Build safe, durable entry steps and stairs that handle Maine weather while enhancing your home's curb appeal.
Your entry steps get used every single day in all weather conditions. People walk on them with wet shoes, snow boots, and during icy conditions. Steps need to provide safe footing, stay level and stable, and withstand freeze-thaw cycles year after year. Concrete delivers all of this better than wood, composite, or stone alternatives.
Wood steps rot at ground contact points, develop splinters, and need regular maintenance. Composite materials can become slippery when wet and suffer damage from snow shovels and ice melt. Natural stone steps cost significantly more and can shift if not installed on proper foundations. Pre-cast concrete steps crack at stress points and settle unevenly because they sit on grade without deep foundations.
Poured-in-place concrete steps provide superior durability and customization. We build them as solid units anchored to proper footings below the frost line. They become permanent structures that will not shift, settle, or separate from your foundation. You can choose any width, depth, and height to fit your needs. Finishing options range from basic broom texture to decorative stamped patterns or exposed aggregate. Properly built concrete steps last 30 years or more with minimal maintenance.
Every home has different needs for steps and stairs based on the height difference, available space, and how the entry will be used. We design and build concrete steps to match your specific situation.
Front entry steps are the most common type we install. These typically rise 1 to 3 feet from ground level to your front door. We build them with proper rise and run dimensions so they feel comfortable to climb. Wider steps, usually 4 to 6 feet, accommodate two people and look proportional to most homes. A top landing provides space to open the door safely and welcome guests. We ensure these steps tie securely to your foundation to prevent gaps from forming.
Basement entries often need longer runs of stairs since you are descending several feet below grade. These stairs require proper engineering with adequate footings, structural support, and drainage. We build retaining walls alongside the stairwell to hold back soil and provide protection. The stairs themselves get non-slip texture for safety since basement entries can be shady and damp. Handrails are essential for these longer stair runs and we coordinate rail installation with stair construction.
Steps connecting patios or decks to your yard need proper design for frequent use and outdoor exposure. These might be just a couple of steps or longer runs depending on elevation change. Width typically matches or exceeds the door width they serve. We pay special attention to drainage since these steps can channel water from upper levels. Decorative finishes match patio surfaces for a coordinated look throughout your outdoor space.
Garage and side entry steps serve as utility access points and may need to handle heavier use or equipment traffic. We build these appropriately sized for their purpose. Garage steps might be narrower than front entries since they typically serve single-file traffic. However, they need the same attention to proper footings, drainage, and finishing. These steps often benefit from textured finishes that provide traction even when covered with snow or ice.
Planning other concrete improvements? We can coordinate step installation with walkway construction and patio work for a unified design.
Building quality concrete steps requires careful planning, proper engineering, and attention to code requirements. We follow proven methods that create steps meeting all safety standards while lasting for decades.
Building codes specify maximum riser height and minimum tread depth for safety. Risers typically cannot exceed 7.75 inches and treads must be at least 10 inches deep. All risers in a run of stairs must be the same height, and all treads the same depth. Handrails are required for stairs with more than a certain number of steps. We design your steps to meet all applicable codes while providing comfortable, safe climbing. Proper proportions make steps feel natural to use.
Steps need footings that extend below the frost line, typically 4 feet deep in Maine. We excavate to proper depth and pour concrete footings that support the weight of the stairs and anyone using them. The footings must rest on undisturbed soil or properly compacted fill. We also ensure the steps tie into your building foundation to prevent separation. This foundation work is not visible in the finished product but is critical for long-term performance.
Building forms for stairs is precise carpentry work. We construct forms that create exact riser heights and tread depths throughout the stair run. Steel reinforcement bars get positioned to provide strength where stress occurs. The reinforcement prevents cracks at inside corners where treads meet risers. We double-check all measurements before pouring because mistakes cannot be corrected once concrete hardens. Proper forming ensures your finished steps have clean lines and correct dimensions.
We pour concrete carefully to avoid voids under tread noses and in corners. Vibration ensures concrete fills all form spaces completely. After initial finishing, we apply texture for traction. Broom finish works well, or you can choose stamped patterns or exposed aggregate. The concrete then cures for several days before we remove forms. Proper curing develops full strength. We recommend waiting at least 7 days before heavy use to ensure the stairs reach adequate strength.
Ready to replace your old steps or add new concrete stairs? Contact us for a free consultation and quote on your step project.
