Victoria’s renovation industry has always been built on innovation and craftsmanship, and MAC Reno Design-Build is proud to celebrate one of the most exciting developments to emerge from Greater Victoria’s construction community in recent years. Local concrete, brick, and stone specialists, Orca Masonry, have developed StepClad, a revolutionary concrete restoration system that’s transforming how homeowners approach stair renovations throughout Victoria and Southern Vancouver Island and extending the life of their exterior renovation.
In this article, we’re excited to share some of the backstory around Orca Masonry and how they identified a need for a better solution to update the aging and failing concrete found in many homes throughout the city. With over 45 years of experience in home renovation and construction in Victoria, we are eager to see the evolution of this product, as it will allow us to preserve the classic look and feel of your home’s original structure while saving significant time and costs on the renovation.
The Restoration Innovation Behind StepClad
StepClad represents a significant breakthrough in concrete restoration technology. Developed through a collaboration between Nimble Design Studio and Orca Masonry, the product utilizes ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC), also known as Ductal — a material originally engineered for expansion joints in suspension bridges.
“StepClad is an all-in-one tread and riser system that goes right over top of existing concrete stairs, preserving the structural integrity while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing look with increased safety,” explained Cory. “The goal is to have a solution that ensures we don’t have to completely remove your stairs to repair them.”
This innovative approach addresses a common frustration among homeowners in Victoria with older properties. Traditional concrete stair restoration often involves expensive stone installations or frequent repainting, neither of which tends to be cost-effective, aesthetically pleasing, or long-lasting for most households.
Real-World Applications in Greater Victoria
The product has already proven its worth on some of Victoria’s most prestigious projects. Orca Masonry recently completed the Neptune stairs renovation at Royal Roads University. The project showcases StepClad’s versatility in preserving classic structures: providing modern durability while maintaining the aesthetic integrity of historic properties and significantly extending the lifespan of concrete infrastructure.
Environmental and Economic Benefits
Beyond its practical applications, StepClad represents a more sustainable approach to concrete restoration. The UHPC material is a byproduct of traditional concrete production, essentially recycling what would otherwise be wasted material. This approach aligns with growing environmental consciousness in the construction industry.
“The product itself is new, but the material has been around for 30 years,” Cory explained. “Realistically, this product should last lifetimes, as should standard concrete if it’s done the right way.”
From an economic perspective, StepClad offers significant advantages over traditional stone installations. One of the largest benefits is the reduction in labour required to install it, potentially realizing a 33% reduction in installation time without sacrificing quality or classic beauty.
A Partnership Rooted in Shared Values
The relationship between MAC Reno and Orca Masonry runs deeper than typical trade partnerships. Blaise McDonald, President of MAC Reno Design-Build, and Cory from Orca Masonry share more than just professional respect — they’d been mistaken for brothers many times before they even met.
“People would run into me around Victoria, and say something like, ‘Hey, Blaise, how’s it going?’ And when I eventually met Blaise, he said the same thing would happen to him,” recalled Cory.
This connection extends beyond physical resemblance to shared business philosophies. “What I admire most about Cory and the Orca team is their commitment to solving real problems for Victoria homeowners,” says Blaise McDonald. “When they came to us with StepClad, I immediately saw the potential to transform how we approach concrete restoration projects for our clients.”
Supporting Victoria’s Growing Business Community
MAC Reno Design-Build’s recognition of Orca Masonry’s innovation reflects the company’s broader commitment to supporting the thriving business ecosystem in Greater Victoria. Since our first project back in 1980, we have built our reputation on partnering with the region’s most skilled and innovative tradespeople.
“We’ve always believed that the best renovations come from collaboration with the best local talent,” noted Blaise. “Companies like Orca Masonry represent the entrepreneurial spirit that makes Victoria’s construction industry so dynamic.”
This collaboration spans all 13 municipalities that comprise the Capital Regional District, from Oak Bay’s heritage homes to modern Langford developments. The partnership ensures MAC Reno clients have access to the latest innovations in construction technology.
The Future of Concrete Restoration
As StepClad gains recognition beyond Vancouver Island, Orca Masonry maintains its exclusive installation rights in the Greater Victoria market. This arrangement ensures local homeowners have direct access to the technology while supporting continued innovation in the region.
The success of StepClad also demonstrates the potential for local companies to develop solutions that address global challenges. The concrete restoration market is facing increasing pressure to provide sustainable, cost-effective alternatives to traditional methods, and Victoria-based innovations, such as StepClad from Orca Masonry, are pointing the way forward.
Some of the benefits of using StepClad for stair restoration in Victoria:
No tear-out / lower disruption
~33% faster install vs. stone rebuilds
Slip-resistant surface options
Preserves heritage aesthetics
Lower lifetime maintenance for homeowners
Local Victoria Innovation
Built with UHPC (very high compressive strength)
Masonry Restoration Excellence in Greater Victoria
For homeowners considering masonry work, Orca Masonry’s comprehensive services extend well beyond StepClad technology. The company provides complete masonry solutions, from structural chimney repairs to custom outdoor living spaces, commercial waterproofing, and decorative stonework.
“What people can expect from us is consistent communication, exceptional quality, and a good working relationship,” emphasized Cory. “I’m born and raised in Victoria — I do not want to hide from you at the grocery store, so we make the time to do it right. It’s a small community, and I’m going to see you again.”
This commitment to local accountability reflects broader values shared throughout Greater Victoria’s construction community, where reputation and relationships drive business success across generations.
Looking Ahead
For homeowners interested in learning more about concrete restoration options or exploring how StepClad technology can benefit their property, contact us to schedule a discussion with our design team. We offer comprehensive consultations to learn more about you and your home, enabling us to create a solution that exceeds your expectations.
The celebration of local innovation, such as StepClad, reinforces Greater Victoria’s position as a hub for construction excellence, where traditional craftsmanship meets cutting-edge technology to create solutions that serve both immediate needs and long-term sustainability goals.
MAC Reno Design-Build has been Greater Victoria’s most trusted renovation contractor since 1980, serving all communities across the Capital Regional District with comprehensive design-build services. To learn more about incorporating innovative masonry solutions into your next renovation project, contact our design team for a consultation.
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