How to Install Cement Steps
- 1). Clear away all debris from the site where you want to install the cement steps. Clear an extra 6 feet on both sides of the steps.
- 2). Dig two levels of steps below the depth to which the groundwater in the soil is expected to freeze. Use a shovel to dig the two steps the same height and depth. Measure the height and depth with 2x4 plank of wood, and a carpenter's level.
- 3). Build the forms for the steps. Lay out wooden planks in the shape of steps. Drill holes in the ends of each piece of wood with an electric drill. Nail the planks together with a hammer and nails. Set up the steps with a forward pitch of 1/8 inch per foot so water will run off.
- 4). Fill the wood forms with rubble of stone, chunks of concrete, and brick. Stack the rubble up to 4 inches from the top of the forms.
- 5). Mix the concrete with water in a wheelbarrow. Combine the mixture with a hoe.
- 6). Pour the concrete into the wooden forms. Start on the bottom step and then pour shovels full of concrete into each step. Allow the concrete to harden and set for 10 to 12 hours.
- 7). Remove the riser plank from the front of each step.
- 8). Smooth over the surface of the steps with a concrete finishing trowel. Pour a thin layer of cement on the surface of the steps and rub the trowel over the surface with a light, circular motion. Finish the inside corners of the steps with a step trowel. Finish the edges of the outside corners with an edger tool.
- 9). Cure the concrete by adding water to the concrete and letting it set. Remove the wooden forms when the steps have cured, which takes around 3 to 5 days.
- 10
Patch over any holes or incomplete spots on the steps. Scoop out concrete patching compound with a small trowel. Smooth the compound over the imperfection.
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