Even though it can be tough to build a group of concrete steps it is usually one of those project you may be satisfied you probably did. Building concrete steps is one of those roles where you actually need to do it properly. Anyone who has fought to climb steps that were uneven or cracked can testify to that.

The directions that follow will get you moving on building concrete porch steps, which is a good project for a newbie. Your first task in this job is to learn the local building codes for entry steps. There’ll be certain dimensions which you will need to be in adherence to. In come places hand rails will need to be installed with entry steps.

When looking at required dimensions it helps to know that risers are the vertical front of the step while the tread is the horizontal surface. You wish to work out the total rise and run for your new entry steps. The increase is the distance from the edge of the porch to the ground. The run is the gap between the foundation and the area where the 1st step will begin.

Usually a step riser will be around 7.25 inches high. You can determine how many steps you will need if you divide your total rise by this number. Treads are customarily around eleven inches wide. Multiply this number by the number of steps and you’ll know how some distance from the house the steps will measure. These measurements will be wanted to place concrete footings and lay gravel.

The depth of your footings will be set by your local building code. You’ll then have to build forms for the stairs using plywood using the step measurements as your guide. The forms should be put on top of your footing and have to be level. You can use stakes to hold the forms securely in place .

When pouring your concrete you should start at the bottom of the steps. Obey the directions supplied by the concrete manufacturer for mixing your concrete. Wait at least 20 minutes between each step. You may remove the forms and smooth out the surfaces once the concrete has set. Read more about making beautiful concrete steps.