Brick steps are normally used so persons can walk to and from an area; this can be a porch, deck, or patio area. This structure will remain for years to come with little or no maintenance, however, this building project should not be overlooked, while it is not very complicated and doesn’t necessarily need a professional; it still requires that you pay attention to small details. Follow these basic instructions to create your very own brick steps.
Tools required
- Shovel
- Level
- Trowel
- Tape measure
- Hammer
Materials required
- Bricks
- Cement
- Gravel
- Wood (2*4)
- Nails
Instructions
- Select the location and determine the measurements of the brick steps then clear the area of stones and grass and dig out the foundation to level it off and make sure the length and width of the area is right.
- Use the Use 2*4 beams and create a framing square with the hammer and nails for the foundation of your brick steps and use the level to make sure the top is well aligned so the steps are well balanced.
- Use gravel and cement to mix your mortar with your shovel, you may also purchase and use premixed cement if you wish. Pour the concrete into the wood frame and level it off with the trowel. Allow it to dry for approximately 24 hours.
- Measure the height of the location with the tape measure, where the brick steps will lead from the base of the structure. Then determine the height and rise of each step with reference to the dimension of the bricks you are going to use and build the steps.
- Spread the mortar one inch thick on the concrete base of the structure and put the bricks on evenly with about ½ inch of spacing. Use a level to make sure it is properly aligned and balanced.
- Use the trowel and fill the spaces with more mortar on each level before going to the next. Then spread more mortar across the top of the bricks and start the next level until the brick steps reach the top of the desired area where it leads to.
Tips and Warning
- When construction is complete, brush off the excess mortar with a brush or wet cloth.
- The preferred choice for cement when constructing the brick steps is Portland cement, this cement is better able to withstand running water and weather conditions over its surface.
- Try as much as possible to keep the work area clean, sometimes the excess cement that was spilled can form into brick splinters.
- Constantly stay abreast of the measurements, when building to make sure everything is going as planned one bad calculation could mess up the entire structure.
- Wear the correct working gloves, moving around all the bricks can create corn and hurt your hands. Finding one or more volunteers for this project can help you to save time.