Concrete Steps & Stairs
Build safe, durable steps and stairways that provide secure access and enhance your property appearance.
Why Quality Steps Matter
Steps and stairs are among the most important safety features on your property. Properly designed concrete steps provide secure footing and prevent dangerous falls. They need to be built to specific dimensions with consistent rise and run measurements. Irregular steps cause people to misjudge their footing, leading to trips and falls.
Concrete offers the best material for outdoor steps. It does not rot like wood, stays level without shifting like pavers, and handles weather exposure without deteriorating. Concrete steps last decades with minimal maintenance. They provide solid, stable surfaces in all weather conditions, including rain, snow, and ice.
Front entry steps create your home's first impression. Well-designed steps with proper proportions and attractive finish enhance curb appeal. Side and back steps provide practical access while blending with your landscape. Commercial properties need steps that meet building codes and accessibility requirements while handling high traffic volumes.
Damaged or deteriorating steps pose serious liability risks. Crumbling edges, uneven treads, or settled steps create hazards that can lead to injuries and lawsuits. Regular inspection and timely replacement or repair of problem steps protects people and property value. We build steps that meet code requirements and provide safe access for years to come.
Step Design and Construction
Proper Dimensions and Layout
Building codes specify dimensions for safe steps. Each riser should be between four and eight inches high, with seven to seven and a half inches being most comfortable. Treads need to be at least ten inches deep for secure footing. All risers on a set of steps must be the same height, and all treads the same depth. This consistency lets people climb safely without watching every step.
We calculate the exact rise and run for your situation based on the total height change. The steps need to fit the space while maintaining comfortable proportions. Width matters too. Residential entry steps should be at least three feet wide, with four to five feet being more welcoming. Handrails become required at certain heights and must be installed at proper locations.
Construction Process
Step construction starts with proper foundation work. The base must be stable and frost-protected to prevent settling. We excavate below frost line in areas where freezing occurs. A concrete footing provides support for the step structure. For steps attached to buildings, proper connection prevents separation as the ground moves with seasonal changes.
We build forms that create the step profile. Reinforcement using rebar strengthens the structure. The concrete is poured, consolidated, and finished carefully. Each tread surface gets proper slope for drainage and texture for traction. Edges are formed cleanly and finished smooth to resist chipping. Common step projects include:
- Front porch and entry steps
- Deck and patio access stairs
- Basement and garage steps
- Garden and landscape stairs
- Commercial building entrances
- Loading dock stairs and platforms
Design Options and Features
Surface Finishes
Step surfaces need texture for traction, especially in wet conditions. Broom finish provides good slip resistance while remaining comfortable to walk on. For a more refined look, we can use smooth finish on risers with textured treads. Decorative stamped finishes create attractive steps that look like stone or brick while providing concrete durability.
Color can be added to match or complement your home. Exposed aggregate creates attractive, slip-resistant surfaces. We can also incorporate decorative elements like contrasting edge bands, inset patterns, or textured risers. The design should balance appearance with practical safety needs.
Landings and Railings
Landings provide level areas between step flights or at entries. Building codes require landings at certain intervals for long stairways. A proper landing makes steps safer and more comfortable to use. We size and place landings according to code requirements and practical needs.
Handrails become required when steps exceed a certain height. We coordinate with metal fabricators or carpenters to ensure railings install properly. The concrete work includes proper embedments or anchor locations for secure railing attachment. Like our walkway installations, steps must integrate properly with surrounding surfaces and structures for a cohesive, functional result.