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Step & Stair Installation in Hartford County, CT
Searching for a reliable stair builder in Hartford County? Excellence Masonry and Contracting serves towns like Avon and Simsbury, installing high-quality, code-compliant masonry steps for patios and front entrances.
Building safe and comfortable outdoor steps requires precise mathematical calculations and a solid foundation. Every step in a flight must have the exact same riser height to prevent tripping hazards; even a half-inch variance can be dangerous. We build our stairs on a solid, compacted gravel base that extends below the frost line to prevent heaving. For stone steps, we use large, solid slabs for treads that provide a stable, non-slip surface. The relationship between the tread depth and riser height is carefully planned to create a natural, easy walking cadence.
Why Choose Us?
There are many construction, landscaping, outdoor living, and design companies to choose from- here is what makes us different.
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Our Approach is Thorough and Integrated – As a design-build firm, we eliminate the gap between planning and execution, ensuring every project or service is assessed and delivered with maximum efficiency and zero oversights.
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The Team We Have is Experienced and Robust – Backed by a 25-year family legacy and a crew with up to 50 years of expertise, our team of long-term employees and trusted partners provides a level of craftsmanship that only comes from decades in the field.
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Industry-Leading Warranties and a Client for Life Guarantee – We provide warranties that far exceed state minimums. Our "Client for Life" commitment means we intend to stand by you, and our work, well beyond one project or its warranty. Our goal is to build a relationship, and become a trusted resource for you, year after year. We remain open to address issues, answer questions, assist with maintenance, or repairs, no matter what. Our business is relationship based, not transactional.
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Transparency and Consistent Communication – We keep you in control through complete education and daily updates. From the first call to the final walkthrough, we ensure all costs, options, and timelines are fully transparent.
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Commitment to Professional Responsibility and Top-Quality – We take full ownership of project or service management so you don't have to. Our focus is on delivering the highest feasible standard within your budget, supported by premium partners and a high-performance process.
Our Process
Of course, every project, service and every situation is different, and so is our approach. Below is a general and simplified outline of our process. We can also bid and build to your preexisting plan or design.
1.
Discovery/Consultation
We engineer the rise and run for maximum safety and comfort. We value-engineer the foundation (frost-line depth) and specify a slight outward pitch for each tread to ensure water runoff and prevent winter ice accumulation.
2.
Design / Planning
We engineer the rise and run for maximum safety and comfort. We value-engineer the foundation (frost-line depth) and specify a slight outward pitch for each tread to ensure water runoff and prevent winter ice accumulation.
3.
Construction / Service
We engineer the rise and run for maximum safety and comfort. We value-engineer the foundation (frost-line depth) and specify a slight outward pitch for each tread to ensure water runoff and prevent winter ice accumulation.
What is the difference between a dry-laid and a mortared stone wall?
A dry-laid (or dry-stack) wall is built without mortar, relying on the careful placement and friction of the stones for stability. A mortared wall uses cement mortar to bind the stones, creating a solid, unified structure often used for retaining walls or veneers.
FAQ's
What kind of stone is best for a wall in Connecticut?
Connecticut fieldstone is a classic and popular choice that gives a timeless, rustic look. Other great options include granite for its strength and durability, and various types of bluestone or flat stone for more formal, contemporary walls.
How long does it take to build a stone wall?
The timeline depends entirely on the wall's length, height, style (dry-laid vs. mortared), and site accessibility. A small decorative wall might take a few days, while a large, structural retaining wall could take a week or more.
Do I need a permit for an outdoor fireplace or fire pit?
It varies. Portable fire pits usually don't require a permit, but permanent, built-in masonry fire pits and especially outdoor fireplaces often do. Any feature running a natural gas or propane line will require a permit and inspection from your local building department.
How do you ensure a stone wall won't fall over?
The key is a proper foundation. Every wall we build starts with an excavated trench filled with a compacted gravel base below the frost line. For retaining walls, we also incorporate proper drainage systems to relieve hydrostatic pressure.
4.
Walk-Thru, Clean-Up & Maintain
We engineer the rise and run for maximum safety and comfort. We value-engineer the foundation (frost-line depth) and specify a slight outward pitch for each tread to ensure water runoff and prevent winter ice accumulation.
Testimonials
What kind of stone is best for a wall in Connecticut?
Connecticut fieldstone is a classic and popular choice that gives a timeless, rustic look. Other great options include granite for its strength and durability, and various types of bluestone or flat stone for more formal, contemporary walls.
How do you ensure a stone wall won't fall over?
The key is a proper foundation. Every wall we build starts with an excavated trench filled with a compacted gravel base below the frost line. For retaining walls, we also incorporate proper drainage systems to relieve hydrostatic pressure.
How long does it take to build a stone wall?
The timeline depends entirely on the wall's length, height, style (dry-laid vs. mortared), and site accessibility. A small decorative wall might take a few days, while a large, structural retaining wall could take a week or more.
Do I need a permit for an outdoor fireplace or fire pit?
It varies. Portable fire pits usually don't require a permit, but permanent, built-in masonry fire pits and especially outdoor fireplaces often do. Any feature running a natural gas or propane line will require a permit and inspection from your local building department.
What is the difference between a dry-laid and a mortared stone wall?
A dry-laid (or dry-stack) wall is built without mortar, relying on the careful placement and friction of the stones for stability. A mortared wall uses cement mortar to bind the stones, creating a solid, unified structure often used for retaining walls or veneers.