Give Your Boring Outdoor Concrete Steps A Major Upgrade With Stencils And Paint

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There's nothing eye-catching about concrete steps. There, we said it. Sure, they're low maintenance and can stand up to a whole lot of foot traffic. But let's be honest — those gray slabs don't exactly add to a home's appearance. If anything, they look cold and dull. Enter a few cans of paint and a stencil or two to give your boring outdoor concrete steps a major upgrade. Start with a painted base, layer on a fun pattern, and just like that, your concrete steps got way fancier — no full renovation necessary.

Granted, you may need to set aside a weekend to tackle this DIY. That's because concrete paint typically requires six hours to dry. Aside from that, it's a pretty creative way to increase your home's curb appeal, plus add personality where it's least expected. The best part? Even newbies can give this stenciling project a go, so long as you have the right supplies. These include stencil brushes, such as the TOYMIS Natural Bristle Stencil Brushes, a paint roller made for rough surfaces (or the Wooster ½-inch Nap Brush Roller to be specific), a paint tray, masking tape, and your choice of stencil. Florals, diamonds, and a damask design are but a few options. You'll also want to pick up a paint/stain specifically for concrete and a waterproofer while you're at it.

Ready to jazz up your ugly concrete steps? The first step is to clean them. Whether scrubbing or pressure washing, this ensures the paint sticks to the concrete, not grime. Now would also be the time to patch up any cracks and holes using a concrete patch, like the Sika Ready-Mix Concrete Patch. This step is optional, but highly recommended if your steps have seen better days. Once dry, off we go to the fun (albeit tedious) part: painting. Again, it's important to use the right type of paint on your concrete floors if you don't want it to wear easily. Acrylic doesn't disappoint in this case. 

You could also follow TikTok user @jennanicolehome's lead and opt for a concrete stain instead. Available in a myriad of colors, this one soaks into the surface for a tougher finish, and best yet, isn't as slidey as paint. After staining the steps white, you can accent each riser with something like the Stencil Revolution Runa Tile Floor Stencils in black and tan. Tip: stenciling the risers helps protect the pattern from wear since they won't be stepped on. That said, you can always adorn the tread and landing to make a bigger statement. Whatever your pick, make sure the colors contrast well. Think black and white, white on blue, or white accents against a gray base.

Understandably, your first concern might be about durability. Will it still look good after a few months' time, or will the next rainy day wash it all away? And what about upkeep — does it need regular TLC? In a TikTok comment, @jennanicolehome revealed that her stenciled steps are still going strong after two years. All she's done is power wash them once a year and give the treads a quick touch-up.

The key is to top the entire surface with a sealer coat once you're done painting — this is where most people slip up. In fact, one of the biggest mistakes everyone makes when painting concrete floors is skipping the sealer. Yet, it keeps the stairs protected from weather damage, and overall, will keep your stencil work vibrant for as long as possible. Reseal it every year or so for maximum protection. On that note, something like Thompson's WaterSeal Multi-Surface Waterproofer Stain can get the job done.