Hi, I currently have a standard concrete porch and steps, and I would like to turn it into a stone porch and steps. This isn't actually my porch but it's a picture to give an idea:



This is the look I am hoping to achieve:



I looked up the specs for this specific stone and apparently it was placed directly over the existing concrete steps and porch. It is a step and riser system with dimensions for the riser:

16" length
9" width
3 9/16" height

and step:

16" length
15" width
3 9/16" height

I measured my current steps and each step has a rise of about 7 1/8" and a run of about 12" so it's possible it may work.

I initially thought the old concrete porch and steps would get torn down before putting the stone in but I called a few landscapers to get an estimate and all but one said they would keep what's existing because it's solid. I would prefer it this way if possible because I don't know how I would get rid of the concrete.

If I were to put the stones over the existing steps and porch, how best to deal with the sides of the stairs and the rim of the porch? Or should I tear everything down?

 

So the entire thing is going to be raised nearly 4"?

If that changes the rise of the bottom and/or top step, you wouldn't be code compliant. If it looks like the second picture, you would likely be ok.

No experience with a product like this, though, so I cannot comment on that.

 

This is the problem I was thinking about, but the way I'm imagining it in my head is (and correct me if I'm wrong) that the bottom step won't be an issue because the landing will be excavated to the proper depth to account for this.

The top step won't be an issue because the stone on the porch would would add some rise to the top step.

The main difference would be that the porch would be raised and closer to the same level as the doorway to the house. I don't know if that will be an issue.

 

Hard to envision without a picture of your porch.

So you have a pretty big landing in front of the door like the first picture you attached? And it is currently more than 4" below the level of the door?

You talk about excavation - this means there is no apron in front of the steps so there will only be stone there?

 

Sorry for the quoting. I was hoping to take a picture but it's not working for me right now. The picture shown is pretty much the same as what I have though. The only difference is that my porch doesn't extend as much on the left as shown in the picture.

My porch is about 9' 2" wide and 5' long. It drops about 5.5" from the level of the door, so the stone would fit but it would reduce the drop to about 2".

The steps are about 6' 3" wide, so there is about 1' 6" on both sides of the steps.

The landing at the bottom of the steps is about 8' wide at 6' 6" long.

There is no concrete apron in front of the steps (I had to look up concrete apron to confirm what it is) as far as I can tell. There are 4 standard concrete patio slabs there, and I'm not sure what the builder used, but it's on a pretty solid base. I would like to remove it all and have stone there.

 

Your plan sounds fine to me, you've covered the concerns I had.

Please let us know how this turns out for you.