How to improve the concrete slab porch area?

[toffeeapple]

Hi All,

Now that I have completed the outdoor paver walkway and steps, I have the itch to also do something about the concrete slab thats connected to the driveway and the porch to make the whole thing cohesive.

The concrete slab that flows onto the step treads are sloped, I did think about creating another step/extending the existing step where the blue line is or expanding the existing step to where the red line is (line that meets the driveway) but that will involve a concrete form. If I was to do that, I was thinking of having the same versawall charcoal block face and silver travertine step tread again (unless I can find a cladding I can use that's close enough).

Alternatively, I thought about paving similar to the walkway but that may be a small trip hazard as the paver height is only 60mm high (unless I stack 3 up on top of each other and use liquid nails, then fill the area inside with sand and then use travertine pavers again)

Hope someone can give me some inspiration. 

[EricL]

Hello @toffeeapple 

My only worry with adding anything to the slab is that it becomes a tripping hazard because it is so low. If you were to put anything there, I would suggest adding another step which would not make it look out of place. However, if you did add that extra step it now becomes more visually prominent and hopefully people will see it rather than tripping on it. If you were to pave it, I propose doing it at the same height as the steps, again to make it prominent and easy to see.

Let me call on our experienced members @Nailbag and @AlanM52 for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Nailbag]

Hi @toffeeapple 

As you already have quite a few steps to navigate, I personally would avoid adding anymore. In particular a shallow one which you already noted would be a trip hazard for sure. 

Would you consider a coating over bare concrete, which could possibly extend right across over the paved area? It would provide a more even consistency of finish. There are services that offer a large range of coatings and colours to consider.

Nailbag

[AlanM52]

Hi @toffeeapple,

I am proposing that raising the height of the top step (or adding another paver layer) so it's level with the block capping would not present a top step tripping hazard and with that in mind:

Cut the concrete at the blue line and remove.

Add another 'step' level with the top step and when starting that check the height of the blue edge of the remaining slab and pry up so that is level creating a gentle slope.

Cheers