How to Build Patio Steps Out of Cement Blocks

Plan the dimensions of the stairway, which include the width of the entire stairway, the height, or rise, of the entire stairway, the height, or rise, of each individual stair, the depth of the entire run of stairs and the depth of each individual stair.

Dig out the ground in the desired stairway location. Create a 12-inch deep plot that matches the planned width and depth of the stairway. Rake the bed of the plot to level the soil, then compact the ground by striking it repeatedly with a hand tamper.

Fill the bed halfway with crushed rock then compact the crushed rock layer with the hand tamper.

Fill the bed with 4 inches of concrete. Level the concrete surface with a trowel and allow the concrete to set up.

Spread a rough, 3-inch thick layer of mortar on top of the concrete layer. Wet the blocks with water. Set in the first course of blocks, smearing a 3/8-inch thick layer of mortar between the blocks. Gently tap the blocks into the mortar with a rubber mallet. Place a level across the tops of the blocks and make adjustments as needed to create an even surface.

Measure back from the front of the first course of blocks to a distance equal to the desired stair depth and delineate the start of the second course of blocks at that point by snapping a blue chalk line. Stagger the brick joints in the second course with the joint in the first course.

Spread a 3/8-inch thick layer of mortar on top of the first course of blocks, not going in front of the chalk line. Set the second course of blocks into the mortar. Tap the blocks into the mortar with the mallet and check for evenness with the level.

Continue adding courses of blocks in the same manner until the last stair is complete. Smooth down all the exposed mortar joints into a concave formation by running the end of a jointer tool or a dowel along them.

Cover the stairway with plastic sheeting for 3 to 4 days, misting them periodically with water to ensure the mortar does not cure too quickly, which can lead to cracking.