Concrete Steps & Stairs
Safe, durable concrete steps built to code for your home or business.
Built for Safety and Longevity
Your steps are one of the most important safety features around your property. Poorly built or deteriorating steps create serious hazards and liability issues. Quality concrete steps provide safe access to your home or building while lasting for decades with minimal maintenance. They handle heavy use, resist weather damage, and stay stable in our desert climate.
Concrete outperforms wood and other materials for outdoor steps. It does not rot, warp, or become slippery like wood. It stays solid and level, unlike pavers that can shift and settle. Properly designed concrete steps meet building codes for rise, run, and width, ensuring safe use for everyone who visits your property. When finished with the right texture, concrete steps provide good traction even when wet.
We design and install custom concrete steps for homes and businesses throughout La Quinta. From simple entry steps to elaborate outdoor staircases, we build to meet your needs while following all safety codes and best practices. Our experienced concrete team ensures every step is built right, from the foundation up to the finished surface.
Design Requirements for Safe Steps
Critical Dimensions and Code Compliance
Building codes specify precise requirements for step dimensions to ensure safety. The riser height (vertical part of each step) must be consistent and typically falls between four and seven inches. The tread depth (horizontal part where you step) must be at least 11 inches for residential steps. These measurements are not arbitrary. They are based on how people naturally walk and what feels comfortable and safe.
Step width matters too. Residential steps need to be at least 36 inches wide, while commercial steps have wider requirements. Handrails are required when you have more than a certain number of steps or when the total rise exceeds a specific height. We know these codes and build steps that pass inspection the first time. This protects you from liability and ensures safe access for all users.
Essential Step Components
- Solid footing below frost line to prevent settling and cracking
- Steel reinforcement for strength and crack resistance
- Proper slope on treads for water drainage away from the building
- Non-slip surface finish for traction in all weather conditions
- Consistent riser height throughout the entire staircase
- Landing platforms at top and bottom for safe entry and exit
- Handrail anchors installed during the pour when required
We also integrate steps with adjacent concrete work. If you are installing new driveways or walkways, we coordinate steps to match in color and finish for a cohesive appearance across your property.
Repair and Replacement Options
Existing concrete steps eventually show their age. Cracks develop, edges chip away, and surfaces become rough and uneven. The first question is whether to repair or replace. Minor damage like small cracks or edge spalling can often be repaired effectively. We patch damaged areas, fill cracks, and resurface worn steps to extend their life and restore appearance.
However, when steps have settled, broken apart, or no longer meet current building codes, replacement is the safer choice. We remove the old steps, address any drainage or soil issues that contributed to the damage, and build new steps to current standards. New steps eliminate liability concerns and provide the peace of mind that comes with knowing your access is safe and code-compliant.
We also modify existing steps to improve accessibility. This might mean adjusting the rise and run to meet ADA requirements, adding wider landings, or incorporating ramps alongside steps. These modifications help property owners comply with accessibility standards while maintaining attractive, functional access to buildings.
For decorative appeal, we offer various finish options. Stamped patterns can make your steps look like natural stone or brick. Colored concrete adds visual interest. Exposed aggregate provides excellent traction and a natural appearance. We can also add decorative borders, inlays, or contrasting colors to make your steps a design feature rather than just a functional necessity.