West Seattle Step Building Services
Steep yards, wet winters, slick moss—West Seattle is not kind to DIY stairs. Bad rise/run, soft bases, and zero drainage make steps settle, tilt, and turn into slip-n-slides. We build safe, sturdy steps that shed water, keep their shape, and look like they belong on your site.
We serve Admiral, Alaska Junction, Alki, Fauntleroy, Arbor Heights, Delridge, Gatewood, High Point, Morgan Junction, and Roxhill.
What’s the Problem?
- Uneven or crumbling steps (ankle biters and trip hazards)
- Water running down the treads instead of around them
- Tall, inconsistent risers that wear you out (or break code)
- Railroad ties rotting out; pavers drifting; gravel washing away
- No landing, no lighting, no handrail where you actually need one
What We Build (materials that actually hold up)
- Stone / Block Risers + Paver Treads — clean look, replaceable pieces, great on curves
- Cast-in-Place Concrete — bombproof, easiest for integrated landings & handrail posts
- Large Stone Slab Steps — natural style, fewer joints, excellent traction
- Timber Box Steps (ground-contact rated) — warm look with concealed anchors & drainage
- Gravel Steps — steel/aluminum edges, geogrid on steeps, ¼″-10 top course for grip
We pair steps with drainage (French drains, swales, or weeps) so water goes around your stairs, not over them.
How We Build (no shortcuts)
- Layout & code check — consistent rise/run, sightlines, landing spacing; we target a comfortable 6–7″ rise and 11–14″ tread (site and code permitting).
- Utility locate & permits — we call 811 before digging. Street/ROW or steep-slope/critical-area rules? We’ll flag and handle what’s required.
- Excavate & stabilize — remove organics; install geotextile over clay; add crushed rock base compacted in lifts.
- Drainage first — underdrain or side swale; pipe daylight or basin tie-in.
- Set risers true — stringline, laser, and dead-blow persuasion; lock courses with pins/adhesive where required.
- Screed tread beds — concrete sand (C33) or mortar where spec calls for it; never on a mushy bed.
- Edge & backfill — restraint at sides; compact backfill so hillsides don’t creep.
- Handrails & lighting (optional) — post anchors into concrete/stone; low-voltage step lights (conduit pre-run).
- Finish clean — polymeric sand where appropriate; anti-slip texture on concrete; moss-safe wash.
We don’t “shim tomorrow’s problem.” If roots, drainage, or soil creep will move your steps, we fix that now.
Quick Specs We Aim For
- Rise/Run: ~6–7″ rise × 11–14″ tread (uniform within ⅜″ max variation)
- Slope/Shedding: treads pitched ~1–2% forward or cross-fall to shed water
- Base: 4–8″ compacted crushed rock, more on soft subgrade
- Landings: every 8–12 risers (comfort and catch-breath spot)
- Traction: broomed concrete, textured stone, or ¼″-10 fines—not slick pea gravel
(We’ll match site conditions and local requirements. If code says different, code wins.)
Our Annual Maintenance Plan (Your Yard’s Routine)
- Moss & algae control — shaded flights get seasonal treatment
- Joint health — polymeric top-ups where paver joints open
- Edge & pin checks — catch creep on hillsides before it shows
- Drainage clear-outs — clean basins/grates; keep water moving
- Finish care — timber re-seal, concrete clean/seal as needed, gravel re-dress
We’re a low-maintenance landscaping crew. Our goal is fewer problems between visits and less work for you.
Service Cadences (Pick What Fits)
- Quarterly — spring/fall reset + two tune-ups (best for shaded, mossy sites)
- Bi-Monthly — great balance for most West Seattle slopes and walkways
What Annual Maintenance Includes
- Walkthrough & photo log (settlement, lips, slick spots)
- Joint re-sand (pavers), crack seal (concrete), or re-dress (gravel)
- Drainage checks: weep holes, swales, and inlets cleared
- Handrail tightening and lighting checks
- Debris sweep and low-pressure rinse (no joint blasting)
Why Annual Maintenance Matters
- Safety — fewer slips and trips, especially in wet months
- Longevity — dry bases and tight joints keep stairs from migrating
- Looks — crisp edges and even planes beat piecemeal repairs
- Lower cost — small, timely fixes prevent full tear-outs
How It Works
- Free Estimate — photos/video or a quick walkthrough; clear, upfront pricing
- Design & Plan — materials, handrails, lighting, and drainage mapped right
- Build Day(s) — excavate, base, drainage, set risers/treads, finish clean
- Follow-Up — care notes, lighting timers, and a maintenance plan that fits
Why West Seattle Chooses Neat & Tidy
- Local crew that knows clay pockets, steep alleys, and winter rain
- Licensed & insured; tidy, respectful job sites
- Upfront pricing — materials, labor, hauling, and disposal included
- On-time, clean finish—no mess left behind
- Green-first approach — permeable options, smart drainage, landfill kept low
Ready for steps that feel solid and stay safe?
Call or text Neat & Tidy for hillside steps that drain, grip, and look right—without the maintenance headache. We’ll keep it tidy—so you don’t have to.
