Stair Repair

by R. Scott Bronstad | Aug 30, 2025 | Decks & Sheds, Home Improvement, Stairs

Building Stability: A Blanco, Texas Steps Restoration Project

Sometimes, a project seems simple enough: a quick cosmetic fix or replacing a few worn boards. That’s usually what I expect when I first look at a set of steps needing repair. But here in Blanco, Texas, especially when dealing with outdoor structures, what I find is often a structural issue masquerading as a superficial one. That was definitely the case with this recent steps restoration project.

The home is beautiful—classic Hill Country stone architecture—but the existing exterior stairs were definitely dragging the curb appeal down, and more importantly, they weren’t safe. The construction was haphazard. For instance, the main railing posts weren’t actually sunk in concrete; they were just balancing precariously on concrete blocks. The treads, particularly on the front entry steps, were rotting out, and the main stringers needed some serious attention. I knew immediately that this project wasn’t just about replacing wood; it was about injecting some much-needed stability and longevity.

Taking the Stairs Apart, Piece by Piece

My goal with any repair is to save time and money by reusing any materials that are still structurally sound. This wasn’t a total redo; it was a targeted restoration. First, I tackle the smaller projects.

To start, I perform some necessary weep hole maintenance, drilling five-inch deep, three-quarter-inch holes every three feet as needed to ensure proper drainage and protect the foundation from water damage. I also help the homeowner with repairing several curtain rods, which involves locating and screwing the mounting brackets securely into the wall framing and then patching up the drywall where the original anchors had failed. These seemingly minor tasks go a long way in ensuring the home is not only structurally sound outside but also fully functional and finished inside.

The steps leading to the garage were pretty straightforward, a quick two-step fix. I replace the two wide stair treads with new, durable pressure-treated lumber right on the existing stringers. That’s a relatively simple job that instantly makes a huge safety difference.

Next, I move to the side entrance stairs. This is where I start getting into the real demo and rebuild. I take out the old, failing treads. The stringers themselves are worth keeping, but the railing support posts are definitely not.

Securing the Foundation in Blanco, Texas Rock

This is where working in the Hill Country shows its teeth. I have to install new 4×4 support posts for the railing, and they need to be set properly in concrete. I start digging the post holes, and almost immediately, I hit rock—and I mean solid limestone. One inch of dirt, and the rest is mother nature’s concrete. I definitely need the heavy artillery for this. Out comes the heavy-duty power hammer, and I spend a good amount of time chipping away at that bedrock just to get a deep, solid hole. Once the posts are in, surrounded by concrete, I know that railing isn’t going anywhere. Then, I replace the four main treads and put on two new 2×6 rail caps. That section is now rock-solid and ready for staining.

The Grand Finale: Front Entry Steps Restoration

The main front entry steps are the biggest part of the project, a true focal point for the home. The same process applies, but on a larger scale. I tear out the six old, 12-foot-long treads. The stringers get reinforced and repaired, and then I install the new pressure-treated lumber. Just like the side steps, the railing posts are a major issue that I must fix. I dig out the holes—more rock, more time with the power hammer—and set two new 4×4 support posts deep into the ground with concrete. I’m telling you, those railings are now absolutely bombproof. Finally, I install the two long 2×6 rail caps.

The Art of the Perfect Stain

Once the structure is sound, safe, and built to last, I move on to the aesthetic finish. The homeowner and I originally picked a stain that, once applied, just didn’t quite capture the look we were going for. It happens—colors can be tricky. My philosophy is always to make the client happy and ensure the finished product looks amazing. I go back to the drawing board, experimenting with a few different stain mixes until I find the perfect semi-transparent color that complements the stone and the existing deck railing. I apply this custom mix over the initial coat.

The final result is fantastic. The rich, deep brown completely transforms the entrance. This Blanco, Texas steps restoration project is a perfect example of how combining structural integrity with thoughtful design can elevate a home. What was once a safety hazard and an eyesore is now a beautiful, welcoming, and incredibly stable entrance that will stand up to the Texas elements for years to come. The homeowner is thrilled, and that’s the real reward.