Concrete Stairs & Steps Building Requirements

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Concrete mixtures for exterior stairways should meet the same performance requirements as those for other outdoor slabs: resistance to freezing and thawing and deicing chemicals (in cold climates), low permeability, wear resistance, and strength. Stairways, in particular, are likely to be exposed to deicing salts in the winter to prevent slips and falls. Plus, step edges may be prone to chipping and spalling if the concrete is weak or not allowed to cure properly. For the best performance in all weather conditions, instruct your contractor to use a concrete mix design with a low water-cement ratio and adequate air entrainment. (See What Is Concrete? for more information about desired concrete properties and the impact of water-cement ratio on concrete quality.)

If you want to calculate how much concrete you'll need for your stairway project, use this handy estimating formula to help you do the math.


ArtistiCrete, LLC in Noblesville, IN

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