Ugly concrete step spoiling my new deck.

[SummerSkye]

We are currently undergoing some renovations including a new timber deck
8mx4metre at the rear of our cottage. Initially there were 4 concrete steps leading down to the garden and the builder assured me all but the top one would be covered by the deck. Now the boards are down, I think due to a miscalcuation with height, he has actually cut the deck around the second step so it is inserted into it. As he cracked the concrete when digging the foundations it is very ugly and I feel spoiling the entire look. Any ideas as to how best to cover or disguise it? As I had already paid for this part of the work there is no way he is going to do anything.

[Pippa]

If the concrete is the same level as the deck it is a bit difficult. Could you paint the concrete and then make it look like decking with a wood grain effect. Sorry not much help here. If there is a recess, perhaps some decking 'tiles' or similar. What a shame after your careful planning.

[Ivy]

Cant you persuade him to do it privately? (don't answer to this suggestion you never know who's reading it!):(

[jazzactivist]

If there is a light recess you could clad it with wood or with rough slate or pottery tiles that alway look nice with wood. The thing to think about is that wooden steps can get really slippery in winter, so perhaps making a feature of it with nice tiles that create a good grip would have more advantages than just decorative?

[Redstart]

Jazz is right and wood can be horribly slippery in wet weather. Thin tiles would not only cover the ugly concrete but would also be much safer in wet weather than if covered wiht wood.

[SummerSkye]

Thanks ladies for the suggestions, will probably go with the tiles. There is a roof over the deck but winter will make things slippery so a nice non slip tile.