Concrete Steps & Stairs

Why Your Steps Are More Important Than You Think

Your front steps are the first thing visitors see. They are also where slips and falls are most likely to happen. Cracked, uneven, or crumbling steps create serious safety hazards. They make your home look neglected. They can even hurt your property value when it comes time to sell.

We build concrete steps and stairs for homes throughout Westfield and the surrounding area. Well-built steps do three important jobs. First, they provide safe access with proper height and depth. Second, they handle weather extremes without cracking or settling. Third, they add character and curb appeal that makes your home stand out.

Many older steps were poured without proper footings or reinforcement. They sink, crack, and separate from the foundation. We see this constantly in homes built before the 1990s. Modern building codes require better construction. When we build your new steps, we follow current standards that ensure they stay level and safe for 30 years or more.

• Safe, consistent step heights that prevent trips and falls
• Proper drainage to prevent ice buildup in winter
• Reinforced construction that resists cracking and settling
• Custom designs that match your home architecture
• Increases home value and enhances curb appeal

Step Designs for Every Home Style

Your steps should match your home architecture and meet your functional needs. We build everything from simple utility steps to grand front entrances. Every design includes proper slope for water drainage so rain and snow melt run off instead of pooling.

Straight Steps

Classic straight steps work for most front and back entrances. They are efficient, cost-effective, and timeless. We size them to building code requirements with risers between 4 and 7.75 inches tall and treads at least 10 inches deep. For wider steps, you can add decorative touches like planters or lighting at the sides.

Wrap-Around and Curved Steps

Wrap-around steps create a wider, more welcoming entry with room for planters and seating. They work especially well for homes with elevated front doors. Curved steps feature elegant rounded edges that soften the look of your entrance. These designs cost more due to the complex forming work, but they create a dramatic impression.

Basement and Utility Steps

We build durable stairs for walkout basements or exterior basement access. These steps need to handle frequent use and weather exposure. We make sure they have proper handrails for safety and adequate width for moving furniture or equipment. Utility steps for back doors or garage access are simpler and more affordable while still being built to last.

Finishes and Features

For finishes, you can choose plain brushed concrete, stamped patterns, or exposed aggregate. Many homeowners match their steps to existing sidewalks and walkways for a coordinated look. We also install handrails if your steps have more than three risers, which meets safety code requirements. Landing pads at the top of steps provide extended platforms for easier entry.

How We Build Steps That Stand the Test of Time

Building quality concrete steps requires precision. The rise and run of each step must be consistent or people will trip. The foundation must go below frost depth or the steps will settle. Here is our process.

Design and Planning

We start by measuring your current steps or door height. Building codes require risers between 4 and 7.75 inches tall and treads at least 10 inches deep. We calculate how many steps you need and design the layout. We also check if handrails are required and plan their placement. For front steps, we discuss style options that match your home.

Consistency is critical for safety. If one riser is 6 inches and the next is 7 inches, people trip. We design every step to be exactly the same height and depth. This attention to detail separates professional work from amateur installations.

Demolition and Foundation

If you have old steps, we carefully remove them and haul away the debris. Then we dig down to solid soil below the frost line, which is 36 inches deep in our area. We pour a concrete footer that anchors the steps and prevents settling. For steps attached to your house, we tie the footer into your foundation with steel pins.

The footer is what keeps your steps from moving. Steps without proper footings sink and crack within a few years. We never skip this critical foundation work.

Forming and Pouring

We build wooden forms that create the exact shape of your steps. This is the most time-consuming part because everything must be perfectly level and square. We add rebar reinforcement inside the forms. Then we pour the concrete, working carefully to eliminate air pockets. We finish the surface with your chosen texture and add non-slip grooves if needed.

Most step projects take 2 to 4 days depending on complexity. You can use the steps lightly after 48 hours, but we recommend waiting a week before heavy use. Just like our concrete repair projects, we do not rush the curing process because that is what determines long-term strength. Many homeowners also coordinate step replacement with updates to their other concrete features for a complete exterior refresh.

Common Questions About Concrete Steps