Concrete Steps & Stairs
Build safe, durable, and attractive concrete steps for your home or business entrance.
Why Choose Concrete for Your Steps and Stairs?
Your front steps or entryway stairs are more than just a way to get into your home or building. They're one of the first things people see when they arrive, and they need to be safe, sturdy, and attractive. Concrete steps offer all three benefits in a package that lasts for decades with minimal upkeep.
Unlike wood steps that rot, warp, or need regular staining, concrete stays solid year after year. It won't sag under heavy loads, won't get slippery when wet like some materials, and won't crack from freeze-thaw cycles like brick or stone can. When properly installed with the right foundation and reinforcement, concrete steps can serve your property for 30 years or more.
At ApexPoint Thornton Concrete, we design and build concrete steps and stairs that match your property's style while providing the safety and durability you need. Whether you're replacing old, crumbling steps or adding new stairs to a home addition, we have the experience to get the job done right.
Design Options for Concrete Steps
Concrete steps don't have to be plain gray slabs. Modern concrete techniques give you plenty of ways to customize your steps to match your home's architecture and your personal taste. The right design makes your entrance welcoming while adding to your property's curb appeal.
Popular Design Features:
- Textured finishes: Broom finish for slip resistance, or exposed aggregate for visual interest
- Colored concrete: Integral color or acid stains to complement your home's exterior
- Decorative edges: Rounded or beveled edges for a polished, finished look
- Stamped patterns: Make concrete look like stone, brick, or tile at a lower cost
- Contrasting treads: Different colors or textures for each step to improve safety
- Built-in railings: Concrete or metal handrails for added safety and style
- Landing areas: Extended platforms at the top or bottom for convenience
Your steps can be as simple or elaborate as you want. We'll work with you to design stairs that fit your budget while giving you the look you're after. Our experience with decorative concrete means we can create custom steps that look like high-end materials without the high-end price tag.
We also make sure every design meets local building codes for step height, depth, and handrail requirements. This keeps your project legal and ensures your steps are safe for everyone who uses them.
Our Concrete Steps Installation Process
Building concrete steps requires precision and expertise. Every step must be the right height and depth to meet code requirements and provide safe, comfortable use. Here's how we ensure your new concrete stairs are built to last:
Site Preparation and Foundation Work
We start by removing any old steps and preparing the area. The ground beneath your steps must be properly compacted and level to prevent settling. We dig down to stable soil and add a layer of compacted gravel for drainage. This foundation work is critical because even the best concrete will crack if it's built on unstable ground.
For steps attached to your home or building, we make sure they're properly connected to the foundation. This prevents gaps from forming between the steps and the structure over time.
Building the Forms
We construct wooden forms that shape each individual step. These forms must be perfectly level and square, with each step the same height and depth. We double-check all measurements before pouring any concrete. Most building codes require step risers to be 7-8 inches high and treads to be at least 10 inches deep. We follow these standards to ensure comfortable, safe stairs.
Reinforcement and Pouring
Before pouring concrete, we install steel reinforcement bars (rebar) throughout the forms. This steel reinforcement gives your steps extra strength and helps prevent cracking. We use the right concrete mix for outdoor steps, which includes air entrainment to resist freeze-thaw damage in Colorado winters.
The concrete is poured from the bottom step up, and we carefully work it into all corners of the forms. We eliminate air pockets and make sure the concrete is properly consolidated. The finishing work includes adding any textures or patterns you've chosen and making sure water will drain off the steps properly.
Curing and Sealing
After pouring, your new steps need time to cure properly. We keep the concrete moist for several days to ensure it reaches full strength. Once cured, we can apply a sealer that protects the surface from water, de-icing salts, and stains. This sealer extends the life of your steps and makes them easier to maintain.
The entire process typically takes 3-5 days from start to finish, depending on the size and complexity of your stairway. You'll need to wait at least 7 days before putting heavy loads on the steps, but light foot traffic is usually okay after 2-3 days. Compare this to driveway projects, which require longer curing times due to vehicle weight.