"Kate" wrote
cshenk wrote:

Can someone tell me if a concrete company can pour a nice deck and
steps after a home has been built. I know it is easy to do in a new
home, but this is not a new home.

It can be done easily. You can have them apply either a think topper
layer of faux-brick, slate, or just about anything else so you don't
have the 'bare cement look'. You can even have trex put on top in a
thin layer and replace as needed over time.

If you live in snow country, any applied brick/slate/whatever surface
over concrete has a big downside. First or second time water gets inside
there and freezes, the surface material pops off. Concrete is what it is-
if you don't like that look, you want a stone porch, or something hollow
that drains itself. If cost is no object, big chunks of granite is a nice
look.
aem sends...

Yes, I live in snow country. OK, I think I will go with just concrete.
Thanks for helping me with my decision making.

Hi Kate!

If you live in snow country, one of the better looking solutions to topping
the bare cement, is to have them press a mold into it to create a faux-brick
look as it dries, at least on all top surfaces. They even have color
additives they can use with the cement so it all looks terra cotta sorta.
Just pay a little extra for having it mixed through-out and you won't have
layers along the sides. The colorant is cheap but a spot where they like to
cut corners so make sure thats specified for all cement to be poured from 4
inches below ground and up (or just all). If you don't specify it, then
they have to pour a second layer for the sides after the base is dried and
you have the potential of the separation issue in snow country then if water
gets between the layers and a freeze-thaw causes problems down the line.

BTW, at the design phase, you want to think about rails. I do not recall
you mentioning how high this needs to be so rails may not matter, but if it
has steps up to the 'landing' then this might be a factor. Some states
require them based on how high past ground level the 'porch' is. Others
require rails based on how many steps there are.

I am not an expert on this but from what I've gathered the watch points are
generally 'more than 3 steps' and 'more than 18 inches' (I know that sounds
illogical but some base on number of steps and some on distance to ground).
This doesnt mean your area is that restrictive, but a general idea of what
may also be required. One fallacy you will see here from a few, is
confusion on code-spec and what has to be followed. The only real answer
there is your local offices who will happily answer you with a phone call I
am sure. You do not for example, have to bring a grandfathered back porch
up to current specs, when you do the front porch one to it, at least not in
my area (and unaware of any others who would require that).

Hope this helps. A local contractor (get several estimates) will know the
rules for your area too.