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Balconies and patios are both outdoor living spaces, but that’s where the similarities end. A balcony is an open space built on the second story of a home, while a patio is a structure built directly on the ground in front of or behind a house. Patios tend to be larger than balconies and are often made from concrete, stone, or brick. Decks and patios share a similar nature but still have distinct differences.

Concrete should be at least 4 inches thick for steps. This thickness boosts stability and prevents cracking and deterioration. After you’ve built your forms out of wood, fill the void with a sand or gravel base for concrete. Use an all-purpose concrete mix to form your steps. After pouring your concrete steps, be sure to screed and float the concrete. 

You should place a layer of thick landscaping fabric directly over the concrete slab and then a thin layer of leveling sand over that to protect the pavers from moisture. For border pavers, you should plan on locking them in place with polyurethane adhesive. This will prevent them from shifting under foot traffic.

It is essential to have a stable and well-prepared foundation under stone steps. Often, a layer of gravel or crushed stone is placed as a base material. This provides a firm and level surface for the stone steps to rest upon. Additionally, landscape fabric is often laid down before adding the base material to prevent weed growth and help stabilize the foundation. Creating a solid base ensures the stone steps have adequate support, reduces the risk of settling, and enhances the overall durability and longevity of the steps.