Expert: Bruce E. Johnson - 3/9/2008

Question
Hi Bruce, I have enjoyed reading some answers you've posted about steps.  We have 5 brick steps to our front porch.  They are 4 ft wide.  The right side has shifted so that 2 bricks from the top step all the way to the bottom have cracked from the rest of the staircase.  We have tried to repair them with mortar.  It worked structurally, but now this is a much larger joint than the rest and the two sections aren't level.  Should we demolish the whole structure and rebuild?  Can we demolish and then use stock concrete steps and veneer over them?  Should we chisel the 2 brick section off and rebrick that area?  Any advice is greatly appreciated.  We are do it yourselfers, but not masons.  Thanks, Mary

Answer
Hi Mary, yes to all of the above.  You can chisel out the bad brick and relay them, you can demolish the whole thing and put in concrete steps and if you like the brick look you can overlay the concrete with thin pavers. Or you can demolish the whole thing and redo the new steps with all brick.  I personally would try the repair thing first.  If you do it carefully you may be able to save the brick and reuse them. I hope this information helps feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely bruce e johnson