The entrances to American homes and businesses are typically located several inches above the ground to prevent water from entering. In most cases, steps are added as a safe, convenient way to enter. But front steps are not just practical; they can give a building character and enhance curb appeal. Steps can be part of a more elaborate porch or front stoop that serves as a welcoming, decorative gathering place. Building owners can also add steps to other areas as part of landscape design or provide easy access to specific areas.
Steps Vs. Stoops
The Differences
Many people use the terms “step” and “stoop” interchangeably, but there is a difference. Steps are the individual, raised areas where the foot can rest when individuals move toward or away from an entrance. Basic home entryways may consist of a few steps bordered by railings.
Traditionally, a stoop includes several steps, has a more complex design, and serves as a reasonably elaborate entryway. The word “stoop” is Dutch and was first used to describe the entrances to many of New York’s earliest row houses.
Entryways Have a History
For decades, the broad steps of city stoops have been gathering places where friends and family could sit and chat. When streets were often unpaved and dirty, a tall series of steps prevented people from tracking grime into their homes. Many stoops opened directly into a parlor.
Stoops went out of style for many years but are now enjoying a comeback in towns and cities all over America. They are exceptionally trendy in municipal areas where residents and businesses prize historical details. Many city businesses are housed in lovely, converted brownstones that still include ornate stoops.
Materials Used to Create Steps and Stoops
Contractors Offer a Range of Options
Residential and business steps and stoops can be made of various materials, including wood. However, masonry steps are some of the most popular. Masonworks LLC will create elegant entryways from materials that include brick, concrete blocks, stone veneer, precast concrete, and decorative interlocking block.
In many cases, the materials used for entryway or back steps are part of a landscaping plan. Landscape designs often include hardscaping, which uses materials like masonry to add interest, durability, and function to properties.
Stoop Designs Are Flexible
A stoop is designed to be wider than a building’s door for safety and comfort. Per Old House experts, a stoop consists of at least a single step of concrete block, poured concrete, natural stone, or another masonry, with some being made of wood. Historically, common materials were stone and wood, although concrete became trendier in the 20th century.
Front Steps Enhance Buildings
Steps Are Space Efficient
Not every location has the space for a wide stoop or even a series of steps. Many urban homes and businesses open directly onto sidewalks, leaving room for little more than a few steps. But, even if a building has a minimal area for a porch, Masonworks LLC can design a welcoming entryway. For example, specialists can create a paver walkway that leads to the door and your steps.
When there’s room for more steps, masonry experts offer a range of options. According to building publication Hunker, contractors can build welcoming steps wide enough for several people to navigate entryways at the same time easily. They can add stairs in heights and widths that are practical and comfortable enough for everyday use and add a decorative element.
Versatile Concrete Steps
Poured concrete steps are trending because contractors can form them into straight, circular, curved, and bowed shapes. Step treads are easily adapted for building conditions and yard grade, and poured concrete lasts a very long time.
The Benefits of Stoops
Stoops Are Practical
Stoops are enjoying a revival, especially in city centers. That is partly because of their historical charm. Contractors can replicate historic stoops that give homes and businesses the elegant entryways found in homes over a century old. But stoops also have practical purposes.
A stoop often serves as seating for building occupants, friends, neighbors, or even passersby. Broad railings provide a backdrop to lean against, read, or enjoy fine weather. By raising entry and exit levels, stoops provide lookout spaces to survey surrounding activity. For decades, children have been inventing and playing games on stoops.
Stoops Add a Charming Aesthetic
Many towns and cities are committed to revitalizing older sections and restoring historic buildings. Historic districts are attracting businesses, and homeowners are increasingly drawn to beautiful, old buildings. Entryway stoops are often part of the appeal. Original masonry stoops are usually well-constructed, include graceful railings, and are stunning once restored.
Businesses often choose historic buildings because they give offices and other spaces an aura of dignity. Original architecture frequently includes imposing entrances with tall, graceful stoops.
It’s Easy to Dress Up Stoops
Home and business owners lucky enough to have wide stoops often decorate them as the seasons change. Images of city stoops adorned with pumpkins and flowers of the season have become an enduring symbol of autumn. Owners add potted plants in the spring and summer and create festive holiday decorations at Christmas.
It’s easy to add beauty to an entry stoop by painting the stairs or railings and planting trees or flowers in surrounding areas. A well-maintained stoop can also serve as a grand entrance to a building.
Durable Masonry Steps and Stoops Are Repairable
Many historical homes still include original masonry steps or stoops because older homes were often built using superior craftsmanship. Masonry materials stand up well to weather and are highly traffic resistant. However, even the best-quality entryways eventually need repairs.
Fortunately, Masonworks LLC has an experienced staff that can build a new entryway or restore original materials. Professional restoration increases property values and vastly improves curb appeal. Specialists create custom solutions for properties of every size, shape, and size.
Professionals can also update original stoops and steps and use modern materials to give them a facelift. Technicians will update paver stoops, natural stone stoop landings, and walkways. They can build or restore entries to blend seamlessly with other hardscaping.