Concrete stairs come in handy for a variety of building projects, but typically this type of step is used for industrial and commercial buildings. Cement stairs can either be installed inside or outside, and concrete stair construction is solid enough that these steps to last many years with little to no maintenance. If you're considering a concrete stair for your commercial construction, you can either build concrete stairs or buy precast concrete stairs.

The pricing and costs of concrete stairs varies depending on the type and size of cement stair. You can also choose to build the steps from scratch. But if you choose precast concrete stairs, you can choose from many different styles, including:

1. Banking steps to make a dramatic look.

2. Bulkhead concrete stairs to create an entrance to lower levels.

3. Standard front or side entry concrete steps.

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Install simple front and side entry precast concrete steps

If you choose a simple style of concrete step, you can get the stairs you need without spending a lot of money. Many of these front and side entry steps are designed for doorways in residential homes, but can also be used for the same type of doorways and entrances to commercial or industrial buildings. Building concrete stairs like these costs from around $600 to $1,500, and this price does not include extras such as railings.

I recommend: Century Group offers a couple of styles of concrete steps, including simple side entry steps. Steps Plus provides precast stairs in a variety of sizes for different types of entries.

Purchase precast concrete stairs with bulkheads for underground entries

For those entryways that go straight to a basement or lower level of a building, bulkheads are required to build a safe and secure precast set of stairs. Because bulkheads require professional installation, prices can range from $1200 to almost $2,000, depending on the type of installation needed. Types of installation include concrete with door, concrete only or door only.

I recommend: Wiggin Precast Corporation offers professional services to create and install a bulkhead stairway for any entry. You can also check out the bulkhead concrete services from Shawnee Steps.

Choose a dramatic style for your precast concrete steps

Bank steps, also known as garden steps, are a simple design but can make a building look much more dramatic from the outside. This is where functional stairs can also serve as an architectural focal point for any building. With this style, size is the most important factor when it comes to the price. Steps with more emphasis on design will cost anywhere from $1,500 and above.

I recommend: E. F. Shea New England Concrete Products and Stepstone both offer style and class, along with functionality for many types of precast concrete stairs.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you are looking for an original design for your steps, consult an architect who can help you build concrete stairs made custom for your building.

Manufacturers combine cement with other materials such as gravel, sand and water to create a concrete stair. They place the mixed concrete into a mold called a form that will provide the stair its shape. The cement stairs harden in a chemical process called hydration.

Knowledge of specific terminology is necessary when building concrete steps. The riser is the vertical part of the stairs, which are called "open stairs" when the risers are missing. The tread is the horizontal portion of the stairs and generally must meet the same specifications as the floor. The nosing is any part of the tread that protrudes over the riser beneath it.

Cement stairs are commonly measured in several ways. They are:

1. The rise height is the distance from the surface of one riser to the surface of the next.
2. The tread depth is the distance from the edge of the tread (including the nosing, if any) and the riser.
3. The slope of the cement stairs is the ratio given by the total height of the stairs divided by the total length of the stairs. This is sometimes expressed as the pitch angle, which is given by the inverse tangent of the slope of the stairs.

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Build concrete stairs

Many specific factors determine a stair's proportions but as a general rule the riser height should be between 4 and 7.5 inches. The tread depth generally becomes longer as the risers become shorter. The tread depth should be at least 10 inches long with 7.5-inch risers and increase to 19 inches for 4-inch risers.

I recommend: Build concrete steps according to the basic design guide at Concrete Network. You can use EZ Stairs, which allows for a precise level of adjustment of the risers and treads.

Buy precast concrete steps

It is possible to order precast concrete stairs in the desired configuration. They are hollow and much less likely to settle than solid concrete steps. Additionally, precast concrete stairs are cast in one piece and therefore have no joints or gaps.

I recommend: Find more than 100 different configurations of precast concrete steps at Shea Concrete. You can find a photo gallery of stairs made to order with a stair-forming machine at Durlach Industries.

List your concrete stair building business with a contractor locator service

Advertise your services while comparing your prices with other contractors in your area. Many referral services also offer affiliate programs.

I recommend: Best Contractors has a well-known locator service for finding contractors with experience in building concrete stairs and is actively promoted in many markets. It also offers a comprehensive affiliate program for building suppliers that can be a cost-effective means of marketing for small businesses.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  The variance in riser height should be low when building concrete stairs. Many building codes require no more than 1/4 inch difference between the shortest and tallest riser because people become accustomed to the risers being at a certain height.

Concrete stairs are practical for many uses, but especially for outdoor use. Wood and other types of materials can rot, but concrete steps can last for years without showing any significant wear and tear. All builders have the choice of installing concrete steps to fit the project at hand, or finding precast concrete steps that fit the application. Either way, the finished product will be made from quality materials and add value to the property.

If you choose to build concrete steps from scratch, it is best to work with quality materials and tools. Making the most of concrete stairs at a job site isn't only about making sure they're functional; the style should fit as well. Before installing concrete steps, consider the following:

1. Research styles and choose one that is right for the building.

2. Consult professionals to make sure your concrete stair construction plans are sound.

3. Buy the right tools and materials for the job.

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Build concrete steps with the best placement in mind

Placement for concrete steps may seem simple: place the stairs where they are needed. But if you are working on a set of concrete stairs located outside a building there are more factors to consider, including the ground where the stairs will go. If it is too soft, the stairs will quickly settle and become useless.

I recommend: To avoid placing concrete steps in the wrong areas, choose a service like the Pavement Network to help you choose the right area for installation. If you plan to install precast steps, make sure to follow manufacturer directions for installation, like those from Century Group.

Find the best deals on materials when building concrete stairs

If you want to build your own concrete steps, the best way to save money is to stick to a budget and buy only the materials you need to get the job done. Extra materials could mean a loss in overall cost-effectiveness for the project. If you're thinking about precast stairs, making price comparisons before you buy will help you to figure out which company can give you the best deal.

I recommend: So you do not have to purchase more than the required amount of concrete for the job, figure out how much you will need by entering your specifications into the Concrete Volume Calculator. For precast stairs, you can easily compare prices on different styles and sizes at Hy-Grade Precast Concrete.

Hire a professional architect before you build concrete stairs

While most architects will work with precast concrete steps, there are also architects who can help you come up with an original design that compliments the interior or exterior of your building. Consulting an architect before building steps is a good idea to make sure you are producing a quality concrete stair.

I recommend: If you need assistance with any type of masonry project at the job site, including concrete steps, you can hire architects such as Halstead Architects or those you can search Concrete Nation to find the right professional.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you are not using precast concrete stairs for your building project, make sure you comply with all local building codes. Make you install the correct size cement stairs, along with the proper railings for safety.

Whether you are in the market to buy concrete stairs or are planning to make some of your own, address the subject with a few concrete stairs key terms. Concrete stairs can be roughly finished and hidden from view in stark high-rise stairwells or be masterfully designed, breathtakingly beautiful elements of architecture in the nicest country clubs, estate homes and hotels. The patterns, textures and design elements of concrete stairs are limited only by your imagination.

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Riser

The riser is the vertical element of the stairs, the part that builds the stairs 'up' and doesn't get any foot traffic. The riser can be either open or closed.

I recommend: A page at Concrete Network discusses concrete stair risers and their importance in relation to the depth of the tread.

Tread

The tread is the horizontal part of stairs, the part that actually gets foot traffic. It's important for concrete stair treads to be both durable and safe.

I recommend: Commercial Concrete Products devotes an entire page to the discussion of concrete stair treads and the important considerations around their manufacture and installation.

Nosing

The nosing on concrete stairs is the front edge of the tread that projects beyond the face of the riser. It is typically rounded, although sometimes it is shaped or molded for effect. Nosings are often a safety feature on concrete stairs.

I recommend: Learn about concrete stair nosings and the safety features they offer at B.L. Wilcox & Associates.

Stringers

Stringers are the objects that hold the stairs in place or support the stairway from underneath. Concrete stair crafters can choose to either custom-design or buy ready-made stringers.

I recommend: If you plan to make your own stair stringers, there's a handy stair stringer design calculator at Shalla. Pre-made welded steel stair stringers are another option, discussed in depth and available at Stairframe.

Formwork

Formwork is the upfront task of designing and outlining or forming up the stairs to meet functionality and code requirements. This is the most important part of building concrete stairs.

I recommend: Read the informative article on the importance of formwork when building concrete stairs at Concrete Construction Online.

Precast

Precast concrete stairs are stairs that are either 'off the shelf' or made to customer specifications. They are made at the manufacturer's location then delivered to the site to be installed.

I recommend: Shea Concrete does a great job of explaining and showing the advantages of precast concrete stairs.