How to Waterproof Concrete Steps

Concrete is an excellent material for building strong, durable steps outside your home. Although concrete is resilient, it is also porous so water can soak in creating cracks and mildew. Waterproof your concrete steps to prevent damage caused by rain, snow or sprinklers, and they will last a long time.

What You’ll Need

• Scrub brush


• Concrete cleaner


• Garden hose


• Spray nozzle attachment for hose


• Rubber gloves


• Concrete sealer


• Paint stir stick


• Paint pan


• Paintbrush


• Medium nap paint roller

1. Put on rubber gloves and scrub the steps thoroughly using a scrub brush saturated with concrete cleaner. Let the cleaner sit on the steps for 10 minutes then scrub again.


2. Spray the steps with water, using the spray nozzle attachment of the garden hose, to remove all cleaning solution and dirt. Make sure the weather is warm and dry when you do this and allow the steps to dry for at least 24 hours.


3. Shake the concrete sealer thoroughly then open the can and stir it until it is completely mixed.


4. Pour some concrete sealer into a paint pan. Using a paintbrush, apply the sealer to the edges of the steps, then use the paint roller to roll a thin coat of sealer on to all of the concrete surfaces of the steps.  The weather should be warm and dry when you seal concrete or it won’t set up properly.


5. Wait several hours for the first coat to dry, and then apply a second thin coat of concrete sealer. Allow the concrete steps to dry thoroughly before walking on them.