Service
Concrete Steps and Stairs
On a sloping block, steps are what make the garden usable, getting you from the driveway to the front door, from the back deck to the lawn, or down the side of the house to the bins. Concrete steps are solid and durable, and they can be finished to match surrounding paths and patios. Rowville Concrete forms and pours concrete steps and outdoor stairs for homes around Rowville, Lysterfield, Ferntree Gully and the foothills suburbs.
Where concrete steps are needed
- •Front entries. Steps from the footpath or driveway up to the front porch.
- •Back doors and alfresco areas. Steps down from a raised floor level or deck to the patio or garden.
- •Garden terraces. Flights of steps linking levels on sloping blocks.
- •Side paths. Short runs of steps where the side of the house changes level.
- •Pool areas. Steps between terraces around a pool. See pool surrounds.
Sloping blocks are common in the foothills suburbs such as Ferntree Gully and Boronia, around Lysterfield, and in parts of Endeavour Hills and Wheelers Hill, so outdoor steps are a regular part of landscaping work in the area.
Designing comfortable, safe steps
Good steps feel natural to walk on. The key elements are:
- •Consistent risers and goings. Every step in a flight should have the same height (riser) and depth (going). Uneven steps are a trip hazard because people's feet expect consistency.
- •Comfortable proportions. Outdoor steps are often designed a little shallower and deeper than indoor stairs for a relaxed pace.
- •Landings. Longer flights benefit from landings where people can pause, turn or open a gate.
- •Width. Wide enough for how the steps will be used, such as carrying shopping, moving bins or two people passing.
- •Grip. A broom finish, exposed aggregate or anti-slip sealer helps on wet or shaded steps.
- •Visible edges. A contrasting nosing, a smooth edge band or lighting helps people see each step, especially at night.
- •Handrails. Handrails may be required depending on the height and number of steps, and they're a good idea for anyone who needs support.
Where steps form part of an access path to a building, or rise past certain heights, building regulations may set requirements for risers, goings, handrails and barriers. We'll flag where a building surveyor's input is needed.
How we build concrete steps
- 01Measure the rise and run. We measure the total height change and the available length, then calculate a consistent riser and going.
- 02Excavate and prepare. The ground is shaped to the profile of the flight, and a compacted base is laid.
- 03Formwork. Side forms and riser boards are set to the calculated dimensions and braced to hold the weight of wet concrete. See formwork and steel reinforcement.
- 04Reinforcement. Steel is placed to tie the flight together and, where needed, to connect to paths or landings.
- 05Pour and finish. Concrete is placed and consolidated, and each tread is finished. Nosings are shaped and edged.
- 06Strip and cure. Riser boards are removed at the right time to finish the faces, and the flight is cured.
Finishes for steps
- •Broom finish for grip on treads, with smooth-trowelled edges.
- •Exposed aggregate treads to match paths and patios. See exposed aggregate concrete.
- •Honed treads for a contemporary look, treated for grip. See polished concrete.
- •Coloured concrete to match the house or contrasting edges for visibility.
Steps with retaining walls and garden beds
Steps on sloping blocks often sit between retaining walls or garden beds. Planning the steps and walls together gives a tidier result and ensures the walls support the soil beside the flight. See concrete sleeper retaining walls and the retaining walls hub.
Replacing old or unsafe steps
Old steps can crack, settle, separate from the house or have uneven risers that catch people out. Replacing them allows the flight to be redesigned with consistent dimensions and better grip. Minor chips and cracks can sometimes be repaired instead. See crack repairs.
Connecting paths and patios
Steps usually link paths and outdoor living areas. Pouring the connecting paths and landings at the same time helps finishes and levels line up. See the pathways and footpaths hub, concrete patios and all services on the outdoor living hub.
Where we quote
We quote steps and stairs across Rowville, Lysterfield, Ferntree Gully, Boronia, Wheelers Hill and the other suburbs on our locations page.
Concrete steps FAQs
It depends on the total rise and the space available. The most important thing is that every riser in a flight is the same height. We calculate the dimensions from site measurements.
It depends on the height and number of steps and how they're used. A handrail is also sensible for anyone who needs support. We'll let you know where building rules may require one.
Sometimes a new finish can be applied over sound steps, but building new steps over old ones often creates uneven risers at the top and bottom. Replacement is usually the better option for failing steps.
Yes. Treads can be finished in exposed aggregate to match, often with a smooth edge for visibility.
Light foot traffic is often possible soon after the pour, depending on weather and the mix. We'll give you specific guidance on the day.
Related services
Service areas
Rowville · Lysterfield · Ferntree Gully · Boronia · Wheelers Hill · Endeavour Hills · See all service areas →
Get a steps and stairs quote
Send us a photo of the slope or existing steps and tell us where they need to go. We'll measure the rise and run and give you a written quote.