Design decision
Why this idea works
Low masonry wings frame the entry and hold the grade on either side, giving a traditional platform a settled, symmetrical look. The uniform steps keep the climb comfortable, and the wings and planting make the arrival feel established.
- The tradeoff
- The layout sets a clear direction, but it also commits the project to fixed relationships. Build the wings with drainage and keep steps uniform before finishing.
- How to measure it
- Conceptual range: the stepped platform plus the masonry wings figured separately by length and height.
On your property
Plan it for your site
Broom-finish the treads and platform for traction and round the nosings, and build the masonry wings with drainage so they hold and do not wet the platform. Keep steps uniform, set footings below frost, and pitch surfaces to drain.
- Build the masonry wings with drainage and footings so they hold the grade.
- Keep every riser and tread uniform and symmetrical.
- Set footings below frost and pitch surfaces to drain away from the door.
Before forms are set
Build implications
- Confirm before estimating Masonry wings with drainage and footings below frost.
- Confirm before estimating Uniform, symmetrical steps within code limits.
- Confirm before estimating Drainage away from the door.
- Measure the site and establish elevations Record boundaries, thresholds, grade changes, utilities, and the dimensions of vehicles, furniture, equipment, or structures that affect the layout.
- Test how the space will be used Check walking routes, turning paths, door swings, working clearances, maintenance access, and the route back to the house or street.
- Resolve drainage, services, and structural support Decide where water goes and coordinate drains, conduit, irrigation, fuel, electrical work, footings, and independent supports before forms are set.
- Define and estimate each concrete element Confirm the slab or footing section, base, joints, edges, and finish, then estimate simple measurable fields separately from steps, walls, drains, and supported features.
Prevent these problems
- Fixing risers before final elevationsFinish layers at the landing or threshold can change the first or last riser and create an uncomfortable or unsafe flight.
- Allowing one irregular stepUsers expect a repeated rhythm; a single different riser height or tread depth is a common trip hazard.
- Treating open-looking stairs as ordinary flatworkCantilevered, folded, open, or suspended concrete stairs require engineered support, reinforcement, connections, and guard details.
Next step
Turn the idea into your estimate
Enter measurements from the property. The conceptual image does not provide a takeoff.
Estimate similar stepsQuestions this idea raises
Do the masonry wings need drainage?
Any wall holding soil can build up water behind it, so the wings get weep drainage and footings below frost. Build them as real retaining elements.
How do I keep the entry symmetrical?
Set the wings and steps out from a center line and keep the risers and treads uniform on both sides. Symmetry comes from careful layout.
- Best when
- Landings & entries
- Reconsider when
- Reconsider the idea if finished elevations, consistent stair geometry, drainage, and safe support cannot be resolved on the property.
- Verify first
- Build the wings with drainage and keep steps uniform before finishing.
- Professional input
- Qualified concrete contractor; engineer for suspended, cantilevered, or supported stairs
Sources and further reading
- International Code CouncilModel-code context for residential stairs and local code adoption.
- U.S. Access Board: Ramps and curb rampsUseful accessibility context when a grade change may need a ramp rather than steps.
- American Concrete InstituteTechnical references for concrete practice and reinforced structural work.
