Information on the Installation of Concrete Stairs

Design Considerations

• Two important considerations for concrete stairs are the riser height -- the distance from one tread to the next -- and the tread depth or the width of each step. Although the precise proportions may vary, depending on where the staircase is installed, you want to choose the proportion between the riser height and the tread depth that matches the average person's stride; this will make the stairs easier to use. Excessively narrow treads may cause people to trip and should be avoided.

Concrete

• According to the Concrete Network website, an old rule of thumb recommends a maximum of 7 inches for riser height and a minimum of 11 inches for tread depth. All riser heights and tread depths should be uniform, and the concrete mixture you choose should have low permeability, good wear resistance, high strength and resistance to freezing and thawing. Air entraining agents trap air in microscopic bubbles in the concrete as it forms, which helps to improve freeze-thaw resistance. Additionally, a low water-to-cement ratio helps improve strength.

Poured Vs. Precast

• If the concrete is poured, the builder will need to use forms to hold it in place while it hardens; the forms must be strong enough to keep the concrete stationary for at least 24 hours. Often these forms are constructed from wood, metal or similar materials. Precast staircases, by contrast, enable builders to exercise more precise control over the riser heights and other dimensions although these must be transported to the site -- which can be more expensive.

Enhancements

• A concrete staircase doesn't necessarily need to be a dull gray monotone color. In fact, builders can actually use stamping mats or foam liners, while installing the concrete, to give surfaces intricate patterns, resembling brickwork or fieldstone. Adding so-called "integral color" to concrete mixes or staining the concrete lends color to the surface so it more fully resembles brickwork or other materials. You can choose color schemes to match your interior or the other parts of your project for greater harmony.