Quikrete recommends using the following riser/tread proportions when building concrete steps:
| When riser height is: | Tread depth should be: |
| 4" to 4-1/2" | 18" to 19" |
| 5" to 5-1/2" | 16" to 17" |
| 6" to 6-1/2" | 14" to 15" |
| 7" to 7-1/2" | 10" to 11" |
How hard is it to build concrete steps?
A shabby stoop can crush a home’s overall curb appeal. And while building concrete steps is more complicated than pouring a simple sidewalk, it’s probably not as hard as you might think. We spent the day with the masons at Above Quality Inc., and they showed us how they pour concrete steps that look great and will last for decades.
How do you measure for concrete steps?
A framing square would work as well, or you could measure diagonally from one corner to another and then compare that measurement with the distance from the opposite two corners. Add a 2×4 (sometimes called a strongback) to the front of each step’s form boards. This will keep the pressure of the concrete from bowing out the boards.
What is the maximum distance between steps in a concrete slab?
Maximum is generally 180mm for most country conventions, minimum depends on the number of consecutive steps. Thanks! How should I stop the mixed concrete from squirting out under the concrete form?
What is the average height of a stair step?
On average, American architects have used a standard stair height of 7.5 inches. On stairs built inside, the average step length is 9 inches tall, while outside steps have an average length of 11 inches tall. Although not the current average, one study by the National Library of Medicine looked a small deviation between stair heights (rises) ...
What is the standard height for outdoor steps?
5 ½ to 7 inchesYou can choose what's comfortable for you but generally outdoor steps have a rise of 5 ½ to 7 inches and a tread of 12 to 18 inches.
How tall should concrete steps be?
The height of your front entry step (called Risers), according to code, can be no higher than 7 3/4 inches . The part of the front entry step you actually step on (called Treads) can be no less than 10 inches. All Risers (the height of the steps) and Treads (the part you step on) must all be the same; uniform.
What sizes do cement steps come in?
Our standard & modular precast concrete steps come in the following widths: 4ft, 5ft, and 6ft with up to 6 risers. Standard platform landing is 4 ft.; Optional platform landings are available in 24 inch, 36 inch, & 42 inch depths.
How tall is 4 step concrete steps?
28 inSpecificationsDepth44 inHeight28 inWidth48 in
How thick do concrete steps need to be?
4 inchesAt minimum, the concrete thickness should be 4 inches between the inside of the step to the ground. In order to determine the number of risers, divide the total height of the steps by the number of risers desired. No individual riser should be greater than 7 to 7½ inches.
Do concrete steps need a footing?
Footings - When your concrete steps attach to a building, you need concrete footings. In new construction, the footings for concrete steps are normally installed by the foundation contractor.
Do precast steps need a footing?
Advantages of Precast Concrete Steps: Unlike poured concrete steps that require a footing, have to be formed, poured, shaped and cured, precast concrete steps are less likely to settle because they are hollow and lighter.
What concrete is best for steps?
Steps constructed from QUIKRETE® Concrete Mix or QUIKRETE® 5000 High Early Strength Concrete Mix are attractive and durable, and can provide good traction is wet weather. For homes, they are usually built 48" (14.6m) wide, or at least as wide as the door and walk they serve.
How do you stabilize concrete steps?
Using a sturdy pry bar, lift the steps to insert rigid plastic Wobble Wedges in any combination of sizes needed to level and stabilize the steps. While lifting with the pry bar gently tap wedges till they fill the gap firmly. Check once again for level and stability and adjust as necessary.
How much does a 4 ft concrete step weigh?
A: This concrete step weighs 210 pounds.
How much does a 36 inch concrete step weigh?
100 lbs.Weight approx. 100 lbs. per tread (step) Total Est.
How do you figure concrete steps?
To find this for each step simply multiply the rise of the step by the number of steps in it is. For instance, the first step is rise × run × 1, the second step is rise × run × 2, and so on. The dimensions of the platform can be found by multiplying the platform depth by the height of the platform from the ground.
How high should a concrete stair riser be?
They should be in proportions that will comfortably accommodate the average person's stride. Although the ratio can vary depending on the application, local building codes often dictate the minimum and maximum riser heights and minimum tread depth. The 7-11 rule is one that's frequently used (maximum riser height of 7 inches and minimum tread depth of 11 inches). Risers should also be at least 4 inches in height.
What is a concrete stairway?
Concrete steps or terraced stairways are the most prominent feature at the entryway of many homes and public buildings, yet too often they get relegated to purely utilitarian status. Elevating concrete stairs from bland to grand makes them the dramatic focal point of any front entrance. Even greater visual impact is possible by combining decorative stairways with stamped or stained concrete walkways and landings that incorporate coordinating colors and patterns.
How to make a seamless transition from flat surfaces to steps?
Contractors can make a seamless transition from flat surfaces to steps by using thin flex mats or texture skins in the same pattern as the rigid mats used for stamping the concrete flatwork. Made from a pliable urethane, these mats are easily bent to a 90-degree angle to conform to stair risers. Another handy way to imprint granite, slate, and other stone-like textures on narrow step treads and vertical faces is to use small texture rollers, such as these from Butterfield Color.
How high should a riser be?
The 7-11 rule is one that's frequently used (maximum riser height of 7 inches and minimum tread depth of 11 inches). Risers should also be at least 4 inches in height.
What is a step liner?
They are made from a reusable polyurethane material and are simply attached to the inside of the riser form before the concrete is poured.
How to make sure stairs are lit at night?
Make sure stairs are well lit at night by using overhead lighting and keep light levels consistent in transitions between stairways and surrounding areas.
How to prevent missteps on stairs?
Using round nosings and enhancing stairs visually with contrasting colors or patterns to make edges more distinct will also help to prevent missteps.
How many steps does it take to climb 20 inches?
For example, here's the math for a total rise of 20 inches: 20 inches/7 inches = 2.8 (rounding up equals three steps). 20 inches/3 steps = 6.6 inches. In this example, you'll need three steps 6-5/8 inches high to climb 20 inches.
What happens if you don't build concrete steps?
If you don't construct them according to code, a building inspector can make you tear them out. Codes may also include requirements about the placement of rebar or other reinforcements, as well as the concrete mix you use.
How to strengthen concrete?
To strengthen the concrete, bend lengths of 1/2-inch rebar so it roughly corresponds to the shape of the rubble mound and lay it on the rubble at 12-inch intervals. Wire perpendicular lengths of rebar across the first pieces. Then raise the rebar up and support it on dobies or balusters that you wire to the rebar.
How long does it take for a concrete railing to cure?
Broom the treads to roughen the surface, let the concrete cure, then install the railing. After 12 to 24 hours, remove the side forms and fill in any voids in the concrete.
How to save concrete?
To save concrete, time, and money, shovel rubble (clean chunks of broken concrete, river rock, or any clean masonry) into the space inside the forms. Pile the rubble higher under the landing than the first step, but don't put in so much rubble that it will make the concrete in the steps too thin. Advertisement.
How far should a door swing extend?
When considering the total run of the unit, local codes often require the top landing to extend at least 12 inches beyond the door swing. Subtract the width of an out-swinging door (usually 32 or 36 inches) from the length you measure between the foundation to the outside edge of the steps. If the remainder is less than 12 inches, you may need to change your plan.
How to find the unit rise and run of steps?
To compute the unit rise and run, first divide the total rise by 7 inches, a standard step height. Round up fractional results to the nearest whole number. Then divide the total rise again by this number to get the unit rise.
How to identify steps built over wells?
You don’t want to start busting up the old steps and suddenly find yourself in the basement covered in rubble. You can identify steps built over wells by a glass access panel built in. Sometimes the panel has been broken or removed, but the patch should still be visible. Don’t even think about starting the demo process without asking the homeowner or preferably paying a visit into the basement and investigating with your own eyes.
What to do with extra bucket of concrete?
Keeping an extra bucket of concrete on hand is a smart move. It will come in handy to if you need to fill any voids that may be lurking behind the form boards. Keep the bucket covered and out of the sun.
How to eliminate voids in concrete?
Eliminate the smaller voids by tapping on every part of every form board. More taps with a smaller hammer is better than a few taps with a big one. Big hammers can send concrete flying all over the place. You can’t overdo this step, especially since the stoop is being poured dryer and will be less willing to conform.
Why do you pour concrete wet?
The reason for this is that a thick pour will exert less pressure on the form and allow you to dismantle it sooner than later. Pouring the sidewalk wet will also give you time to let it sit while you are working on the steps. wet sidewalk pour also provides extra cream, which can be rubbed on the vertical faces of the concrete to smooth them out once you start pulling forms (see below).
Can you put concrete on a house?
It’s okay if some of the old concrete sticks to the house. But it’s important to clean off the top area or it will show, especially if the new stoop is going to be poured at the same level or lower than the old one. Knock off the remnants with a hammer and cold chisel.
Can you put a stoops in concrete?
Stoops are not one solid monolithic hunk of concrete, or at least they shouldn’t be. You are going to need some fill in the center, so you might as well leave the concrete you just busted up in place. Remove or reduce any chunks larger than a football.
Can you leave tools face down on concrete?
Building concrete steps requires a whole bunch of switching back and forth between edgers and mags. One trick a lot of pros have figured out is that if you leave the tools face down on the concrete they don’t dry out as fast. A tool covered in dried chunks of concrete is good for nothing.
How to get concrete to come to the surface?
Float your concrete. Floating involves pressing a flat surface along the top of the concrete to cause the "cream" (the gravel-free part of the concrete) to come to the surface. A bull float tool is ideal for this process, though it might not be necessary for smaller projects.
How to transfer concrete into a form?
Transfer the concrete into your form with a shovel, wheelbarrow, or (for larger projects) the funnel that came with your cement mixer. If you are using a wheelbarrow, you might construct an earthen ramp so you can wheel your cement up to the lip of the form and tip in the concrete.
How to smooth concrete?
Lay a screeding tool, like a long trowel or long wooden plank, flat along the top parts of your form and, working from uphill to downhill, work your tool along the form to flatten and smooth the concrete. Once you are finished screeding, your concrete should start looking more like the finished product.
What is run of stairs?
The run of your stairs, which is the depth of your stair measured from the front of your staircase to its back. The stringers of your stairs are the side supports to either side of each step. The measurements for your stringers will be used in the creation of your concrete forms.
How to make concrete smoother?
Brush your concrete for improved traction. Drag a stiff-bristled push broom across the surface of your concrete to create fine grooves in the surface. Smooth concrete can be very slippery, which can be especially dangerous for concrete steps.
What is the purpose of a concrete excavation?
This excavation is intended to clear away rocks, trees, grass, shrubs, and anything else that might interfere with your concrete pouring. You'll also have to lay a sub-base upon which the concrete will rest.
Can you use wooden planks on concrete?
If you use a wooden plank or board, it should be as straight as possible and free of warping and other irregularities. These can create gouges or leave the surface of your concrete uneven.
How tall should a step be?
Researchers found that the ideal step height is 7.2 inches and the ideal step length should be anywhere between 11 and 12 inches. Building codes in many areas define maximum step height and minimum step length, but in areas where it is not defined, Council of American Building Officials and International Code Council both recommend ...
How tall is a standard stair?
On average, American architects have used a standard stair height of 7.5 inches. On stairs built inside, the average step length is 9 inches tall, while outside steps have an average length of 11 inches tall. Advertisement. Although not the current average, one study by the National Library of Medicine looked a small deviation between stair heights ...
How tall should a stair tread be?
Researchers found that the ideal step height is 7.2 inches and the ideal tread width should be anywhere between 11 and 12 inches.
How to determine stairway run?
There are two calculations that can help determine whether a stairway's rise and run will feel comfortable during use. The total length of the tread rise plus the width—or run— (r+R) should equal around 18 inches with no more than a 1-inch deviation. Also, twice the rise plus the run (2r+R) should be equal to 25 inches, also with a 1-inch deviation.
How much should a stair rise be?
The total length of the stair rise plus the run (r+R) should equal around 18 inches with no more than a 1-inch deviation. Also, twice the rise plus the run (2r+R) should be equal to 25 inches, also with a 1-inch deviation.
How much space does a staircase take up?
A staircase that goes up 12 feet and has steps that are 7.5 inches tall will take up around 13 feet and 6 inches if it has 9-inch long steps, but making it with 11-inch steps will take up around 16 feet and 6 inches. Not all houses have space for those extra 3 feet of stairs, so the amount of floor space a stairway can take up also needs ...
What is the total of the rise plus the run?
The total of the rise plus the run is 18, which meets the ideal, according to the first rule. But it would be slightly uncomfortable based on the second rule, given that double the rise plus the run equals 23. A more ideal step that is 7 inches tall with an 11-inch run gives a total run plus rise sum of 18 and a total double rise plus run sum ...
Precast Concrete Steps
Precast concrete steps provide a safe and attractive entrance to homes and businesses. National Block carries a variety of widths and heights to accommodate the size of your entry.
Do It Yourself
If you are a do-it-yourselfer, replacing precast concrete steps is a relatively easy DIY job. Follow the guidelines listed below and please consult us for further assistance with your next step project!
How wide should a porch step be?
Standard Widths. The minimum width for porch steps is 36 inches, but 48 to 60 inches provides more comfortable access. Porch steps 48 inches wide accommodate one person easily and safely; wider porch steps allow two or more people to comfortably navigate the staircase.
How deep should stair treads be?
Stair Size. Treads, which are the parts of the steps that you walk on, are typically no smaller than 10 inches deep. This ensures a large enough space to safely walk on as you navigate each step. The risers, which are the parts that sit vertically underneath each step, should be no higher than 7 3/4 inches and no smaller than 4 inches.
What is the purpose of porch steps?
Porch steps serve a practical purpose, but they can also be a decorative element . Although you could build to the minimum required width, you could also consider building your staircase much wider. Wide porch steps are inviting and allow several guests to enter the porch together. Advertisement.
What to do with concrete steps at the foot of steps?
One solution, if you have some space to work with at the foot of the concrete steps, is to add some new steps constructed with pressure treated lumber. Here is an example to convey the idea.
How do I replace unevenly spaced concrete steps?
The unevenly spaced original steps are replaced with a new set that are evenly spaced from the ground level up to the top. In this example I show the use of 2x12 lumber to create both the steps and the stringers under the steps. You could place the stingers to the outside edges of the existing concrete structure or notch them as necessary to fit over the nose of the existing concrete steps.
Do old style steps have landing area?
Another advantage of this concept is that many old style steps do not have adequate landing area at the top to make it easy to negotiate opening a outward swinging screen/storm door. The added width of the top step can help with this problem.