Native to New Hampshire, also known as “The Granite State,” granite is a popular material to use in outdoor steps—with good reason. Granite is a type of natural stone, which makes it far more durable than concrete.
On top of that, it’s virtually maintenance free, and wrought-iron railings can be easily and securely installed. Several different finishes are available for granite steps as well. A “thermal” top (made by running a high temperature flame over the granite) is an excellent slip-resistant finish that gives excellent traction, and quite important in New England’s wet and icy winters.
However, the advantages of granite can be lost if you don’t have a solid foundation for your steps. Without a correctly prepared base, your granite steps will shift and settle into the ground, becoming crooked and uneven. When it comes to installing your steps, it is critical to have a well-prepared base for them.
1½” of compacted gravel is a suitable base for granite steps, providing a strong foundation. Better yet, a four-inch-thick concrete pad poured over your gravel base provides an immovable foundation that will stand the test of time.
Making sure that your steps are installed correctly can be a challenge, but if properly installed, your granite steps will last practically forever. Best of all, you’ll never need to replace them again!
If you have any questions or would like our skilled team to install your granite steps for you, call us today at (603) 883-4109.
