Because they are so useful, it only makes sense to learn how to build brick steps. Unlike other projects, you don’t need much knowledge of carpentry to accomplish the task.
Required Tools and Materials
Mortar
Trowel
Bricks
Concrete mix
Shovel
2 x 4 wood boards
Measuring tape
Hammer
Saw
Several nails, screws and bolts
Prepare the Site
This can be your front porch, shed or another area. Prepare it by removing all the dirt and rocks. Cut the grass too. Since you’ll be pouring concrete here, it needs to be as level as possible.
Create the Framing Square
Make this from the wood boards. Cut each piece with a saw. The size must be the same size as the steps you want to make. When you build brick steps, this will be the framework so get the measurements right. Set it down on the proper location.
Mix and Pour the Concrete Mix
If necessary, mix the concrete. Spread it on the framing square. Use a level or trowel to flatten it. Double check to make sure it is as flat as possible. Allow for 24 hours to pass. After that the material should hard enough.
Evaluate the Steps You Need
Take the measuring tape and assess the distance from the porch top to the foundation you made. Make a note of it. Use the tape measure to judge the height of the brick. This will give you an idea of how many steps you need to make. Keep this information with you so you can keep track when you build brick steps.
Put the Bricks in Place
Get some mortar and spread over the hardened concrete mix. Do not make it thicker than an inch. Less than an inch is better. Make sure it’s flat. Now get the bricks and put each one on top of the mortar. Leave a gap of half an inch per brick.
When all the bricks have been put in the initial layer, take the trowel. Use it to get some mortar. Put the mortar in between the gaps you made. Get some more mortar and apply it uniformly across all the bricks.
Now add the second layer. Keep repeating this until you get to the end. The final step to build brick steps is to remove some of the excess mortar around the edges. You can use a brush to scrape it off.
Tips
Never guess when it comes to the measurement. You need to use the tape measure because a slight deviation could result in a collapse. It can also make you feel uncomfortable walking on the steps.
Wear thick workmen’s gloves. Carrying bricks seems easy, but if the steps are high, it will take its toll on your hands. If it’s summertime, consider working in the afternoons. Carrying a lot of these materials under the sun can be exhausting.
At any event, take as many breaks as you need. If you are just making small steps the job will be easy. But if it’s a long way up, this can take a while too.
Hiring someone to build brick steps is not necessary. As you can see, it’s not that difficult to do.
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