How to Build Patio Steps

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

Rate: (4 Ratings)

Building patio steps can be a great looking and functional addition to your house's exterior. Building them yourself can save you a lot of money and you'll be certain that the job is done just the way you want it.

Flag Article

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

Bricks
Mortar
Trowel
Towel

Step1

Frame out and have concrete steps installed. If you're experienced with working with concrete, then you can do this job yourself. If you don't know how, then you might want to consult a professional to do this part. Having a good foundation is key to building patio steps that will continue to stay in good shape for many years.

Step2

Drench the bricks with water that you will be using to build your patio steps. You'll want to do this a few hours before you are going to be putting them in. Doing this will prevent the bricks from absorbing too much mortar.

Step3

Put down some mortar. You'll want to use about half an inch.

Step4

Lay the bricks as you screed the area. Take it one brick at a time, using the screed just before you lay each brick. Leave half-inch joints between the bricks.

Step5

Pack some mortar between the bricks by using a trowel. You'll want to wipe off any excess mortar that gets on the bricks outer surface. Keeping the bricks clean of mortar while you're working will be a lot easier than trying to get the dried mortar off later.

Step6

Give the mortar some time to dry. You might want to put up some kind of barrier around the project so that people don't try to use the stairs before the project is 100 percent complete.

Tips & Warnings

Make your steps a size that will allow people to walk up and down them easily.
When you're selecting bricks to use for your patio stairs, choose some that are safe to walk on. This will help prevent people from slipping on them.