Precast Concrete Steps

By Robert Robillard on How To

Installing Precast Concrete StairsPrecast Concrete Steps

Precast Concrete Steps have been around for approximately fifty years.  Precast concrete steps are a pre-made solid  pair of steps and landing that can be delivered and installed at your home.  A truck with a special crane transports the stairs and then hoists it into place.

While not considered a “high quality” product they are attrPrecast Concrete Stepsactive, durable, provide low maintenance care and certainly fit the budget.   Not to mention they can be installed in forty-five minutes or  less.  Just add water – right!

Precast concrete steps are manufactured of high strength, lightweight, steel reinforced concrete and come in many different size configurations.  Even brick clad.Precast Concrete Steps

Advantages of Precast Concrete Steps:

Unlike poured concrete steps that require a footing, have to be formed, poured, shaped and cured,  precast concrete steps are less likely to settle because they are hollow and lighter.

The treads, risers and landings of our stairs are made as one solid piece. ThisPrecast Concrete Steps means there are no mortar joints or gaps for water to seep into as could happen on real brick or natural stone steps.

Because the steps  are so light they are typically set onto concrete blocks.  If the steps settle they can easily be lifted with a long pry bar and shimmed.

If the house foundation is exposed and able to be drilled many times installers will drill holes into the foundation and attach two steel angle iron brackets  bolted with stainless steel expanding bolts.   Concrete blocks are still used to support the ouuter edges of the precast steps.Precast Concrete Steps

Adaptability and Flexibility of Precast Concrete Steps:

The vast array of standard configurations of  Concrete Precast concrete step products support the most challenging requirements and applications. Over the last 50 years,manufacturers have  mastered the engineering process and created a comprehensive matrix of standard configurations of precast concrete steps. Contractors, builders and homeowners alike continue to use precast concrete stairs and products on their products for their low maintenance, fast install and budget.

Selecting Precast Concrete Steps:

Precast concrete steps can be faced with brick and come with either 7 or 7.5 inch risers can be “stacked” in unlimited combinations and placed side by side if a wider tread be desired.

Most if not all of the precast concrete steps I’ve seen have metal or aluminum railings.   Most of the time these railings are installed with stainless steel, expanding bolts that are installed in holes drilled into the precast concrete.

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About the author

Robert Robillard

Carpenter / Remodeler / Editor

Rob Robillard is “The Concord Carpenter” Rob is a builder, general contractor, carpenter, woodworker, and editor of Concord Carpenter and ToolBoxBuzz As a General Contractor and carpenter, Rob owns and operates Concord Carpenter LLC. A full-service remodeling and construction company. Rob is a recognized leader in home building best practices and a source for how-to information for building professionals. On this website, Rob covers all aspects of home construction, building science, home improvement, woodworking, remodeling, and some of the best product and tool reviews. Rob is in charge of our Tool and Product Review series - Concord Carpenter Videos where we post all of our tool reviews and video tutorials. Rob approaches remodeling and building construction with a pragmatic and problem-solving approach. He enjoys using his knowledge and experience to help and educate building professionals as well as DIYers on best practices in the construction and remodeling industry. He's a strong advocate for "raising the bar" in the construction trades and promoting the trades to youth. #BeAMentor #Green2Great Craftsmanship, quality, and pride guide his journey on this channel The Concord Carpenter's motto: "Well done is better than well said!" : Read more about Rob

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