How to Get Bullnose on Cement Stairs

Pour the cement into the stair form, filling the form to the rim.

Smooth the top of each step by dragging a wooden screed across the top of the form, using a back-and-forth sawing motion to level out any high points. Use the concrete from the high points to fill in any voids. Drag a bull float over the step to create an even smoother appearance and bring water up to the surface.

Allow the concrete to firm somewhat, watching for the water from the application of the bull float to be reabsorbed back into the steps. Press a thumb lightly on the surface of a step, in an inconspicuous spot, and watch as you pull it away for the presence of a small indention. When the indention remains without any filling in from the material surrounding it, it’s time to create the bullnose edge.

Place a concrete bullnose edger on the front of the bottom step, with the vertical half of the edger between the front of the stair form and the front of the stair slab, and the top of the edger on the top of the stair slab. Slide the edger along the slab, allowing the curve between the two edger halves to shape the edge of the stair into a bullnose edge. Remove the edger when you reach the end of the step, and then repeat the process for each step up the stairway. Use a ladder set against the side of the step forms to reach higher steps if necessary, so that you don't mar the steps by using them too early.

Run the float over the top of each step again to raise more water to the surface. The water will keep the stair from drying out too quickly as it cures. Wait for the water to be reabsorbed into the steps again, and then remove the small line created by the edge of the bullnose edger tool on the surface of each step by running a trowel over the line, smoothing it out. Give the concrete 10 days to finish curing before you remove the form and use the staircase.