How to Make Brick Stairs

Dig out the area where the brick and concrete will eventually be placed. Level the space by packing it with a tramper.

Assemble a wooden frame in the shape and size appropriate for the cement foundation. Select four long pieces of straight lumber, 6 inches wide and at least 1 inch thick, and nail them together in a rectangular or square-shaped frame. Use stakes to hold them in place by hammering the stakes outside of the frame on each side. The frame should be as wide and long as the steps themselves.

Pour concrete into the forms and lay steel rods into the concrete base to reinforce the strength of the base. Level the top of the concrete with a flat board by skimming it back and forth over the top of the concrete. Wait for the concrete to cure according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Build up the basic structure of the steps out of concrete blocks on top of the foundation you finished in step 2. Start by laying the first row of concrete blocks from front to back. The next row will form the second step, set behind the first row. The third row of blocks will begin at the third step, and so on, until the steps are completely formed out of concrete blocks.

Lay the first course of bricks across the bottom stair, with enough room for mortar between each brick. This will help you plan the layout of the brick on the stairs.

Lather the bricks with mortar on the backs and in between the joints, then press the first course of bricks into the concrete block base. Use a trowel to apply mortar to the bricks. Press the bricks into the concrete so that mortar squishes out between each brick, then use the trowel to scrape off excess.

Build one layer after the other of bricks up the exterior of the concrete steps, as you did in step 5.

Allow the bricks to cure for one week, then scrape off excess mortar and mortar dust using a stiff bristle brush and water.