Custom Cellar Doors & Egress Systems | Window Wells | Steelway Cellar Doors
Custom Cellar Doors & Egress Systems | Window Wells | Steelway Cellar Doors
When it comes to building a functional and durable basement entryway, a properly installed cellar door is only part of the equation. What often gets overlooked by residential and commercial building owners is the critical role concrete plays in ensuring that the installation performs well over time. Without solid, well-installed concrete, even the best cellar doors can shift, leak, or deteriorate faster than they should, which can lead to costly repairs and safety concerns.
At Steelway, we’re proud to be a trusted name in American steel cellar doors, but our expertise goes well beyond the door itself. We also specialize in designing and installing the concrete foundations that support those doors, ensuring that every entryway is built to last. From egress stairs and sidewalk doors to window wells and custom window well covers, we provide comprehensive solutions for contractors and property owners alike.
With years of experience in concrete services, we understand that a secure, long-lasting basement entry starts from the ground up. Here’s how our concrete expertise can enhance the strength, safety, and reliability of your next project.
For contractors and building owners, it’s easy to focus on the visible elements of a project, like the cellar door itself. However, the concrete foundation beneath it plays an equally important role in ensuring safety, durability, and long-term performance. Here’s why quality concrete work matters:
Well-poured concrete provides even weight distribution, helping your cellar door and surrounding structure stand strong for decades without shifting or cracking.
Proper grading and drainage keep water from pooling near your entryway, reducing the risk of basement leaks, mold, and long-term structural damage.
When done right, concrete work ensures smooth transitions, slip-resistant surfaces, and compliance with local building codes, which are especially important for egress installations.
At Steelway, we work closely with building owners and contractors to help them select the right product for their needs, the best installation partner, and the highest-quality concrete services, ensuring lasting results. Whether you’re repairing what’s there or building something brand new, here are some of the concrete services Steelway offers:
We create safe, code-compliant basement openings where none existed before, complete with custom concrete work to support doors, stairs, and drainage systems.
Cracked or deteriorating concrete is more than unsightly; it’s also unsafe. We repair and repour concrete to restore strength, safety, and watertight protection.
Want to turn a window well into a walkout? Expanding an existing entry? We form, pour, and finish concrete to fit your design and lifestyle needs, seamlessly blending form and function.
Want to add a little something extra to your basement entryway? We also pour patios and sidewalks to complement your entryway and increase curb appeal.
Here are a few projects we’re particularly proud of that demonstrate how thoughtful, well-executed concrete work enhances the strength, safety, and reliability of the homes we serve.
In Philadelphia, we had the opportunity to install an aluminum sidewalk door while simultaneously addressing the surrounding concrete. The existing sidewalk was deteriorating and no longer provided a safe, level base for a new aluminum sidewalk door. We removed the failing concrete, poured a new slab, and installed the door on a smooth, durable surface that blended seamlessly with the surrounding walkway. The result was a polished, professional finish that not only looked great but will perform reliably for years to come.
A sidewalk door installation in Hamilton faced a familiar issue: damaged concrete that posed both a tripping hazard and a structural concern. We carefully replaced the surrounding concrete, ensuring the new pour was properly leveled and reinforced to support the updated door. By addressing the underlying surface, we created a safer, longer-lasting entrance that aligned with both code requirements and the building owner’s expectations.
One of our more ambitious projects involved lifting an entire home to rebuild the foundation. The project involved restoring and reconfiguring the foundation of a historic home built in 1930. The original plan was to preserve the existing foundation and build upward to increase the basement height from 5 feet to 9 feet. However, once the home was lifted, the foundation was found to be too compromised to reuse. Our team excavated the space, removed the failing foundation, poured new footers, framed the windows and egress openings, and constructed entirely new foundation walls.
Once complete, the structure was set back onto the updated foundation, with final steps including waterproofing the exterior walls, installing a French drain system, pouring the basement floor, and backfilling the surrounding area. This rebuild not only preserves the home’s historic character but also gives it a stronger, safer foundation for decades to come.
Each of these projects demonstrates the critical role concrete plays in cellar door functionality. Whether it’s a straightforward replacement or part of a larger transformation, our team brings the same level of precision, care, and quality to every pour. Check out our full gallery of completed projects today.
When it comes to something as important as your home’s foundation and basement access, you want a team that understands the big picture. Working with a company like Steelway, which offers both cellar door products and concrete services, enables seamless communication, coordination, and execution. Some of the key benefits of choosing Steelway for your concrete needs include:
When one team handles both the concrete and the door, everything runs smoother. Our crews communicate directly, coordinate their schedules, and work together to keep your project moving without unnecessary delays. No back-and-forth between multiple contractors—just one team, one timeline, and efficient progress from start to finish.
With decades of experience in both cellar door manufacturing and concrete work, we know what it takes to deliver lasting quality. We use durable, weather-resistant materials and proven techniques to ensure your cellar door is built to last. No cut corners, no mismatched components, just expert craftsmanship from start to finish.
We provide integrated solutions customized to meet specific client needs, removing the headaches associated with managing multiple contractors. Steelway provides a fully integrated solution. Our team handles the entire project with clear communication and personalized service, so you’ll always know who to call and what to expect.
If you’re considering adding or replacing a cellar door, there are a few steps we recommend taking to prepare for your concrete project:
Before you break ground, talk to experienced concrete professionals who can walk you through the scope of the work, timelines, and potential structural considerations. At Steelway, we provide upfront assessments to help you understand exactly what’s needed so there are no surprises later.
Not all concrete is created equal. Select high-performance materials that are appropriate for your home’s location and the demands of the space. At Steelway, we use high-quality mixes formulated to withstand freeze-thaw cycles and high-traffic areas, ensuring your investment lasts for years to come.
Concrete work is weather-sensitive, so try to schedule your project during mild, dry seasons, which typically occur from spring through early fall. Planning around the weather helps prevent delays and ensures optimal curing conditions, which directly affect the strength and finish of the final product. At Steelway, cold weather conditions aren’t a limiting factor for our team. Discover how Steelway meets your basement egress needs throughout the year.
Once your cellar door and concrete foundation are in place, a little regular maintenance can go a long way in protecting your investment. Here’s how to keep your cellar door and the area around it in great shape for the long term.
Check the concrete and door framing a few times a year, especially after heavy weather. Look for signs of cracks, shifting, or moisture intrusion. Catching small issues helps you avoid larger repairs down the road.
Sweep away leaves, dirt, and debris regularly, especially around the door opening. A gentle rinse with a hose or a mild soap solution can help keep your concrete looking sharp and prevent buildup that leads to erosion or staining.
Steer clear of harsh chemicals like de-icers or acidic cleaners, which can break down concrete over time. Instead, opt for gentle, concrete-safe products that protect both the surface and any surrounding metal components of your cellar door.
We offer a full range of American-made steel cellar doors to fit your home’s unique needs. Whether you’re looking for classic sloped doors, flat doors for sidewalk access, custom sizes, or heavy-duty egress options, we have a solution that blends security, style, and strength. Our doors are designed for function and built to last. Paired with the right concrete, it’s a combination you can count on.
At Steelway, we don’t just install high-quality cellar doors; we ensure the concrete beneath them is poured with precision and care, so every component works together seamlessly. From fixing crumbling concrete to forming entirely new basement walkouts, our team has the expertise and craftsmanship to handle it all. We coordinate every step, so your project is smooth, efficient, and built to last. Because when your entrance is properly supported, your investment goes further and performs better.
If you’re planning a basement entryway project and want it done right from the start, contact our team today to learn more about our expert concrete services.
