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How to Install Brick Steps

Posted on January 1st, 2009 by monsterguide
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A stylish brick stairway will really set your patio or entryway apart from the others. Installing a brick stairway is not one of the easier projects for a do-it-yourself, but a rewarding one if you know the correct procedure. The key is to take the project slowly and consider each move carefully. In this way, you can ensure that the stairway will last a very long time.

Required Materials

Required Tools

Step One: Installing the Foundation

Begin by considering how many steps you will be using. Right at this moment it does not need to be exact, but consider, generally, how long the stairway is going to be. Lay out the dimensions of the stairway allowing for a certain extra. Dig out a level section of earth working to make extra sure it is level. Use a vibrator to compact the soil under the foundation.

Construct a frame from the 2×6″ stock for the foundation pad. Mix cement according to directions on the bag and pour into the foundation box to a 6″ depth. As the concrete dries, lay rebar into the cement in a crisscross pattern.

Step Two: Laying the Interior Brick

The interior brick is the frame of the stairway. It does not need to be expensive or small brick. Using your level, lay the first course of brick with approximately 1″ of cement between bricks. It is important that the first course be level. A rise of 6″ for the step up and a tread of 21.5″ are desirable. This allows for two steps comfortably on each tread. Be sure to allow for the width of the facing brick. Complete the interior brick frame.

Step Three: Laying the Face Brick

The face brick is what you will be seeing. Any size brick can be used in this application although if you are concerned about making too many cuts of the brick, consider a 4×8x1.5″ brick. Mix your Portland cement as per instructions on the bag. Do not use builders cement. Portland cement can stand up better to weather conditions and water running across it.

Step Four: Pitching the Tread

As you begin the treads of the stairway remember to incorporate a pitch into the tread so that water can run off the tread easily. Standing water will not only deteriorate the cement but allow for ponding and possible icing situations. Consider a 1/8″ to 1″ ratio for a proper pitch.

Step Five: Lay the Riser Brick

Lay the riser bricks on their sides for the best effect and ease of building the correct height. If the brick is 4×8x1.5″, a one brick riser will give you a comfortable riser height with a 1′2″ cement connection and another brick on top of it horizontally.

Step Six: Clean the Work Area

Keeping a clean work area will ultimately pay off in the long run. Spilled cement or shards of brick have a way of disappearing as you work only to return in the form of a stubbed toe or brick splinter.

Related Articles on How to Install Brick Steps

Brick Steps Installation Image Gallery

Brick Step Installation Kit
Brick Steps
Digging Brick Step Foundation

Installing Brick Step Frame
Laying Brick Risers
Laying Brick Steps

Laying Interior Brick Step
Steep Brick Stairway
Winding Brick Stairway


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    Comments

    1. thomas fitzpatrick said,

      on March 19th, 2009 at 3:43 pm

      How do I protect my brick steps. They have been in for 6 years and there is a crack between two bricks? Thank you