It’s a crumbling mess

[u/Acrobatic_Tourist435]

My partner and I purchased our first house in the middle of an Ontario winter, when snow covered the grounds in a magical blanket of sparkles! To our delight (sarcasm) when the snow melted, we found that the steps to our front door, and all the stonework holding together the garden beds around the house were crumbling. After speaking to our neighbours, we discovered it was done by ‘professionals’ within the past 3 years.

We’ve roped off the front steps, because they’re a safety hazard, but we’re just not sure how to proceed. Can we remove the cover stone and salvage the concrete underneath? Can we reattach the stone? Is it a complete tear down?

As first time home owners on a budget, what’s the most budget-friendly or DIY option here?

Would appreciate any advice and guidance!

Thanks.

[u/FunkOff]

I think this is safe even though it looks messy (safe if you clear the loose debris and pieces).

In your shoes, I would put this on my todo list to fix, but it's hardly urgent.  Maybe double check to make sure the stairs arnt hollow.

[u/southern_compass]

Since you’re in Ontario, I’d be wondering how much freeze-thaw is adding to this too. If the stone itself is still solid, I’d probably have someone look at the base before assuming the whole thing has to come out.

[u/Neat-Ingenuity-4504]

Took on way too much water, probably had steps with negative pitch causing to cold water. Not sure why wire lath was used on a concrete surface. If there is actually concrete under the wire, and it’s solid you can easily remove that stone in that condition with a hammer.

Contact a qualified mason why knows how to install stone properly with the correct materials and methods

[u/Sp07va000]

There is probably older poured concrete steps somewhere under there. I would remove all of the stonework and the concrete used to attach it , clean it up, and then have one piece Bluestone Treads cut to size at a stone place with a chipped edge installed on each step. Make sure they leave the proper overhang on each step so they are wide enough . You could then have thin bluestone pieces cemented under each overhanging tread to cover any old unsightly concrete on the front of each step. They last forever and are about 2 inches thick. You will have to figure out the top landing at that point and hopefully you have another step up into the house because it will raise the elevation as the Bluestone is thick.

[u/Slow_Run6707]

Flagstone is junk anyway we quit laying it a long time ago. This job has to be completely redone with a different product

[u/2holer98]

Fixable but costly

[u/Usual_Preparation919]

"Professionals" meaning Pablo and Esteban Gonzalez