How to Build a Front-Entry Landing Stoop

A front entry stoop typically is a concrete surface or platform level with the house entry, and provides you with a place to stand when opening the door into your home. Build a landing stoop with a little help from your friends and a few supplies from the local hardware or home improvement store. The task takes a week or more to complete because the cement has to cure.

Shovel
Framing lumber
Drill
3-inch screws
Cement
Wheel barrow
Plastic

Instructions

- 1
  Measure up to below the entry door sill to determine the height you need for the landing stoop.
- 2
  Dig out the area for the stoop down to a depth of 4 inches into the soil.
- 3
  Build a frame to hold the poured cement. Use wood boards that are tall enough to fill the sides of the 4-inch hole plus the height the stoop. Drill 3-inch screws through the ends of the boards to create the frame.
- 4
  Set up rebar supports along the sides of the frame 3 inches from the boards. Put the supports 18 inches apart. In addition, place supports in the middle of the form.
- 5
  Lay rebar on the supports in one direction, and then at a perpendicular angle. Use twist ties at the points where the bars cross each other to keep them in place.
- 6
  Mix the cement based on the bag directions in a wheelbarrow.
- 7
  Pour the cement into the stoop frame.
- 8
  Move a board across the frame to level it off. Let the cement stoop dry until you no longer see a wet shine to the surface.
- 9
  Lay a plastic cover over the cement and leave it for a day. Lift the material the next day and spray it with water. Repeat each day for one to two weeks.
- 10
  Remove the plastic and take down the frame.

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