FAQ

  • What Sizes do you make?
    • STEP WIDTHS: 4′ to 8′ widths are available in even foot increments. We have limited capability up to 10′ widths in some products. If you need a step wider than 8′ or at a special width, ask us and we will describe what we can provide.
    • NUMBER OF RISERS: In most cases we can provide what is needed in a single one piece monolithic unit. We also have the capability to stack units to meet many additional situations. We can provide up to 7 risers for most applications and even higher in limited situations. If you need more height, ask us.
    • DEPTH OF PLATFORM: Our most popular standard platform depth is 42″. This works very well on steps leading to front doors on single family residences. This 42″ depth is also appropriate when there is an outswinging storm door as it provides room to stand while opening the door.A second popular platform depth is 14″. This depth is often used when the steps are leading to a “farmer’s porch” or deck. The 14″ often provides a couple of extra inches to slip the top step under a finish board on a porch and still leave a generous 12″ tread. We are not limited to these standards but they do work for most applications, If you need a depth greater than 42″ or between 14 and 42 inches we can probably accomodate you. Some of our steps are available with platforms depths of 48″ or 60″, and in some cases even more.
    • SIDEWINDERS: Sidewinder steps are for situations where you come out the door and turn to either your right or your left to come down the steps instead of just going straight out. We designate them as sidewinder right (SWR) or sidewinder left (SWL). The right or left is determined by which of your hands would grasp the outside rail as you are going down the steps. Sidewinders are usually cast with a full back because the back is usually seen. The most common platform size is 4′ x 5′. Other depths and sizes are available in some finishes.If you need more specific information about any of the above size information please contact us. We will be happy to answer your questions. Deviation from standard sizes may result in additional lead time and expense.
  • What do you mean by monolithic unit?
    • One of the major advantages of precast steps from THE STEP GUYS is the fact that they are made in one piece. The treads, risers, platform, and side walls are cast together and tied together internally with steel reinforcement and fiber mesh. This results in a product that is made stronger and can be placed on a truck and delivered to your home. The strength of a one piece casting is that movement does not harm the step. This is unlike masonry steps that are built on site where any movement will usually cause that type of step to fail.
  • Are the steps slippery in the winter?
    • All steps can become slippery in the winter in the snow and ice conditions of northern New England. The good news is that our steps are less slippery than wood steps because of the texture. The top of many of our steps have a non-slip broom finish. Our Rock-a-fella and Big Boy steps have the texture of thermal finish granite. All of our steps are available with solid heavy-duty railings that are professionally installed into them providing an extra margin of safety.

 

  • Can I use salt to melt snow and ice off your steps?

    • We strongly discourage the use of rock salt to melt snow and ice from our steps. Use of rock salt will void your warranty.

      If you wish to melt snow and ice from your step, use a calcium based melter and follow the manufacturers instructions. The packaging of the product you select should contain a statement that the product is safe to use on properly cured concrete. Your step would be considered properly cured after it is one year old.

      The greatest potential for damage to precast concrete steps during the winter months can be attributed to the freeze/thaw cycle. The freeze/thaw cycle is a natural process and there is no way to eliminate it. Simply put, the freeze thaw cycle begins with the absorption of water (melted ice) into the concrete which is porous. After the water is absorbed, and the temperature drops, the water freezes and it expands. This expansion within the concrete causes pressure to build up and can lead to scaling or popouts. Fortunately, The Step Guys anticipate this situation and add various additives to our proprietary concrete mix designs. These mix designs are partnered with our finishing process and help to lower the potential risk for the damaging effects of the freeze/thaw cycle in our steps.

      You are also an important partner in this process if you choose to use melters or deicers on your steps. Use of these products increase the number of freeze/thaw cycles because you will have more water (melted ice) with the potential for more water absorption into the concrete. The Step Guys strongly recommend that after you use an ice melter and it changes the ice to slush, remove the slush from the steps as soon as possible. This will reduce the number of freeze/thaw cycles and potential for damage to your steps.

      If you require further information or have additional questions please contact us directly.

 

  • Do your steps come with a warranty?
    • Yes. Our steps come with a 5 year warranty against any defect in material or workmanship. Beyond that, your best warranty is our reputation of which we are extremely proud.

 

  • Am I required to have railings on my steps?

    • This is a question for which there is no one answer but perhaps we can offer some useful information.

      If your new steps are going to be installed on a new home for which you need a certificate of occupancy, the question should be addressed to the local code enforcement official where you are building.

      There is no universal “building code” in all the areas of Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts where THE STEP GUYS install steps. In most cases, on single family residences, if your step is a 2 riser or less, no railing will be required. In some locations a 3 riser step will be required to have railings and in nearly all locations 4 riser steps and up will be required to have full railings. HOWEVER, this is not universal. The local code enforcement official is empowered to interpret the code as he/she sees fit and their decision is final.

      If your step is being installed on a house in which you already live the same general requirements apply. Another interested party in the “Are railings required?” question in this situation is the provider of your homeowners insurance. Each year we receive more calls from homeowners wno have been notified by their insurance company that they need to have railings installed or face the risk of having their coverage canceled.

  • What kind of Railings do you have?

    • THE STEP GUYS offer railings in powder coated aluminum, powder coated steel, and painted wrought iron. Each of our railings have some common characteristics but each also has some distinct differences.

      All of our railings are made from solid (not hollow) stock. This gives them greater strength and a solid feel when you grasp them and expect them to provide reliable support while using the steps. All rails from THE STEP GUYS have 100% welded connections. There are no screws or rivets here that often loosen and permit other railings to become wobbly. Finally, *all our railings are installed into the steps not simply bolted onto the top of them. The actual railing post is embedded into the step about 4″ and set with a high performance grout that makes it permanently part of the step.

    • PREMIUM POWDER COATED ALUMINUM: The premium version of our aluminum rail is for those with a special eye for detail. It is powder coated in a pewter color and then clear coated for a classy, high gloss, finish. This railing also features decorative baskets that are welded into the scalloped front post and scalloped pickets. The front of this railing ends in a beautifully handcrafted tapered lamb’s tongue. The railing is fabricated form 100% solid components with welded construction for maximum strength. This railing is guaranteed to never rust.
    • POWDER COATED ALUMINUM RAILINGS: Our powder coated aluminum railings feature the same solid stock and welded construction as our premium rails without the decorative custom features. We have always offered this railing in white or black and are now pleased to announce that it is available in the same pewter finish as our premium rail for a small upcharge. This railing will never rust.
    • POWDER COATED STEEL RAILINGS: Available in black powder coat. This is a rugged railing that looks good and offers a rust resistant finish. It provides excellent stability to those who need a very reliable rail to grasp and want to reduce maintenance. Flange caps at the base of each post are included to cover the entrance point into the step.
    • PAINTED BLACK WROUGHT IRON: Available in black paint only. This railing is the most affordable. It features embedded installation for strength and flange plates that cover the entrance point into the step. This railing will require regular maintenance to prevent it from rusting and leaving rust stains on the steps. This rail is very functional but not fancy. Flange caps are included.