Concrete Steps & Stairs

Why Concrete Makes Great Steps

When you need steps or stairs for your home, concrete is one of the best materials you can choose. It handles our Oklahoma weather better than wood, costs less than stone, and requires almost no maintenance once installed.

Concrete steps last decades. We are talking 30 to 50 years or more with basic care. Wood steps might need replacing every 10 to 15 years as they rot and deteriorate. Metal steps rust. But concrete just sits there doing its job year after year through heat, cold, rain, and snow.

Safety is another big advantage. Concrete steps do not bounce or flex when you walk on them. They feel solid and secure. We can add texture for traction, and they will not get slippery like smooth wood or metal can. For elderly family members or anyone with mobility concerns, that stability and sure footing matter a lot.

Concrete is also versatile in appearance. You can have simple, functional steps or decorative ones with colors, stamps, or stone facing. The steps can match your house, your driveway, or stand out as a design feature. You have options from basic to fancy, all with the same durability underneath.

Types of Concrete Steps We Build

Not all concrete steps are the same. We build different types depending on where they go and how they will be used. Here are the main categories.

• Front entry steps: These lead to your main entrance. They are usually 3 to 6 feet wide and might have 2 to 8 steps depending on your home's elevation. Appearance matters here since visitors see them first.
• Back and side entry steps: More utilitarian steps to secondary doors, basements, or side entrances. These still need to be safe and solid but appearance is less critical.
• Deck and patio stairs: Steps that transition from an elevated deck or patio down to ground level. These need to match the deck or patio and handle the height change safely.
• Interior stairs: Basement stairs or stairs inside buildings. These follow the same structural requirements but have different finishing needs.
• Commercial stairs: Steps for businesses that must meet ADA requirements and handle heavy foot traffic. These need railings, proper dimensions, and sometimes special finishes.

Planning a complete outdoor space with steps leading to a patio? Our concrete patio services can create the perfect destination for your new steps to lead to.

Building Steps the Right Way

Concrete steps need to be built to specific standards for safety and longevity. Here is what goes into a quality set of steps.

Dimensions matter for safety and comfort. The rise, which is the vertical height of each step, should be 6 to 8 inches. The tread, which is the horizontal part you step on, should be at least 10 inches deep, preferably 11 or 12. These proportions make steps comfortable and safe to use. Steps that are too steep or too shallow feel awkward and increase the risk of falls.

The foundation is critical. Steps need a solid footing below the frost line, which is about 18 to 24 inches deep here in Oklahoma. If the footing is too shallow or not solid, the steps will settle and crack. We excavate properly and pour a concrete footing that extends beyond the steps on all sides.

Reinforcement keeps everything together. We use rebar throughout the steps, tying each step to the ones above and below. This makes the entire structure one solid piece rather than individual steps that could separate. The reinforcement also prevents cracking from stress and temperature changes.

Finishing provides traction and appearance. A broom finish or other textured surface prevents slipping in wet weather. We can also add color, stamp patterns, or attach stone veneer for a more decorative look. Whatever finish you choose, safety comes first.

Repairing and Replacing Old Steps

Sometimes we get calls from homeowners with failing concrete steps. Here is what we look for and what your options are.

Cracks are the most common problem. Small cracks are normal and can usually be filled and sealed. But large cracks, especially ones that go clear through the step or occur where the steps meet the foundation, are more serious. These might indicate settling or structural problems that need more than just patching.

Settling and separation happen when the foundation was not adequate or soil has washed away underneath. If your steps have pulled away from the house or sunk on one side, the foundation has failed. This usually means replacement is necessary because the structural integrity is compromised.

Spalling is when the surface flakes or chips away. This often happens from freeze-thaw damage or poor quality concrete. Minor spalling can be repaired with overlays or patching. Extensive deterioration throughout the steps means replacement is the better choice.

When replacement is needed, we tear out the old steps, prepare a proper foundation, and build new ones to current standards. While this costs more than repairs, you get steps that will last another 30 to 50 years. Sometimes starting fresh is the smart long-term investment.

Need other concrete work around your steps? Check out our sidewalks and walkways services to connect your steps to the rest of your property, or visit the Owasso Concrete homepage to explore all our services.

Common Questions About Concrete Steps

Here are answers to the questions we hear most often about building or replacing concrete steps.