How to repaint front steps?

[rmp28]

Hi, we are rebuilding our front deck and updating the front entry to our house. I’m

looking for ideas really to update the paint and look of the stairs and fit in with the surrounding space. I was thinking of dark grey concrete paint? So the question is what type of paint is best? I have seen paint for the driveway, is this paint type suitable for stairs and anything to prep apart from thorough cleaning. How do you think subtle tiles would look?

its a high foot traffic area.

[EricL]

Hello @rmp28 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your front steps.

Generally speaking, you are after a paint that is rated for outside use, easy to apply, can be used on concrete surfaces and has an extensive colour choice. I propose looking at the White Knight 4L Medium Grey Ultra Pave Quick Dry Paint and the Dulux 4L Concrete & Paving Super Grip Medium Tint. 

A dark grey colour would blend in better with the surrounding materials around it. A light grey colour would make it less noticeable as it gets closer to the colour of the wall. Tiles provide a refined finish, and you have the option of putting in patterns to make it stound out.

Let me call on our experienced members @Peggers, @LizzieCro and @lifestylebymari for their recommendations.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

[rmp28]

Thank you Eric for your suggestions. I also look forward to the experienced members advice.

[LizzieCro]

Hi @rmp28 ,

My first thought about this is, I'd build a small deck over those steps (minimally 1.5 metres to the door, but larger, even better), which would allow you a better and safer space to enter and exit. Looks like you have some decking going on there to the left, so this'd be the ideal time to tie it in, taking the door decking right over to meet those existing timber steps. Obviously I don't know any of the other details of that area, but aesthetically it'd provide a much grander front appeal to the house than anything you could do with the steps. Then you could add a few potted plants, a decorative door mat and bingo, a much better look.

If you want to retain the steps, given they are at the front of the property, adding tiles or pavers to the treads instead of just painting them is something I'd do. Some sandstone pavers would look lovely, then paint the risers a colour to coordinate with house and pavers. I think that would make the steps look less utilitarian than just painting.

I agree with Eric in his recommendation of the White Knight Ultra Pave Quick Dry paint, which I've used on a very old footpath with success. When choosing a colour, choose a lighter version of what you think would be ideal. It's easy to really like a colour, but often the lighter shade of it looks better, and, you can always have a bit more tint added to it if you decide it's not right.

I'd love to see how this ends up! Good luck with it.

[rmp28]

Thank you Lizzie,

I like both of your suggestions, thank you.