Are Concrete Steps a Good Idea

If you’re looking to add style to your home’s functionality, concrete is the material you need. When it comes home improvements or additions, it is a material that fits nicely on the exterior structure of the home. It can be used to build anything imaginable, including staircases, steps, walkways, etc. This is why many homeowners use it. Indeed, there are many other materials such as wood, bricks, metal, etc. that can be used for constructing steps, but there are reasons why concrete towers above all these materials. You may be wondering whether using concrete for your steps is the right choice. You don’t have to wonder for long. Here is why you should choose concrete for your steps

Design Options:

Concrete gives you unbeatable options in terms of how you want your step to be. All you have to do is construct a form and pour the concrete into it, and your steps would be in any shape and size you can imagine. Part of the versatility in design is also the various ways you can decorate the concrete. If you like, you can finish it off with tiles, stamp it, stain it, or just leave it bare. No other materials offer this many options in terms of design.

Durability:

Once the concrete hardens, it is almost as hard as a rock and resistant to all weather elements. This means you don’t have to worry about the effects of sun, rain, or snow on your steps. Other materials are sensitive to weather elements. For instance, metal will rust or corrode due to snow or exposure to moisture. Wood is also highly susceptible to water and can be affected by termites. A concrete step doesn’t have any of these weaknesses and will last for a very long time despite all the exposure.

Cost:

When it comes to building steps, concrete is one of the cheapest materials you can use. What makes the affordable initial cost even more attractive is that the overall cost after installation is less expensive than that of any material. For instance, the overall cost of maintenance for concrete is little to nothing. Repairs are also rare, and with proper maintenance, you may not even need to repair anything. When you calculate all these costs, you will discover that concrete offers the most value for its money out of all the materials that can be used to construct steps.

Compatibility with Other Materials:

One major reason you should go for a concrete step is how compatible it is with other materials. This compatibility means you can use it to build steps both in your home interior and exterior. You can add plastic, wood, metals, PVC, ceramics, glass, etc. to your concrete step depending on the design you’re going for. That means you can achieve the desired strength and durability you want without sacrificing the aesthetics of your home.

Safety:

The durability of concrete also means it is reliable, which means it is safe. You don’t have to worry about sudden collapse.

Conclusion

All in all, the concrete step is the best choice you can make when it comes to construction. While it may have few disadvantages like cracks, they are inconsequential compared to its benefits. Go to www.honolulu-concrete.com for more professional opinions on concrete.

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Unique Things to Do with Concrete

Concrete is a fantastic building material not only because it is durable and low maintenance, but also because it is very versatile. It can be used in many areas and for many things, including those that seem very unlikely. Here are some of the unique things you can build using concrete.

Concrete Crayon Organizer:

Do you need a space to keep all your kid’s crayon or even other materials such as pencils, pens, utensils, etc? This holder is a great choice and making it is simple enough. Once it is dried, you can paint it in any color you want or retain the simple look of concrete. 

Concrete Ornament:

Imagine if you can build your own ornament made out of concrete and also make it double as a planter. Well, it is quite simple to make, and all you have to do is find the molding you want and put mold concrete around it. Some make use of animal head moldings such as deer, and you can hang it on your wall to spice up your home appearance.

Concrete Easter Eggs:

Thinking of making something concrete for the festive season, how about Easter eggs? These eggs are durable and adorable. All you have to do is a dash of paint once they are dry, and you can always bring them every Easter to celebrate.

Hand Blown Garden Bowls:

Yes, you can make garden bowls out of concrete, and they are perfect. All you need to do is mold concrete around light domes. You should leave the top open so that you can place candles inside the bowl through that part. They create a special ambiance for your garden and make Halloween more fun too. 

Concrete Votive Holders:

You can make excellent votive holders with concrete and spruce up the appearance by adding lace to the outside. All you need is paper cups to serve as mold, the concrete, and of course, your lace material.

Concrete Bookends:

Have you been looking for a way to keep your books standing straight and organized? A concrete bookend is all you need to achieve that. It is quite simple and requires only Empty cardboard cartons of juice or milk to mold. Of course, you can also add lace to make it sparkle more and paint it to your taste.

Concrete Necklace Pendant:

You can make good jewelry with concrete, and this is a perfect example of that. If you are looking to give a friend or family a gift made from the labor of your love, yet not complex that it requires a lot of know-how, this is a great choice. Ensure that the cement you use is the quick-drying type so that the pendant can be light. You can attach a necklace to it and decorate it as you wish.

Gold Leaf Concrete Pots:

These pots can be placed anywhere from the garden to the dining table. It is a great place to plant succulent or any potted flower of your choice and can serve as a centerpiece indoors. It combines elegance with sturdiness.

Conclusion

There are countless other objects that you can make with concrete. Most times, it is all about how creative you are and how much time you have.

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