Correct Site Preparation for Precast Steps

The Basic Base

• Once the steps are ordered, the site for the steps has to be prepared. The simplest way to prepare the site is to make sure it is level. Pre-cast steps can be installed on just about any surface, but should never be installed on a wooden base. There are a few simple bases that are easy to create to form the solid base needed for the steps. No matter the base chosen, it is important to ensure the base is level. The simplest thing to do is leveling the ground. When leveling the ground, it is better to remove soil to make the base level than adding to make it level.

Crusher Run CR-6 Base

• For this type of base the ground needs to excavated a minimum of 6 inches. then the CR-6 needs to be added and tamped. When tamping the base, the addition of water to wet the stone and dust will make the base more solid because of the recycled concrete dust in the mix.

Concrete Slab

• This type of base can be the longest lasting, and can be easily installed. The ground should be excavated 10 inches. Next a layer of CR-6 should be added and tamped to a thickness of 5 inches. Finally, the base should be framed and concrete poured to the thickness of a 2 by 6 standing on edge. Once dry, approximately 48 hours, the steps can be installed.

  No matter the base decided, care should be taken to ensure the steps will sit level and meet the porch or door way at the proper height. A rule of thumb is to assume 7 inches for each step, so a 4-step pre-cast will be 28 inches tall.