Safe, beautiful steps that enhance your home's entrance and stand the test of time.
Your front steps are one of the first things people notice about your home. They need to be safe, sturdy, and good-looking. At SBD San Bernardino Masonry, we repair damaged steps and build new ones that combine safety with style.
Cracked, uneven, or wobbly steps create serious safety risks. Someone could trip and get hurt. Water seeps into cracks and makes damage worse over time. If you notice loose bricks, crumbling mortar, or steps that shift when you walk on them, it's time to call us.
We see these issues all the time in San Bernardino homes:
We assess the damage and recommend repair or replacement based on what makes sense for your situation and budget. Sometimes a simple fix works. Other times, rebuilding creates a safer, longer-lasting solution.
This is the first question we answer during your consultation. The right choice depends on the extent of damage and the age of your steps.
If your steps have minor cracks, a few loose bricks, or worn mortar joints, repair is usually the best option. We can replace individual bricks or stones, perform tuckpointing to restore mortar joints, and seal surfaces to prevent future damage. Repairs cost less and can add 10 to 15 years of life to your steps. This works great when the foundation is solid and most of the structure is in good shape.
Extensive damage, severe settling, or structural problems require rebuilding. If more than half the steps are damaged, rebuilding often costs about the same as major repairs but gives you brand new steps with modern materials and proper construction. Rebuilding also lets you update the design, improve drainage, and add features like railings or lighting. We remove the old steps, address any foundation issues, and build new steps that meet current safety codes.
When building new steps, you get to choose materials and styles that match your home. Traditional red brick offers classic appeal. Natural stone like bluestone or limestone creates an upscale look. Concrete pavers come in many colors and textures. We can match existing masonry or create a fresh new appearance. You also decide on dimensions, railings, and decorative elements like soldier courses or stone caps.
We guide you through the decision with honest advice about costs, durability, and what makes sense for your property. Our goal is to help you make the choice that serves you best, not just now but for years to come.
Building quality steps requires more than stacking bricks. Here's what goes into our work.
Everything starts with a solid foundation. We excavate below the frost line and pour a concrete footing that supports the entire structure. This prevents settling and movement. We grade the area to direct water away from the steps and your home's foundation. Poor drainage is one of the main causes of step failure, so we take this seriously.
We build from the bottom up, making sure each step is level and properly supported. Risers typically stand 6 to 8 inches high, and treads extend at least 10 inches deep for safe footing. We use quality mortar mixed to the right consistency and apply it correctly. Each brick or stone gets placed carefully and checked with levels. We pay attention to details like uniform joints and clean edges.
After the structure is complete, we finish the mortar joints using techniques that shed water and resist weathering. We clean all surfaces and can apply sealers if you want extra protection. We make sure water drains properly and doesn't pool on steps. If you need railings for safety or accessibility, we coordinate that work too.
Most step projects take 2 to 5 days depending on size and complexity. Simple repairs might finish in a day. Complete rebuilds take longer. We keep you informed about progress and any issues we discover along the way. You'll have clear access to your home throughout the project, though you might need to use an alternate entrance for a day or two.
Our team cleans up thoroughly each day and hauls away all debris when we finish. You're left with beautiful, safe steps ready to use. If you're also interested in improving your home's entrance, check out our brick repair and restoration services for surrounding walls and features.
Here are answers to common questions from homeowners in San Bernardino.
Get safe, beautiful steps that enhance your home's entrance.
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