Concrete Steps & Stairs

Built for Safety and Longevity

Your steps and stairs are more than just a way to get from one level to another. They need to be safe, structurally sound, and built to handle daily use for decades. Cracked, uneven, or settling steps create serious safety hazards and liability concerns. Quality concrete steps provide the stability and durability you need.

We build concrete steps and stairs in Hemet for residential and commercial properties. Our work includes front porch steps, back door entries, basement stairs, outdoor stairways, and handicap-accessible ramps. Every project gets proper design attention to ensure correct dimensions, safe treads, and structural integrity.

Why Choose Concrete for Steps

• •Durability: Concrete steps last 50 years or more with minimal maintenance
• •Safety: Non-slip finishes and proper dimensions reduce fall risks
• •Weather Resistance: Withstands rain, heat, and temperature changes better than wood
• •Low Maintenance: No painting, staining, or replacing rotted boards required
• •Design Flexibility: Can be finished plain or decorated with stamping and coloring

Wood steps rot and deteriorate, especially in areas that stay damp. Metal steps rust and can become dangerously slippery. Concrete provides a permanent solution that stays solid and secure year after year. The initial cost may be higher than wood, but the longevity and minimal upkeep make concrete the better long-term investment.

Proper Step Design Matters

Building safe stairs is not as simple as pouring concrete in the right shape. Precise dimensions and proportions make the difference between steps that feel comfortable and steps that cause people to trip or stumble. Building codes specify requirements for good reasons.

Rise and Run Dimensions

The rise is the vertical height of each step, and the run is the horizontal depth of the tread where you place your foot. These dimensions must be consistent throughout the entire stairway. Irregular step heights cause people to misjudge where to place their feet, leading to trips and falls.

Building codes typically require rises between 4 and 7.75 inches and runs of at least 10 inches. We calculate the exact dimensions based on the total height difference and number of steps needed. The goal is steps that feel natural and safe to climb. Too steep and they are tiring or dangerous. Too shallow and they waste space and feel awkward.

Handrails and Landing Requirements

Stairs with more than a certain number of steps or height require handrails. We install anchor points in the concrete for secure handrail mounting. Landings may be required at specific intervals for long staircases. We understand these requirements and incorporate them into our designs.

Entry steps leading to doors need landings large enough to safely open the door without stepping backward down stairs. ADA-compliant ramps have specific slope, width, and landing requirements. We design to meet all applicable codes so your steps pass inspection and provide safe access.

Tread Finish for Traction

Smooth concrete becomes slippery when wet. We apply textured finishes that provide traction while remaining comfortable to walk on. Broom finishes create subtle grooves. Light exposed aggregate reveals small stones for natural texture. Non-slip additives can be mixed into the surface. The right finish balances safety with appearance and comfort.

Our Installation Process

Building concrete steps requires precision forming and careful execution. We follow proven methods that produce stairs meeting code requirements and built to last.

Planning and Layout

We start by measuring the total rise from bottom to top and calculating step dimensions. The layout gets marked to show where each step will be. We verify that steps will land properly at top and bottom, with adequate room for landings and door swings. This planning prevents problems during construction.

Foundation and Forming

Steps need a solid foundation just like any concrete work. We excavate to stable soil and pour a footing that extends below frost depth. This prevents settling and frost heave that would crack the steps. For steps attached to buildings, we tie them properly to the foundation.

Forms create the shape of each step with precise dimensions. We use lumber, stakes, and bracing to hold everything in place during the pour. Accuracy here determines the final quality. Steel reinforcement gets placed within the forms to strengthen the concrete and prevent cracking. Anchor bolts for handrails get positioned correctly.

Pouring and Finishing

We pour concrete carefully to avoid shifting forms and work it into all corners and edges. Each tread surface is leveled precisely and finished with appropriate texture. Edges are rounded slightly for safety and appearance. We protect the concrete during curing and remove forms after it gains adequate strength.

The finished steps are solid, level, and safe to use. We clean up the site and restore landscaping as needed. Handrails can be installed immediately or after the concrete fully cures, depending on the design. Your new concrete steps provide safe, reliable access for decades with virtually no maintenance required. We also install patios and other flatwork.

Frequently Asked Questions