How to Build Brick Entrance Steps

Concrete Foundation

• 1

  Dig a trench six inches deep matching the dimensions of your future stairway. Tamp down the ground so it is level.

• 2

  Pour three inches of concrete into the trench.

• 3

  Lay a grid of 1/2-inch steel rebars in the trench. Rebars should be spaced a foot apart.

• 4

  Pour three more inches of concrete in the trench.

• 5

  Level the concrete with a squeegee until it is flat and even.

• 6

  Allow the concrete to cure for the manufacturer's specified amount of time.

• 7

  Clean the concrete with a stiff brush and soapy water.

Concrete Block Stairs

• 8

  Spread a thin layer of mortar over the concrete foundation using a notched trowel. Drag the notched side of the trowel through the mortar, creating lines of mortar.

• 9

  Form the first step of your staircase with concrete blocks by laying the concrete blocks into the mortar. The first step should be set back from the front of the concrete foundation by the width of a single brick, and should extend to the back edge of the concrete foundation. Space the concrete blocks 1/2 inch apart. Position the blocks so that the step is inclined slightly. It should tip forward by 1/8 of an inch per foot, so that rain water will run off the step and onto the grass.

• 10

  Use a tuck point trowel to insert mortar into the joints between the concrete blocks. Scrape excess mortar off the surface of the blocks with the edge of the trowel.

• 11

  Spread mortar over the top of the first step where you plan to lay the next step of concrete blocks. The front edge of the second step should be set at least one foot away from the front edge of the first step. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 until all the steps have been formed using the same method. Allow the mortar to cure according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Bricking the Steps

• 12

  Spread mortar over the concrete foundation in front of the first concrete step. Apply mortar to the back and bottom of the first brick, and on the side of the brick where it will be touching the concrete block. Lay the first brick in place, then lay down all the bricks in the first course, using the same method.

• 13

  Use the trowel to scrape off excess mortar from the joints of the bricks, then lay the next course of bricks with the same method you used to lay the first course of bricks.

• 14

  Repeat Step 2 until you have laid all bricks in front of the first step. When you reach the top of the first step, continue the same process of laying mortar and placing bricks in the mortar, proceeding back over the top of the step, then up the front of the next step. Continue until the steps have been completely covered in bricks.

• 15

  Allow the mortar time to cure according to the manufacturer's instructions, then scrub the bricks with a stiff brush and soapy water to remove all mortar dust from the steps.