Guide to Building Brick Steps

Anyone can make wooden steps but having a set of brick steps is important. It will be more inspiring when people will admire that a person actually know how to build brick steps. This task consumes time but the results are satisfying and are far away from disappointment.

The foundation is very important feature of the steps. It has to be remembered that steps bear a lot of pressure and weight daily. Foundation made from solid cement is very important for the durability of the steps. The area has to be excavated so the earth is exposed, a spirit level can be used for ensuring that the surface is perfectly level. The soil can be compacted if needed; a record of the dimensions of the steps should also be prepared such as width and height. This is because it will give an idea that how many bricks are needed for completing the project.

First, a framing box has to be constructed from 2? x 6? lumber before pouring in the cement. The cement has to be mixed according to the given instructions and then poured in a box to a depth of 6 inches. The rebar is supposed to be laid in a zigzag pattern into the cement as it dries and provides more strength and stability.

It is recommended that the bricks should be completely wet up to a day before using them. This can be done a lot of hours before starting the work of building brick steps so that the dry bricks will not absorb moisture from the unsettled mortar.

The bricks that form the frame or interior of the steps are unseen when the task is complete, hence they can consist of larger and more cheap bricks. The first row of bricks must be laid with mortar of an inch between each bricks. It is essential that the first row or course should be level before the succeeding ones are added. Each step must have a height of 6 inches and a tread of 21.5 inches for an easy fit. Space allowances should be made for the width of the exterior or facing bricks.

The exterior or facing bricks should be applied when the interior brick frame has been completed. It is essential to use Portland cement for the face bricks because it is more resistant to harsh weathers and water erosions, builders’ cement should be avoided. Including a light pitch in the tread of up to an inch when building the brick steps will allow water to flow off from the steps preventing puddles and ice patches that can result in accidents and slippage. Even riser heights can be attained by laying the bricks on their sides when they are being built. The work area and the brick steps have to be cleaned after finishing the project so that it is neat and clear of brick splinters and spilled cement.

You might also be interested in learning how to build a brick steps and how to build a brick wall.