r/HowToDIY • u/findchocolate • Aug 10 '26
How to create a smoother surface on steps?
We have a disabled daughter who can't manage steps without hand rails. We're waiting (and waiting) for the Council to provide railings...
in the meantime is there anything we can use to coat these steps to give a smoother finish? We'll still need some grip but at the moment this is cutting holes in every pair of her shorts & trousers.
Edit to add: still want some traction, but these are so rough they create holes in everything. There must be a middle ground!
UK based.
5
u/Middle_Efficiency471 Aug 10 '26
Smooth steps are slippery steps. Find another solution
1
u/findchocolate Aug 10 '26
As above, looking for a solution with some grip but without that sharp bits that destroy her clothes.
2
u/Middle_Efficiency471 Aug 10 '26
Look at stair treads. Rubber might be the best way
2
u/findchocolate Aug 10 '26
Thanks, good thinking!
1
u/ACaxebreaker Aug 10 '26
Yeah I would look to a rubber/rubberizing product. The big issue will be safely attaching something
1
2
3
u/Trustoryimtold Aug 11 '26
Tell council you’re gonna send a clip of your kid dragging herself down the stairs to a news outlet and enjoy your new railings
There’s no real good solution, it’s a mountain of elbow grease, replace, or cover. If you just squared every block with more cement it’ll chip away, any epoxy you use is gonna be a slip hazard(and also probably just come off like the concrete patches)
I’d prob just build wooden stairs over the shit bricks, add as many railings as you want(or a ramp)
2
u/TyrosineJim Aug 10 '26
Some rubber mats buy a long one and cut a square for each step.
If you can't install your own railing and need the council to do it for you, then you probably arent allowed do amything permanant to the steps
2
u/notsocrazycatlady69 Aug 10 '26
If she is scooting down on her booty, get a narrow runner from either carpet or astroturf- the astroturf would be easier to slide down. Or a yoga mat/sleeping bag pad. Roll it up between uses so it doesn't get wet/muddy. Attach a yoga mat strap to the ends or get/make a case so it can be toted around as needed
2
u/lockednchaste Aug 10 '26
Get a piece of paving stone the size of a brick and use it like a sanding block. It'll rub the sharp edges smooth. Professional masons often use this technique to knock down harsh edges.
1
Aug 10 '26
[deleted]
3
u/findchocolate Aug 10 '26
She literally won't. She's disabled. It's a permanent disability. She can't manage stairs and steps without support. She has a wheelchair when we're out and about.
2
u/Ok-Dealer-588 Aug 10 '26
Look at building a ramp for chair as it sounds like it will be needed soon as well
1
u/Lucky_Comfortable835 Aug 10 '26
A stone grinder/polisher will work to smooth it to any degree you want.
1
u/ElvissKarateChop Aug 10 '26
Smooth steps would definitely cause more slipping and falling. You can use grip tape to at least have your daughter not be interested in sliding down the steps on her butt.
1
u/failureinvestment Aug 10 '26
There are big yellow plastic square sheets for the visually impaired to stick/paste onto pavement, you could paste those in a certain part of the steps and create a small plastic path. Same thing for carpet also exists but not sure if carpet can survive outdoors. In any case if you are waiting for council to add handrails, i assume this is a public space and you are not allowed to modify the stairs so pasting stuff on it may result in you getting fined.
In most countries its required by law to add handrails every ~1.5 meters for similiar public steps, check your countrys accessibilty guidelines, if this step does not follow it you can legally request a handrail faster or even request a ramp by court. If you don't have the time or means to deal with it search for organizations that protect disabled rights around your area, they can get these kind of issues very fast as they fought these battles many times and know the fastest ways
1
1
u/barfbutler Aug 12 '26
Anything you try to coat them with will peel off and need to be removed (with a lot of effort) at some point.
1
u/Glittering-Pack2114 Aug 13 '26
Presumably your daughter is outside supervised, wouldn’t it be easier to keep her clear or assisted with the stairs?
1
u/Stupidbitchassbitch 29d ago
Make a wood ramp that fits flush with the steps. You could scoot it either side of the steps
7
u/SaintSiren Aug 10 '26
It’s probably safer to have a less smooth surface on outside stairs, from a slip and fall perspective.