Precast Concrete Steps

Steps or staircases allow access from the door to the yard and precast concrete seems to be the best option. Precast concrete products are durable and are easy to install. There are also many advantages of installing precast concrete steps, since they can be easily erected and require less labor. They come in one piece so there are no chances of weak gaps or joints. Precast concrete stairs have quality finishes and are usually hollow with their weight distributed evenly. These steps are available in different sizes and shapes that allow you ample choice for selection that will suit your house. They can be installed quickly and also require low maintenance. But the cost of the precast steps can be a bit higher than that of the normal concrete stairs since they are custom-made.

How to Build Concrete Steps

Building stairs or steps of precast concrete for your house has many advantages since it is less time-consuming and is not a laborious task as compared to building concrete steps from scratch.

• Before getting down to the task of building the steps, it is necessary to measure the area where you intend to have the steps built. Choose the layout of the staircase accordingly.
• Calculate the dimensions and the number of steps you'd like to have. The number of stairs may depend on the height of your house from the ground level. Measure the step tread so that your stairs don't turn out to be narrow.
• Once you have laid out the blue print for the stairs along with the stair railing ideas, it is time to get down to the real task of constructing the steps. With the help of a shovel, clear all the weeds, stones, gravel etc. from that place. Dig the ground measuring down 8 to 10 inches deep for the base of the stairs. The deeper the ground is dug, the stronger the foundation will be. Fill pea gravel up to half the height (say 4 inches) in the dug out area. Filling pea gravel in the area will ensure that the water does not stagnate beneath the steps. The soil also will not be washed away, which can cause the steps to sink further into the ground.
• Once this is done, with the help of a crane move the precast concrete steps to the prepared area and lay it down on the ground. You can pick the stairs with the help of the metal cable loops that are built in. Push the steps into the gravel and center them towards the doorway, where you intend to fix them.
• The next step is to fix the stairs to the wall. Mix the required amount of grout or plaster with water till it forms a thick batter. With the help of a trowel, apply the plaster in the area between the wall and the steps. Give the grout a smooth finish with the help of a mason's jointer.

You can also enhance the looks of the steps by painting them with attractive colors and designs. Concrete step repair must also be done at regular intervals to avoid formation of cracks and gaps on the steps.