) grinder. Next, you need to coat the entire structure with a primer. After the primer has dried, you can start painting the steps and rails.

After mounting the steps, the porch takes on a finished look. The complexity of the design steps depends on the imagination and financial ability.