Concrete Steps & Stairs

Steps and stairs are essential features of most properties, but they are often overlooked until they become safety hazards. Cracked, settling, or crumbling steps create trip hazards that can lead to serious injuries and liability concerns. Poorly designed steps with improper rise and run dimensions are uncomfortable to use and do not meet building codes. If your steps are showing their age or you need new stairs for an addition or deck, quality concrete construction ensures safe access for years to come.

At MonarchHill Henderson Concrete, we build concrete steps and stairs throughout Henderson, KY that combine safety, durability, and attractive appearance. From simple front porch steps to multi-level outdoor staircases, we construct stairs that meet all building code requirements and provide reliable service for decades. Our installations include proper footings, correct dimensions, and slip-resistant surfaces.

Building codes specify exact requirements for step dimensions, handrail placement, and landing sizes. These codes exist for good reason: they ensure steps are safe and comfortable to use. We stay current on all building codes and design every staircase to meet or exceed requirements. This protects you from liability and ensures your steps pass inspection if permits are required. Whether you need residential entry steps or commercial building stairs, we build them right.

Different situations call for different step designs. The right choice depends on the height you need to span, available space, traffic levels, and aesthetic preferences. Here are the main types of concrete steps and stairs we install:

Common Step Applications:

• Front entry steps leading to porches and doors
• Back door and basement entry stairs
• Deck and patio access steps
• Multi-level outdoor staircases for sloped yards
• Commercial building entrances with ADA ramps
• Internal basement stairs and bilco door access
• Pool area steps and safety features
• Terraced garden steps integrated with landscaping

Standard entry steps typically consist of 3 to 6 risers leading from ground level to your door or porch. These can be simple straight runs or designed with landings for directional changes. We pour these steps as monolithic structures whenever possible, meaning the entire staircase is one piece of concrete. This eliminates joints where sections could separate or settle differently.

For taller staircases, we incorporate landings as required by code. Codes typically require a landing every 12 feet of vertical rise for safety and comfort. Landings also provide opportunities to change direction, which is useful for fitting stairs into tight spaces or creating more interesting designs. We design stairs to fit your specific site constraints while meeting all safety requirements.

Decorative options enhance the appearance of concrete steps. Basic broom-finished steps are functional and slip-resistant. For enhanced curb appeal, consider stamped patterns that mimic stone or tile, colored concrete in earth tones, or exposed aggregate for natural texture. We can also add decorative side walls or integrate the steps with retaining walls for a cohesive landscape design.

Quality concrete steps start with proper design and careful construction. Shortcuts in either area lead to problems within a few years. We approach every step project systematically to ensure long-term performance and safety.

Design begins with accurate measurements and code compliance. Step risers (vertical height) must be consistent throughout the staircase, typically 7 to 7.75 inches. Step treads (horizontal depth) must be at least 10 inches for comfortable use. These dimensions are not arbitrary; they are based on human biomechanics and safety research. Irregular step heights or depths create trip hazards. We measure carefully and design stairs with consistent, comfortable dimensions.

Foundation work is critical for steps. We dig footings below frost depth, typically 36 inches in our area, and pour reinforced concrete footings that support the entire staircase. The footings must rest on undisturbed soil to prevent settling. Stairs that settle pull away from buildings, crack, or develop uneven treads. Proper footings prevent these problems.

Formwork for steps requires precision. We build strong forms that hold the concrete in exact shape while it cures. The forms must be level, plumb, and properly braced. Any deflection in the forms shows up in the finished steps. We use quality form materials and take time to set them correctly.

The concrete pour itself demands skill. We use concrete mix appropriate for outdoor steps, reinforced with rebar or wire mesh for strength. As we place concrete, we work it thoroughly to eliminate voids and ensure complete fill around reinforcement. Finishing creates slip-resistant surfaces on treads while keeping them smooth enough to shed water. We round off the front edges of treads slightly to prevent chipping. After finishing, we protect the concrete and allow proper curing time. New steps should not be used for at least 3 to 4 days and ideally a full week to allow adequate strength development.