Concrete Steps & Stairs

Why Your Steps Deserve Expert Construction

Steps are one of the most important safety features on your property. You use them every single day, often carrying groceries, packages, or children. Your family, friends, and delivery people all depend on them. When steps are damaged, uneven, or poorly built, they become hazards that can cause serious injuries. Good steps provide safe, comfortable access that you never have to worry about.

Concrete is the best material for outdoor steps because it creates a permanent, solid structure that handles weather and heavy use without problems. Wood steps rot, warp, and need constant maintenance. Stone steps are expensive and can settle unevenly. Metal steps rust and become slippery. Concrete steps stay solid, level, and safe for 30 to 50 years or more with minimal maintenance.

What Makes Quality Concrete Steps

• Correct rise and run dimensions that feel comfortable to climb
• Non-slip surfaces that stay safe in all weather
• Proper drainage to prevent ice buildup in winter
• Strong foundations that prevent settling or tilting
• Steel reinforcement for strength and crack resistance
• Railings and landings that meet building codes

Building Steps That Meet Code and Comfort

Good step design follows both building codes and principles of comfort. The rise, which is the vertical height of each step, should be between six and eight inches. The tread, which is the horizontal depth where you step, should be at least 10 to 11 inches deep. These dimensions create steps that feel natural and safe to climb.

Every step in a set must have exactly the same rise and tread dimensions. Even a quarter-inch variation causes people to stumble because their brain expects each step to be identical. This precision requires careful planning and execution. We measure multiple times, build accurate forms, and check dimensions throughout the pour to ensure every step matches perfectly.

Building codes also specify when railings are required, typically for steps with four or more risers. Railings must be 34 to 38 inches high and able to support significant weight. We can install concrete steps with integrated railing posts, or prepare the steps for railing installation. We also add proper landings when codes require them, ensuring your steps meet all regulations.

The foundation matters just as much as the steps themselves. We excavate below the frost line and pour concrete footings that support the entire structure. This prevents settling or tilting that makes steps unsafe. We also grade around the steps to direct water away, preventing erosion and ice buildup. These details separate steps that last from ones that fail prematurely.

Repair and Replacement Options

Existing concrete steps do not always need complete replacement. Minor damage like surface spalling or small cracks can often be repaired. We can resurface worn treads, patch broken edges, and seal cracks to extend the life of structurally sound steps. These repairs cost much less than replacement and can give you several more years of safe use.

However, some problems require replacement. Steps that have settled or tilted create trip hazards that cannot be safely repaired. Major cracking throughout the structure indicates failure that will only get worse. Steps that do not meet current building codes may need replacement to comply with regulations, especially if you are selling your home or getting permits for other work.

When we replace steps, we do not just copy what was there before. We look at what caused the original steps to fail and fix those issues. We improve the foundation, upgrade drainage, add proper reinforcement, and build to current codes. Replacement is also an opportunity to improve the design. You can make steps wider, add landings, change the layout, or add decorative finishes.

We build all types of steps including front entry steps, back door steps, walkout basement stairs, and steps between retaining wall terraces. Whether you need a simple two-step stoop or a full flight of stairs, we design and build it right. We handle all necessary permits and inspections, coordinate with other contractors if needed, and ensure your new steps are safe, code-compliant, and built to last.

Frequently Asked Questions