Concrete Steps & Stairs

Why Your Steps Need to Be Built Right

Your steps are one of the most used parts of your property. Every person who enters your home or business uses them multiple times a day. That is why properly built concrete steps are so important for both safety and curb appeal.

When steps are built wrong, the problems are obvious. Steps that are too steep make you feel like you might fall forward. Steps with uneven risers throw off your natural stride and create a tripping hazard. Steps that settle or crack become dangerous, especially in wet weather or when ice forms in the winter.

Building code exists for good reasons. Steps must have consistent riser heights, proper tread depth, and appropriate handrail placement. These requirements are not arbitrary. They are based on decades of research about what makes stairs safe for everyone, including children, elderly residents, and people with mobility challenges.

In San Luis Obispo, we see a lot of older homes with steps that do not meet current code. If you are replacing your steps, this is your opportunity to bring them up to modern safety standards while also improving the look of your entrance.

How We Build Concrete Steps

Building concrete steps is more complex than pouring a flat slab. The process requires precision because even small errors in measurements can create unsafe conditions or code violations.

We start by measuring the total rise, which is the vertical distance from bottom to top. This tells us how many steps you need. Building code limits how tall each step can be, typically around 7 to 8 inches. We divide the total rise by this measurement to determine the number of steps, then adjust as needed to make all the risers identical.

Next comes excavation and base preparation. We dig out the area, compact the soil, and add a gravel base. This foundation prevents settling and ensures your steps stay level. We also install rebar reinforcement within the formwork before pouring.

The forms themselves must be perfectly level and square. We build them in place, creating the shape of each step. After pouring, we finish the surface with the texture you have chosen, whether that is smooth, broom-finished, or stamped decorative concrete. The concrete needs several days to cure before you can use the steps.

Proper drainage is critical for steps. We slope the treads slightly so water runs off instead of pooling. We also look at where water flows during heavy rain and make sure it does not undermine your steps over time.