Concrete Steps & Stairs
Build safe, durable stairways that connect your spaces and stand the test of time.
Why Concrete Steps Matter
Steps and stairs are critical safety features of your property. They need to provide secure footing in all weather conditions, maintain level treads without settling, and meet building codes for riser height and tread depth. At Marblecrest Burien Concrete, we build concrete steps that prioritize safety while enhancing your property's appearance and accessibility.
Concrete steps outlast wood stairs by decades. Wood requires regular maintenance, deteriorates from moisture exposure, and can develop rot or insect damage. Wooden stairs become slippery when wet and develop splinters over time. Concrete eliminates all these problems. Your concrete steps will serve reliably for 30 years or more with minimal maintenance. They handle our Pacific Northwest rain without deteriorating and provide stable, safe access year round.
Proper step construction is more complex than it appears. Each step must have the correct rise and run dimensions to be safe and comfortable to use. Building codes specify exact measurements for residential and commercial applications. The foundation must support the weight without settling. Drainage must be considered to prevent ice formation in winter. We understand these requirements and build steps that meet or exceed all standards.
Steps connect different levels of your property, making spaces accessible. Front entrance steps create the primary approach to your home. Backyard steps connect patios to lawns or different terrace levels. Interior steps in basements or split-level homes need the same attention to safety and quality. Whether you need a simple three-step entry or a complex stairway system, we have the expertise to build it correctly.
Design and Safety Standards
Building codes exist to ensure stairs are safe for everyone. Risers (the vertical part) must stay within specific height ranges, typically 4 to 7.75 inches for residential stairs. Treads (the horizontal part you step on) need adequate depth, usually at least 10 inches. Handrails are required for stairs with more than a certain number of steps. We design and build stairs that comply with all applicable codes so you never worry about safety or inspection issues.
Critical Safety Features
Consistency is crucial for safe stairs. All steps must have identical rise and run measurements. Even small variations cause people to trip because their body expects uniform dimensions. We build forms precisely and pour carefully to ensure every step matches perfectly. Surface texture provides traction, especially important in wet weather. We apply non-slip finishes to treads while keeping landings slightly smoother.
- Uniform rise and run measurements for safety
- Non-slip surface textures on treads
- Proper drainage to prevent water pooling
- Adequate lighting considerations in design
- Handrail mounting provisions when required
Aesthetic Options
Concrete steps do not have to look plain or industrial. We offer various finish options including broom texture, exposed aggregate, or stamped patterns that complement your home's style. Color can be added throughout the concrete or applied to surfaces. Borders and accent details add visual interest. We design steps that look as good as they function, creating attractive entries that enhance your property's curb appeal.
Installation and Replacement
New step installation begins with careful measurement and planning. We calculate the total rise from bottom to top level, then divide by ideal riser height to determine the number of steps needed. This math ensures uniform dimensions that meet code requirements. Foundation preparation is critical since settling causes dangerous unevenness. We excavate to stable soil or existing foundation surfaces and create solid support.
Form building for steps requires precision carpentry skills. Each step must be level front to back and side to side. The forms must be strong enough to hold concrete without shifting. We build robust forms, double-check all measurements, and brace everything thoroughly. Proper reinforcement goes in to handle the loads and prevent cracking. For taller stair systems, we may install rebar or wire mesh throughout.
Concrete placement for steps needs careful attention. We pour from the bottom up, working each step thoroughly to eliminate air pockets. The concrete must be stiff enough to hold the step shape without slumping. Finishing happens quickly while concrete remains workable. We create the desired surface texture, ensuring good traction without being uncomfortable for bare feet in summer.
Step replacement involves removing old damaged steps and building new ones. Old concrete, brick, or wood steps may have settled, cracked, or deteriorated beyond repair. We remove the old material, evaluate the foundation, make any needed repairs, and build new steps to current standards. This often provides an opportunity to improve the design, add width, or change the appearance while solving the functional problems.