Bespoke Staircases for Washington, CT Estates

Excellence Masonry and Contracting designs and builds bespoke staircases for fine homes and estates in Washington, CT. Our commitment to quality materials and meticulous construction is second to none.

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.

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Why Choose Us?

There are many construction, landscaping, outdoor living, and design companies to choose from- here is what makes us different.

Our Approach is Thorough and Integrated- no stone is left unturned, and as a design-build company, we have an unmatched ability to assess, plan, and execute projects efficiently.
The Team We Have is Experienced and Robust- our construction team is comprised of experts who are our family, friends, as well as long-time employees and subcontractors. Our company sprouted from a family business started 25+ years ago, and some members of our crew have more than 50 years of experience.
Industry-Leading Warranties and a Client for Life Guarantee- on new installations and applicable repairs, we provide warranties well beyond State minimums, and well beyond what most construction, landscaping, masonry, or other companies offer. Our client for life guarantee means that we intend to stand by you and our work, for the life of our business. Our goal is to provide many services and complete many projects for you and the people you know over time. With this intention, we will always be available to address issues, make repairs, or provide maintenance for completed projects- regardless of warranty terms.
Transparency and Consistent Communication- with us, all cards are on the table from our first conversation, through the end of the project. We want to provide you with all pertinent details, considerations, and options so you are educated and completely in control of your project and your money. Throughout the project, we uphold this commitment to transparency and communication by providing daily updates and informing you of any changes or new information immediately.
Commitment to Professional Responsibility and Top-Quality- in our view, it is our responsibility to ensure your project is done to the highest possible standard within your budget and within the parameters of feasibility. You will not feel like it is "on you" to know what's best or to manage the project when you work with us, which is a common complaint we hear from clients' past experiences. We also have a commitment to top quality, which we display in our work, our team, our industry partners, and our process.

Our Approach

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 start with a conversation to understand your intent for the project, assess your property, and determine the best next step- usually a rough estimate, quote or design agreement. Rough pricing, options, and preliminary considerations are discussed. Email, call or fill the form below to get in touch!

2.
Design / Planning

The design and planning phase is where we value engineer your project- and establish the scope of work, project pricing, and our installation/construction plan. This phase will look a bit different for each project and each scenario, with some requiring more design and pre-construction work than others.

3.
Construction / Service

This is when the proposed plan comes to life! Expect a stress-free, transparent, and efficient construction or service experience due to our thorough design and planning process and consistent communication. Our team respects you, your project, and your property.

4.
Walk-Thru, Clean-Up & Maintain

After the project or service is completed, we will walk through the project to go over any pertinent information or maintenance information, as well as to confirm that the project or service is completed as expected.

FAQ's

What materials do you use to build masonry steps?

We build steps and stairs using a variety of long-lasting materials. Popular choices include natural stone like granite and bluestone, classic brick, and interlocking concrete pavers that can match your existing patio or walkway.

What is a 'tread' and a 'riser'?

In stair construction, the 'tread' is the horizontal part that you step on. The 'riser' is the vertical part that connects each tread. The ratio of riser height to tread depth is critical for making stairs comfortable and safe to walk on.

Do I need a permit to build or replace my front steps?

Yes, in almost all cases. Front steps are a primary means of egress from your home and are subject to strict building codes regarding height, width, railings, and landings. A permit and inspection are typically required to ensure safety compliance.

How do you make sure stone steps are safe and not slippery?

Safety is our top priority. We use materials with a natural, non-slip texture. For stone like bluestone, we recommend a 'thermal' finish, which has a slightly rough texture that provides excellent grip even when wet. We also ensure all steps are perfectly level and built to consistent heights.

Why is the foundation for outdoor stairs so important?

An outdoor staircase needs a solid concrete footing that extends below the frost line (42 inches in CT). This prevents the stairs from heaving upwards or sinking during the winter freeze-thaw cycles, which would create an unsafe and uneven walking surface.