Concrete Steps & Stairs
Build safe, durable concrete steps that provide reliable access and enhance your property.
Why Steps Need to Be Built Right
Steps are one of those things you use every day without thinking about them. But when they are built wrong, you notice immediately. Uneven treads make you stumble. Steps that are too steep feel uncomfortable and unsafe. Surfaces that get slippery when wet become hazards. Crumbling or settling steps create trip risks and look terrible. Quality concrete steps solve all these problems by providing consistent, safe access that lasts for decades without constant maintenance or worry.
Building codes exist for good reason when it comes to steps. There are specific requirements for step height, depth, width, and handrail placement. These standards ensure steps are comfortable and safe to use. We follow all applicable codes and also draw on years of experience to build steps that feel right when you walk on them. Whether you need steps to your front door, from your deck to the yard, or to handle grade changes around your property in Knightdale, NC, proper design and construction make all the difference.
Concrete steps also play an important role in your property's appearance. Well-designed steps enhance your home's curb appeal and create a welcoming entrance. You can keep them simple and functional or add decorative elements like stamped patterns, colored concrete, or stone veneer. Steps can incorporate landings, curves, or built-in planters to create visual interest. The right design makes your steps a feature rather than just a functional necessity.
Types of Steps We Build
Different situations call for different step designs. The amount of elevation change, available space, architectural style of your home, and intended use all factor into the best solution. We build all types of concrete steps for residential and commercial properties.
Common Step Configurations
- Entry steps: Front or back door steps that provide access to your home. Can be straight runs or include landings and turns for more complex entrances.
- Patio and deck stairs: Connect raised patios or wood decks to ground level. Often wider and more open than entry steps.
- Landscape steps: Handle grade changes in your yard, creating terraced access through sloped areas. Can be informal and blend with landscaping.
- Commercial stairs: Larger scale steps for business entrances, loading areas, or multi-story access. Must meet ADA requirements and commercial building codes.
- Replacement steps: Remove failing wood, brick, or deteriorated concrete steps and replace with new concrete construction built to last.
We can also add features like integrated lighting, handrails, and landings to make your steps safer and more functional. During our consultation, we will measure the area, discuss your needs, and design steps that work perfectly for your situation.
How We Build Safe, Long-Lasting Steps
Steps need a solid foundation just like any concrete structure. We excavate below the frost line and install a compacted gravel base that will not settle or shift. For steps attached to a building, we make sure they are properly connected but also allow for some independent movement so settling does not damage your foundation. This attention to structural details prevents the cracking and separation problems that plague poorly built steps.
The dimensions of each step matter more than you might think. Building codes specify maximum rise and minimum run for each step to ensure they are safe and comfortable. We follow these standards but also fine-tune dimensions based on the total elevation change and available space. Consistent step dimensions are critical. Even a small variation from one step to the next creates a trip hazard. We use precise forms and careful measurement to ensure every tread and riser is exactly the same height and depth.
Surface finish affects both safety and appearance. We can apply a broom finish for traction, stamp patterns into the steps, or add exposed aggregate for texture. The edges of steps are particularly vulnerable to chipping, so we round them slightly and reinforce them properly. Drainage is important too. Steps should shed water quickly so they do not become slippery or icy. If you need repairs to existing steps or want to replace failing stairs with new concrete construction, we handle that efficiently with minimal disruption to your daily routine.
Common Questions About Concrete Steps
Need New or Replacement Steps?
Call us today for a free consultation. We will assess your needs and provide a detailed quote for quality concrete steps.
(984) 733-8891