Types of Steps for Concrete Pads

Concrete Steps

• One type of steps for a concrete pad is a set of concrete steps that the concrete installer integrates into the design of the pad. The cement contractor builds the concrete form for the steps along with the form for the pad and pours the steps at the same time as the pad is being poured.The steps can be stained or textured to match the rest of the pad, giving it a seamless, finished appearance.

Granite Steps

• Natural stone steps can add rugged beauty to your concrete pad. A stone worker must install granite steps over a base of concrete or gravel at least 6 inches deep to prevent the granite from moving and sinking as time passes. The soil beneath the base should be well draining and fully compacted before adding the gravel or pouring the concrete. If your granite steps are large, their weight can cause the concrete pad to shift. Anchoring the pad to the foundation of your home can prevent shifting, even with large, heavy steps.

Wooden Steps

• Stained or painted wood steps contrast with a concrete pad in color, texture and material. Design features such as handrails and balusters are easy to add to a wood stairway. An installer should pour concrete footings in the ground at the base of an outdoor wooden stairway to prevent frost heave from dislodging the wooden steps when the ground freezes and thaws. The installer then uses a concrete anchor, base plate and post to attach the wooden stair structure to the concrete footings.

Best Practices

• Follow best practices to make your steps safe and sound. Whatever material you use, you should install a non-skid finish on the surface of the steps to make them slip-resistant. Cut stone is naturally slip-resistant, and a concrete contractor can finish concrete steps with with grooves that provide traction. A non-slip additive mixed with paint or stain helps make wooden steps safe, even in the rain. Steps should slope away from the concrete pad so rainwater drains away from the structure.