How To Construct A Tiny Concrete Outside Staircase?

This DIY exterior steps project teaches you how to build stairs from start to finish, including calculating, cutting, installing, and finishing stair stringers, treads, risers, and fascia for a deck. If no plinth beam is found, a small concrete foundation or size stone masonry is constructed to support the stairs at the top. The first step is to calculate the floor to floor height and the length of the stairway. Exterior concrete steps are most comfortable with a 12″ tread and a riser height of 7.5″.

This guide covers planning, laying out, and building concrete steps for your exterior in under 8 hours. It includes instructions on measuring the rise and run, laying out footings, anchoring concrete steps, outlining steps, checking square, level, and plum, installing riser forms, attaching braces, and building perpendicular steps.

The project also provides tips for long-time pros, such as equipping yourself with a stair-building vocabulary and understanding the difference between a riser and a tread. Each step consists of two main parts: a riser (vertical part) and a tread (tread). Mixing concrete and adding it to each of the step forms takes 70 bags of Quikrete to create the entire structure.

In summary, this DIY exterior steps project provides step-by-step instructions for building stairs that look fantastic and last 100 years. It includes steps for calculating the floor to floor height, laying out footings, anchoring concrete steps, outlining steps, installing riser forms, attaching braces, and building perpendicular steps.

Do I need rebar in concrete stairs?

The implementation of concrete steps necessitates the incorporation of rebar to reinforce the underlying structure and guarantee its capacity to withstand the effects of prolonged weight bearing. A latticework of rebar is positioned within the form prior to the pouring of concrete, with intersections being secured together with rebar ties.

What do you put under concrete steps?

Concrete steps should be placed on a sub-base of granular fill, such as open-grade stone, to protect them from earth shifts or deterioration. The subbase should be between 4-8″ thick and tamp down until it is firm, level, and stable. Smaller projects can be done using a hand tamper, while larger projects may require a plate compactor machine. A sturdy subbase is crucial for the strength of the concrete steps.

To reinforce the concrete, a thick gauge wire mesh may be placed on top of the subbase. If living in a colder climate, Styrofoam can be applied 2 inches deep before adding gravel to prevent frost from freezing underneath the steps.

Fit the stair form over the sub-base, slotting it into the gap between the ground level/floor and the level you are building stairs up to. Use a level to check the form’s levelness and may need to add fill to either or both sides to ensure it is level.

Do concrete stairs need footings?

The height of each individual step in a stairwell should be 7 inches, and the width should be 10-12 inches. The stairwell should be 3 1/2 feet wide, preferably wider. Steps with a height of more than 5 feet should have a landing with at least a 3 ft. run. Concrete footings are necessary when concrete steps attach to a building, usually installed by the foundation contractor. If there is no foundation, 8-12 inch diameter sono tubes should be installed at the base of the stairway, extending 4 ft below the frost level. To determine the number of stairs, divide the total rise by the individual rise you plan to use, usually 7 inches, and round off.

How do you build exterior concrete steps?

This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to pour concrete steps for a porch or outdoor entryway. The process involves measuring the rise and run of the area, laying out footings 3 inches wider than the steps, anchoring concrete steps, outlining steps, checking square, level, and plum, installing riser forms, attaching braces, and building perpendicular steps. Concrete steps provide a sturdy transition between an outdoor surface and the entry to a house.

The answer to determining the height and depth of each step can be found through simple math. Local codes often require the top landing to extend at least 12 inches beyond the door swing. To calculate the total run, subtract the width of an out-swinging door from the length between the foundation and the outside edge of the steps.

What is the best mix for concrete steps?

An all-purpose concrete mix is a popular choice for a variety of applications, including the repair of foundation walls, the laying of sidewalks, the creation of steps, and the setting of posts.

What is the formula for concrete stairs?

To estimate the amount of concrete needed for a concrete project, consider the space the concrete will occupy in terms of rectangles. Break the stairs into rectangles and calculate the volume of each individual rectangle. Convert the volume measurement into cubic yards using Ozinga’s concrete calculator.

Add more material when ordering concrete, as it provides wiggle room for changes on the jobsite. Always ask for 10 more than expected, even if it may be frustrating if not used. Even grades off by ¼-inch can run short, so having extra on hand can ensure a smooth project.

To get the right estimate for your stairs, talk to a concrete expert and get an estimate. Ozinga’s experienced team can help ensure you get the right estimate for your job. By considering the space the concrete will occupy, you can make informed decisions about the amount of concrete needed for your project.

Do you need gravel under concrete steps?

Without proper gravel under concrete, it can crack, sink, bow, or crumble, and the concrete forming process may not be smoother. The lack of a proper gravel layer can also cause drainage issues below the slab, affecting the lawn and foundation. It’s not advisable to pour concrete directly on dirt, as even compacted soil isn’t strong enough to maintain concrete’s form. However, concrete can be poured over concrete with proper bonding agents and a clear slab below.

How much does it cost to build exterior concrete stairs?

Concrete steps typically cost around $2, 000, with project prices ranging between $1, 000 and $5, 000. The cost depends on the number of steps and the size of the staircase. Pouring cement costs $300 per step, including materials and labor. Precast concrete stairs cost $100 per step, including labor. When replacing an existing staircase, expect to pay $400 to $700 for removal before starting the project. Precast concrete is about 20 less expensive than poured concrete, which needs to be mixed first. For an estimated $2, 000 project, using precast concrete could save up to $400.

What size are exterior concrete stairs?

When designing a concrete stairway, consider the riser height and tread depth to ensure comfort for the average person’s stride. Local building codes often dictate minimum and maximum riser heights and tread depths, with the 7-11 rule being commonly used. Risers should be at least 4 inches in height. For safer stepping, design stairways with deep treads and short risers, and locate landings no more than 7 1/2 inches below door thresholds. Quikrete recommends using these riser/tread proportions when building concrete steps.

What is the best concrete mix for outside steps?

To create a mortar for building, mix four parts building sand and one part cement in a bucket with clean water until slightly moist and smooth. Slowly add water to avoid creating a wet mortar. Work the mortar into joints using a trowel and push it down firmly. Repeat until the joints are full, compacting and smoothing. Carefully brush away excess mortar from slabs to prevent staining. Use a damp sponge to work on one joint at a time.