Concrete Sidewalk and Steps

Our New Concrete Steps to the Backyard

Here's the latest addition to our log home--concrete steps made to look like log! This photo was taken after the sun went down so that you don't see the shadows.

Concrete Steps in the Backyard

We have the coolest steps! These steps are made of concrete that had a "chocolate brown" stain added to the cement mix. Then they were stamped with a silicone mat that was designed to look like log. These are the perfect steps to complement our log home. The rocks that line the edge of the steps were brought in by Gary from a friend's home in Pinon Hills. We love the look of stamped concrete! We look forward to having barbecues in our future "outdoor kitchen/living room" in the backyard. When we get outdoor lighting to highlight the steps, and some Rosemary planted on the hillside, the look will be stunning!

Stamping the Concrete

The blue silicone mat is used by our concrete artist, Jeff Haskins, of "CTR Construction", to make the look of log.

Working on the Steps

Jeff Haskins, Steve (Jeff's assistant), and Gary worked together to stamp each step. It was quite a process! The concrete must first be leveled with a float, and then you have to press the silicone mat into place. Next, you have to stamp the design into the concrete.

Close-up of Jeff Stamping the Step

This is a close-up of Jeff stamping a "knot hole" into the step. Jeff and Gary placed knot holes strategically on each step.

Framing up the Steps

Here's what the steps looked like yesterday. It took several days to place the rocks that line the edges of the steps, then put the reinforcement bar, and crushed rock into each section of the steps before the concrete could be poured.

Patio on the West Side

We also had additional concrete poured and stamped to look like rock. We didn't color this concrete, but maybe someday we will put a stain on it.

Framing the Patio

This is what the area looked like yesterday, before the concrete was poured and stamped.