Concrete Steps & Stairs

The Importance of Well-Built Concrete Steps

Your front steps are one of the most heavily used parts of your home's exterior. Every person who enters or leaves your house uses them multiple times a day. They need to be structurally sound, properly sized, and safe in all weather conditions. Concrete is the material of choice for steps because it provides the strength, durability, and slip resistance that other materials simply cannot match over time.

Beyond function, your steps play a significant role in your home's curb appeal. Crumbling, cracked, or uneven steps are immediately noticeable and can make an otherwise well-maintained property look neglected. New concrete steps with clean lines and a quality finish instantly upgrade the appearance of your entryway and add real value to your property.

At FP Fort Pierce Concrete, we build steps that meet all local building codes while giving you the look and functionality you want. Whether you need a simple set of front porch steps, a grand staircase entrance, or utility steps to access different levels of your yard, we design and build them to last. Our steps integrate seamlessly with your walkways and existing concrete surfaces.

Where Concrete Steps Make a Difference

• Front door entrances and covered porches
• Back door and patio access from elevated homes
• Grade changes in yards and landscaped areas
• Commercial building entrances and emergency exits
• Pool areas and elevated deck transitions

How We Build Concrete Steps

Building concrete steps requires more precision than most flatwork because every dimension matters for safety and comfort. The riser height, tread depth, and overall width must be uniform throughout the entire staircase. Even small variations can create a tripping hazard because people subconsciously adjust their stride to the first step and expect every following step to be identical.

We start by building custom forms that match your exact specifications. The forms must be perfectly level, properly braced, and precisely measured to produce clean, consistent steps. For steps that attach to an existing structure, we ensure proper connection to the building's foundation so the steps do not settle away from the house over time, which is a common problem with poorly built steps.

The concrete used for steps needs to be strong because it takes concentrated loads in small areas. We use a higher-strength mix design and include proper reinforcement to handle the stresses that steps endure. Each tread is finished with a slip-resistant texture, and we carefully form clean edges and corners that resist chipping. After curing, the result is a set of steps that looks great and performs safely for decades.

Decorative Step Options

Steps do not have to be plain gray. We offer the same decorative options available for our other concrete work, including stamped patterns, integral color, and exposed aggregate finishes. A popular choice is using a contrasting color or texture on the step treads versus the risers, which creates visual interest while also improving visibility of the step edges for safety.

Step Repair and Replacement

Concrete steps are exposed to heavy use and weather on all sides, which makes them more vulnerable to damage than flat surfaces. The most common problems are corner chipping, surface spalling from moisture penetration, and settling that creates a gap between the steps and the building. Some of these issues can be repaired, while others require replacement.

For minor surface damage, we can apply polymer-modified repair mortars that bond to the existing concrete and restore the original shape. These repairs work well for cosmetic issues and small structural deficiencies. However, when steps have major cracks, significant settling, or widespread deterioration, replacement is usually the better option because repairs on heavily damaged steps tend to fail relatively quickly.

When replacing steps, we remove the old structure completely and build new steps from the foundation up. This gives us the opportunity to correct any design issues with the original steps, such as improper sizing, poor drainage, or inadequate connection to the building. The new steps are built to current code requirements with modern materials and techniques that ensure lasting performance.

Code Compliance and Accessibility

Building codes have specific requirements for step dimensions, handrail placement, and landing sizes. These codes exist to prevent injuries and ensure accessibility. We stay current with all local code requirements and build every set of steps to meet or exceed these standards. For commercial properties, ADA compliance adds additional requirements that we incorporate into our designs.

Common Questions About Concrete Steps