How to Fix Brick Stairs

Brick can be used to build a staircase that can last a lifetime.

Brick is a tough, durable building material used in the construction of walls, columns, stairs and signs. A properly constructed brick staircase can last a lifetime with minimum upkeep. Occasionally, severe weather or an impact may damage your brick stairs. This damage needs to be repaired immediately so the holes in the brick do not capture and hold even more water and accelerate the decay of your staircase. Repairing brick stairs takes some time, quite a bit of effort and a few tips.

Things You'll Need

• Brick hammer
• Cold chisel
• Drill with 5/8-inch masonry bit
• Rebar (1/2 inch by 4 inches)
• Portland cement
• Sand
• Water
• Masonry trowel
• Wheelbarrow
• Hoe
• Bricks (standard and pavers)
• Level
• Thumb joiner

Instructions

1. Clean out any loose bits of masonry from the damaged area by hand. Knock off jagged edges and any bricks that are not whole with your brick hammer and chisel. Remove old mortar from the sides and bottom of the area leaving only brick showing.

2. Drill into the masonry filling holes in the brick under your work area. Drill 2 1/2 inches into the cement with your 5/8-inch masonry bit. Make a hole every 8 inches along the width and depth of the work area. Slide a piece of rebar into each hole.

3. Dump Portland cement, sand and water into the wheelbarrow. Use the ratios listed on the bag of cement. Mix the ingredients with your hoe. Cover the bottom of the work area with a thick layer of mortar.

4. Place brick onto the stairs. Use standard bricks for the structural areas and pavers where the top will be exposed when the stairs are complete. Follow the pattern in the existing brickwork. Slide the brick onto the rebar. Drill into the brick where necessary for a proper fit.

5. Press mortar into the gaps between the bricks with the tip of your trowel. Smooth the tops of the mortar joints with your thumb joiner. Lay your level across the tops of the bricks and tap the level to compress the mortar and properly seat the bricks. Smooth the mortar joints a final time. Allow the cement to dry completely before using the stairs.

References

• Ask the Builder: Brick Steps