How to Make Stairs Out of Cinder Blocks

Concrete blocks, also known as cinder blocks, have a wide variety of construction uses. They are the basic building component inside many walls, enclosures and stairs. Coverings of stucco, brick, stone or other finish materials often obscure these building blocks when the project is complete, but they are the foundation upon which much is built. Stairs are one project that even relatively unskilled homeowners can build, creating a lasting addition to their landscape or home design.

Concrete blocks
Type S mortar
Level
Trowel

Instructions

- 1
  Apply a layer of mortar on a compacted gravel base or concrete slab in preparation for the first course of block. Stairs typically are a minimum of three feet wide.
- 2
  Place the first course of block, applying 3/8-inch mortar to all joints between blocks. Make sure the first course is flat and level before continuing to the next level.
- 3
  Repeat step two for each additional course of blocks. Rotating the direction of the blocks on each course or staggering the joints will increase stability. Stairs to the door of a home usually only need to be two or three courses high. In landscape areas, stairs should be as high as the slope you wish to traverse and as wide as the walk leading to them.
- 4
  Smooth all exposed mortar joints with a jointing tool or the edge of your trowel before the mortar hardens.

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