Concrete Steps & Stairs

Build Safe, Long-Lasting Steps and Stairs

Steps and stairs are some of the most heavily used and safety-critical features on your property. Everyone who enters your home or business uses your front steps multiple times daily. Basement stairs, deck stairs, and patio steps connect different levels and see constant traffic. When these steps crack, settle, or deteriorate, they become serious safety hazards that put everyone at risk. Damaged steps also make your property look neglected and can decrease home value significantly.

Concrete delivers the best combination of strength, durability, and design flexibility for steps and stairs. Unlike wood that rots, warps, and requires constant maintenance, concrete steps handle weather and heavy use without deteriorating. Concrete will not splinter, rust, or become slippery like metal steps. When properly designed and built with correct dimensions and reinforcement, concrete steps last 30 to 50 years with minimal care. They support heavy loads without bouncing or flexing, and they resist damage from snow removal equipment and harsh Kansas weather.

Beyond durability, concrete steps offer design options that other materials cannot match. You can create any shape and size to fit your property perfectly. Curved steps add elegance to entrances. Wide landings provide space for planters and welcoming features. Integrated railings and decorative finishes transform functional stairs into attractive architectural elements. Hutchinson Concrete builds steps and stairs that combine safety, durability, and beauty for residential and commercial properties throughout the area.

Proper Design for Safety and Comfort

Critical Dimensions and Building Codes

Step design is not arbitrary. Building codes specify exact requirements for tread depth, riser height, and overall stairway dimensions because improper measurements create safety hazards. Treads that are too narrow or risers that are too tall cause people to trip and fall. Inconsistent dimensions between steps throw off your natural walking rhythm and lead to missteps. We follow strict code requirements and design principles that ensure your steps are comfortable and safe for everyone who uses them.

Standard residential steps have risers between 7 and 8 inches tall and treads at least 10 inches deep. These proportions create a comfortable, natural stride that most people navigate easily. Outdoor steps often have slightly lower risers and deeper treads than indoor stairs because you typically move more casually outdoors. Width depends on the application, but most residential entry steps are 4 to 5 feet wide to feel welcoming. Commercial steps must meet ADA requirements for width, handrails, and other accessibility features.

Beyond basic dimensions, proper step design includes features that enhance safety and longevity. Steps need proper slope on treads to shed water quickly and prevent ice buildup. Textured finishes provide traction in wet conditions without being uncomfortable to walk on. Adequate reinforcement prevents cracking under stress. Proper footing depth below the frost line prevents heaving during freeze-thaw cycles. We incorporate all these elements into every step project to ensure lasting performance and safety.

Types of Steps We Build

• •Front entry steps connecting your home to sidewalks and driveways
• •Basement and foundation stairs for homes and buildings
• •Patio and deck stairs that connect multiple outdoor levels
• •Commercial building stairs meeting ADA and code requirements
• •Retaining wall steps integrated into landscape features
• •Custom curved or wraparound stairs for dramatic entrances

We also build steps as part of larger projects like walkways and flatwork that create complete pathway systems throughout your property.

Professional Construction That Lasts Generations

Building quality concrete steps requires precision and expertise from foundation to finish. We start by excavating footings that extend below the frost line to prevent frost heaving that causes steps to crack and shift. These footings must be sized correctly to support the weight of the steps plus the live load from people using them. Inadequate footings are the main cause of step failure, so we never cut corners on this critical foundation work.

Formwork for steps is more complex than flat concrete work because each tread and riser must be precisely positioned and supported. We build custom forms that create the exact dimensions specified in your design and required by building codes. These forms must be strong enough to hold concrete without shifting or bowing, which would create crooked or uneven steps. Getting formwork right takes skill and experience that separates professional results from amateur attempts.

Reinforcement is essential for step strength and longevity. We install steel rebar according to engineering specifications, positioning it to handle both the weight pressing down and the forces trying to break steps at the corners. Proper reinforcement placement prevents the common failure points where steps crack at riser corners or where they meet landings. We also ensure steps are properly attached to foundations and landings so everything moves as one unit rather than separating over time.

Finishing work determines both appearance and safety. We apply textures that provide traction without being uncomfortable or difficult to clean. Edges get rounded slightly to prevent chipping and create a more finished look. If you chose decorative options like stamping, coloring, or exposed aggregate, we apply those treatments expertly to create beautiful results. After the concrete cures, we remove forms and clean up thoroughly, leaving you with steps ready to use and enjoy. When steps connect to larger projects, we also offer retaining wall services that integrate perfectly with stair construction.

Frequently Asked Questions About Concrete Steps