Design decision
Why this idea works
Pairing concrete steps with a brick landing suits a traditional home, giving the durable structure of concrete below and the warm, familiar surface of brick at the door. The uniform steps keep the climb comfortable and the brick ties the entry to the house.
- The tradeoff
- The layout sets a clear direction, but it also commits the project to fixed relationships. Detail the brick landing base and the junction before finishing.
- How to measure it
- Conceptual range: the concrete stepped element plus the brick landing figured as its own surface.
On your property
Plan it for your site
Broom-finish the concrete treads for traction and round the nosings, and lay the brick landing flush and level on a sound base. Keep the steps uniform, detail the brick-to-concrete junction to drain, and set footings below frost.
- Lay the brick landing flush and level on a sound base so it does not heave.
- Keep every riser and tread uniform on the concrete steps.
- Detail the brick-to-concrete junction to drain and set footings below frost.
Before forms are set
Build implications
- Confirm before estimating A flush, level brick landing on a sound base.
- Confirm before estimating Uniform concrete steps within code limits.
- Confirm before estimating A drained brick-to-concrete junction and footings below frost.
- 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
Can brick and concrete be combined on an entry?
Yes, concrete gives the durable structure and brick a warm landing surface, as long as the base, levels, and junction are detailed to drain and resist heave. Plan them together.
Will the brick landing heave?
It can on a poor base or where water collects, so it needs a sound base and drainage like the steps. Detail it carefully and it stays put.
- 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
- Detail the brick landing base and the junction 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.
