But the setup and labor costs of building a wood structure bring its costs close to that of granite. Brick fa ade steps with a concrete base are more expensive than granite, he said. By the far the least expensive way to go is precast concrete, but many people don't like that look, Booker said. It's a clean-looking cut stone. It fits together like a puzzle.
Granite is easy to drill into and fasten rails to.
It is easy to pitch so water runs off and a so-called thermal surface texture is not slippery. But most of all, granite looks good and lasts, literally, forever. In fact some of the demand for granite stems from a desire by the owners of older homes with granite foundations to stick with a theme, said Marco. They like the look of old granite. If they want a step, he suggests granite.