Concrete Steps & Stairs

Why Quality Steps Matter

Concrete steps are more than just a way to get from one level to another. They are a critical safety feature of your home or business. Poorly built or deteriorating steps create serious risks, from twisted ankles to major falls. Quality steps provide secure footing in all weather conditions, making your property safer for everyone who visits.

In Pine Bluff, we see plenty of older steps that have cracked, settled unevenly, or started to crumble. The freeze-thaw cycles we experience in Arkansas break down weak concrete over time. Water seeps into cracks, freezes, expands, and makes the damage worse. When steps start to fail, replacement is often the smartest choice rather than patching problems that will keep coming back.

Well-designed steps also improve your property's appearance. Whether you need front porch steps, back deck access, or stairs leading to a basement entrance, the right design enhances curb appeal. We build steps that match your property's style while meeting local building codes. That means proper riser height, tread depth, and drainage to ensure long-lasting performance.

Step Design and Planning

Before we pour a single drop of concrete, we carefully plan your steps. The design phase is where we make sure everything works correctly. We measure the total rise from bottom to top, calculate how many steps you need, and determine the right dimensions for treads and risers.

Key Design Elements

• •Riser height: Each step should be consistent in height, typically between 6 and 8 inches for comfortable climbing.
• •Tread depth: The flat part where your foot lands needs enough space, usually at least 10 to 11 inches deep.
• •Width: Steps should be wide enough for comfortable passage, with 36 inches being a common minimum for residential use.
• •Slope for drainage: A slight forward pitch helps water run off instead of pooling on the treads.
• •Handrail provisions: Planning for handrails at the time of construction makes installation easier later.

We also consider how your steps connect to existing structures. They need proper support at the base and secure attachment where they meet porches, decks, or doorways. Foundation work beneath steps prevents settling that would create dangerous uneven surfaces. In Jefferson County's clay soil, this foundation prep is especially important.

Construction Process

Building concrete steps is a multi-step process that requires precision. We start by excavating and preparing a solid base. This involves removing any old steps or unstable soil, then compacting the ground and adding gravel for drainage. A strong foundation prevents future settling and structural problems.

Next comes forming the steps. We build wooden forms that shape the concrete as it cures. These forms must be level, square, and strongly braced. Any mistakes in the forms show up in the finished product, so we take our time getting this right. We add rebar reinforcement inside the forms to give the steps internal strength that resists cracking.

Pouring and finishing is where experience really shows. We mix concrete to the right consistency and pour it carefully to avoid air pockets. As the concrete sets up, we work the surface to achieve the finish you want. This might be a smooth trowel finish, a broom finish for better traction, or a decorative texture. We also make sure edges are properly shaped and all surfaces drain correctly.

After pouring, the concrete needs time to cure properly. We keep it moist and protected from extreme temperatures for several days. This curing process develops the concrete's full strength. Once cured, your new steps are ready to handle daily foot traffic and Arkansas weather for decades to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

Planning new concrete steps? Here are answers to common questions from property owners throughout Pine Bluff.