Concrete Steps & Stairs

Why Concrete Steps Matter

Steps and stairs are critical safety features on your property. Cracked, uneven, or poorly built steps create serious fall hazards for your family and guests. Loose railings, crumbling edges, or steps that settle unevenly put people at risk. Quality concrete steps eliminate these dangers and provide reliable access for decades.

We build new concrete steps and stairs for Lake Oswego homes. Whether you need front entry steps, back porch stairs, basement access, or hillside stairs connecting different levels of your yard, we handle projects of all sizes. Our steps are built to code with proper rise and run dimensions, adequate width, and solid construction that handles daily use.

Your concrete steps need to match your home style while meeting safety requirements. We work with you on design details like width, railings, and finishes. Then we build them with proper footings, reinforcement, and drainage so they stay solid and level through Lake Oswego weather.

Building Steps That Last

Quality steps start below ground. We pour footings below frost depth so freeze-thaw cycles do not cause settling or cracking. The footings need to be wider than the steps themselves to distribute weight properly. Skipping this step or using shallow footings leads to problems within a few years.

Key Elements of Our Step Construction

• Proper rise and run measurements, typically 7 inches rise and 11 inches run for comfortable climbing
• Consistent dimensions on every step, no variations that cause trips
• Rebar reinforcement throughout the entire structure for strength
• Non-slip surface finishes like broom texture for traction in wet weather
• Proper slope on treads for water drainage, no pooling on steps

Step dimensions follow building codes for safety. Outdoor steps typically have 7-inch rise and 11-inch tread depth. This provides comfortable climbing for most people. All steps in a flight need identical dimensions. Even small variations create trip hazards because people expect consistent spacing.

Width depends on use and code requirements. Three feet is minimum for most residential steps. Four feet or wider works better if you regularly carry items up and down or want two people to pass. We discuss your needs and recommend appropriate width during planning.

Step Design and Finishing Options

Concrete steps can be simple and functional or designed with decorative features that enhance your home appearance. The choice depends on your budget and aesthetic preferences.

Design Features and Finishes

Basic steps get you from point A to point B safely and economically. Plain gray concrete with broom finish works perfectly and costs less. For more visual appeal, we offer several options. Colored concrete matches or complements your home exterior. Exposed aggregate creates texture and natural stone appearance.

Stamped concrete on step treads mimics slate, stone, or tile. The patterns add character while providing good traction. We can also add borders or contrasting colors on step edges to make them more visible and reduce trip hazards.

Railings are required by code for steps with more than three risers. We install steel railings that meet code requirements for height and strength. Railings can be painted to match your trim or left natural. Proper railing installation is crucial for safety and must be anchored securely into the concrete.

Lighting makes steps safer at night. We can coordinate with your electrician to add pathway lights or riser lights during construction. Built-in lighting costs less to install during initial construction than adding it later.

Questions About Concrete Steps

Homeowners planning new steps or replacing old ones ask these questions regularly. Get in touch to discuss your specific step project.