Concrete Steps & Stairs
Build safe, code-compliant steps that provide reliable access to your home for years to come.
Why Concrete Steps Are the Smart Choice
Concrete steps provide safe, permanent access to your home, garage, or yard for decades with minimal maintenance. Unlike wood steps that rot, warp, or become slippery when wet, concrete stays stable and secure in all weather conditions. It won't shift or settle like precast steps that sit on unstable bases. And it handles Fort Eisenhower's climate better than most materials, resisting damage from rain, humidity, and temperature changes. When built correctly, concrete steps last 30 years or more without needing replacement.
Safety is the number one reason to choose concrete for steps and stairs. Properly designed and built steps have consistent rise and tread dimensions, which prevents trips and falls. We can add non-slip finishes, integrate handrails, and ensure code-compliant dimensions. Concrete steps also provide a solid foundation for railings and don't bounce or flex like wood, giving you confidence with every step. For homes with elderly residents or mobility concerns, well-built concrete steps are essential for safe access.
At FH Fort Eisenhower Concrete, we build steps that meet all local building codes and safety standards. We've installed hundreds of residential and commercial stair systems across the area. Whether you need simple front porch steps, a full outdoor staircase, or interior stairs, we design and build them to be safe, durable, and attractive. We also coordinate with railings, landings, and other features to create a complete access solution that works for your property.
Benefits of Concrete Steps and Stairs
- Lasts 30 years or more with minimal maintenance
- Safer than wood with no rotting, warping, or splintering
- Won't settle or shift like precast concrete units
- Code-compliant dimensions for consistent rise and tread
- Handles all weather without deteriorating
- Can be finished with textures or decorative treatments
- Solid foundation for handrails and safety features
Types of Concrete Steps We Build
We design and install various types of concrete steps to fit different situations and architectural styles. Each project starts with understanding your needs, the height difference you need to overcome, and any code requirements that apply.
Front Porch and Entry Steps
Front entry steps are the most common type we install. These typically range from one to six steps, connecting your front door to ground level. We build them to match your home's style, whether that's simple and functional or more decorative with wide landings and integrated planters. Proper width is important because narrow steps feel cramped and don't meet code for many situations. We typically recommend at least 4 feet wide for comfortable access, though 5 to 6 feet works better for a grand entrance. We also ensure the landing at the top provides adequate space to open the door safely.
Basement and Garage Access Stairs
Stairs leading to basements, walk-out entries, or separate garages require careful attention to code compliance. These stairs often involve more steps and steeper angles, which means precise calculations for rise and tread dimensions. We build solid footings at the base, tie the stairs into existing foundation work, and add drainage to prevent ice buildup or water pooling. For basement entrances, we also coordinate with walls and drainage systems to keep water away from the doorway.
Multi-Level and Terraced Stairs
For properties with significant slopes or terracing, we build multi-level stair systems that connect different elevations. These might include switchbacks, landings, or integration with retaining walls. Proper drainage is critical for long outdoor stairs because water running down steps can cause erosion and ice problems. We design these systems to manage water flow and provide safe access even in wet conditions. Handrails are usually required for stairs with more than three risers.
Commercial and ADA-Compliant Stairs
Commercial properties have stricter code requirements for step dimensions, handrails, and accessibility. We build stairs that meet all ADA guidelines when required, including proper riser height, tread depth, handrail placement, and tactile warning strips. For businesses, schools, or multi-family buildings, code compliance isn't optional, and we make sure every detail is correct before the inspector arrives. We also build these stairs to handle heavy traffic without showing wear.
Design Considerations and Building Codes
Building safe, code-compliant steps requires more than just pouring concrete in a stair shape. The dimensions need to be calculated precisely, and every step must be consistent. Variations in riser height or tread depth are the leading cause of trips and falls on stairs. Building codes exist to prevent these problems and ensure stairs are safe for everyone who uses them.
Rise and Tread Dimensions
The rise is the vertical height of each step, and the tread is the horizontal depth where you place your foot. Residential codes typically require risers between 4 and 7.75 inches, with treads at least 10 inches deep. The most comfortable stairs have a 7-inch rise and 11-inch tread, which feels natural to most people. All risers on a single staircase must be within a quarter inch of each other, and the same goes for treads. We calculate these dimensions based on the total height change and design stairs that are comfortable, safe, and code-compliant.
Landings, Width, and Handrails
Landings are required at the top and bottom of stairs, and for long staircases, intermediate landings may be needed. Landings provide a safe place to rest and recover if you stumble. They also give you room to open doors without stepping backward onto the stairs. Minimum width requirements vary by application, but residential stairs should be at least 36 inches wide. Handrails are required on at least one side for stairs with four or more risers, and on both sides for stairs wider than 44 inches. We install anchor points during construction for railing attachment.
Drainage and Surface Finish
Outdoor steps need proper drainage to prevent water from pooling and creating ice in winter. We slope each tread slightly forward so water runs off rather than collecting. For steps in shaded areas or places that get a lot of rain, we add texture to the tread surface for traction. A broom finish is standard, but we can also use a light brush or add grit to the surface. Steps that are too smooth become slippery when wet, especially if they're covered with leaves or algae. Proper finishing prevents accidents and makes your steps safer in all conditions.