Concrete Stairs

Concrete Stairs in Calgary

In Calgary, ensuring durable and safe concrete stairs is not just about enhancing the aesthetic appeal of a home or business; it’s also about ensuring safety and function. Given the EXTREME weather fluctuations in Calgary, ranging from chilling -30 cold to blazing +30 heat, it’s essential that any concrete structure, especially stairs, is built to endure these conditions.

The challenges of summer involve dealing with the heat, which leads to the expansion and movement of materials. Conversely, the winter season presents challenges with frost, causing shifts due to freezing. Entrusting these tasks to a local contractor with in-depth knowledge of these fluctuations can guarantee not only impeccable design but also outstanding workmanship.

But the utility of concrete stairs is only the tip of the iceberg. Advancements in technology and construction methods have remarkably improved the aesthetic appeal of concrete structures. For those in Calgary, options range from exposed concrete to intricately stamped designs.

Bedrock Construction

Bedrock loves concrete projects, and as a concrete contractor in Calgary we love working with people in this city to get jobs done.

Here are some of the projects that we do.

• Concrete Patio – we love helping people get that dream backyard
• Concrete Sidewalks – Do you need something from the front to back, or from the street?
• Concrete Restoration – Winters here are tough…we can help get your concrete looking top-notch again.
• Stamped Concrete – A little design goes a long way
• Concrete Pads – What we do the most – help people with pads. This could be either your driveway or garage.

Contact

If you are ready to talk about your next concrete project or needs, let us know.

Constructing Concrete Stairs in Calgary is Beyond Just the End Product

Some contractors might be fixated on the end result, overlooking the holistic process that contributes to a successful concrete project. At Bedrock Construction, our approach is comprehensive. We engage with clients from the design phase right through to the final execution, ensuring every detail aligns with the client’s vision and needs.

Our ethos is defined by four core values:

• Accountable: Every project phase is kept in line with the stipulated budget and timeline.
• Clean: We strive to keep our project sites pristine and presentable.
• Meticulous: Precision in renovation is paramount to us.
• Organized: With more than 35 years in the industry, we prioritize top-notch organization for every project.

Excellence in Concrete Construction

Bedrock Construction has been a pioneering force in the construction domain since 1991. As a full-service residential and commercial construction entity in Calgary, we pride ourselves on impeccable craftsmanship. Our collaboration with clients ensures that no project is completed without thorough scrutiny and approval.

Feedback from our clientele speaks volumes about our dedication:

“There’s no shortage of home renovation contractors in Calgary, but Bedrock’s attention to detail and transparency had us hooked. Our home renovation was seamless, and I’d recommend them to any Calgary homeowner.”

Jeff

Cost Implications for Concrete Stairs

Given the variety of designs and finishes available for concrete stairs, costs can vary. However, as a ballpark figure, standard installations typically fall in the range of 12-18$ per square foot. Factors influencing this estimate include accessibility, preparatory work, and prevailing weather conditions. More intricate designs, like exposed aggregate or stamped patterns, may escalate costs up to 20-28$ per square foot. It’s crucial to remember that the final price is also contingent on the design’s complexity, stair thickness, finish quality, and any preliminary work.

Underlying Essentials for Concrete Stairs

Whether laying down a foundation for stairs or any other concrete structure, a robust gravel base is indispensable. This layer prevents the concrete from cracking and moving. Especially in areas with clay soil, which often has poor drainage, gravel becomes pivotal to avoid water accumulation beneath the concrete, which can erode the soil over time.

At Bedrock Construction, our experience in Calgary has made us cognizant of the region’s unique construction challenges, ensuring that we deliver stellar projects at competitive prices.

Concrete Stairs FAQ

Can I Pour My Own Concrete Stairs?

While it’s feasible to undertake a DIY project for concrete stairs, the expertise and experience of professionals like Bedrock can’t be understated. The nuances in constructing lasting concrete structures are vast, from ensuring durability to maintaining safety standards. Engaging professionals ensures a holistic approach, right from design to execution. They also ensure efficient utilization of materials with minimal wastage.

How Thick Should Concrete Stairs Be?

For residential stairs, a thickness of at least 4 inches is recommended. This guarantees stability and the ability to endure regular foot traffic and environmental conditions. If the stairs are to be placed in high-traffic public or commercial areas, a greater thickness might be warranted.

Do Concrete Stairs Require Reinforcement?

While not always necessary for residential stairs, reinforcement like rebar or wire mesh can enhance the stairs’ strength and durability, especially in regions like Calgary with severe weather fluctuations.

Which Concrete Mix is Ideal for Stairs?

The optimal mix is one that offers a balance of strength, durability, and workability. Given Calgary’s climatic conditions, special attention must be paid to factors like air entrainment and compressive strength.

Curing Time for Concrete Stairs

Concrete stairs generally become firm enough to maintain shape within 2-4 hours of pouring. However, they should ideally be left undisturbed for at least a week to achieve optimal strength.

What is the difference between precast concrete stairs and built in concrete stairs?

Precast concrete stairs and built-in (or cast-in-place) concrete stairs are both popular options for various construction applications. However, they are produced and installed differently and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a breakdown of their differences:

1. Production:
   • Precast Concrete Steps: These stairs are manufactured in a factory or casting yard, where concrete is poured into molds that have the shape of the desired stair. Once cured, the stairs are transported to the construction site.
   • Built-in (Cast-in-place) Concrete Stairs: These stairs are constructed on-site, where forms are built to the desired shape and then concrete is poured into these forms. After the concrete cures, the forms are removed.
2. Installation:
   • Precast Concrete Steps: As these are manufactured off-site, they can be installed quickly upon arrival at the construction site, often using cranes or heavy machinery. This can expedite the construction timeline.
   • Built-in Concrete Stairs: Since these are constructed on-site, they may require more time for setting up forms, pouring the concrete, allowing it to cure, and then removing the forms.
3. Quality and Finish:
   • Precast Concrete Steps: Factory conditions often allow for better quality control and a more consistent finish. They also tend to have fewer imperfections because they’re produced in a controlled environment.
   • Built-in Concrete Stairs: While these can be constructed with a high-quality finish, the outcome can be more dependent on the on-site conditions and the skill of the workforce.
4. Customization:
   • Precast Concrete Steps: While they can be customized to a degree, there’s typically a limitation based on the molds available. Any unique or last-minute design change might be challenging.
   • Built-in Concrete Stairs: These offer more flexibility in terms of design and can be adjusted relatively easily on-site to accommodate design changes.
5. Cost:
   • Precast Concrete Steps: Often more cost-effective in larger projects or where many similar units are needed. Transportation costs, however, can be significant.
   • Built-in Concrete Stairs: Might be more cost effective for smaller projects or for projects with unique design requirements.
6. Durability and Repair:
   • Precast Concrete Stairs: Since these are made in a controlled environment, they often have a consistent, dense finish, which can result in better durability. However, if damaged, they may require specialized methods or materials for repair.
   • Built-in Concrete Stairs: Depending on the construction quality, they can be just as durable. Repairs can be a bit simpler since they can be re-formed and poured on-site.
7. Site Conditions:
   • Precast Concrete Stairs: Ideal for sites with space limitations or where the construction timeline is tight. They also reduce the need for on-site labor and materials storage.
   • Built-in Concrete Stairs: More suited for sites where the conditions or the design requires the stairs to integrate closely with other structures or landscape features.

Both precast concrete steps and built-in concrete steps have their own set of pros and cons, so the choice between them often comes down to the project’s specific requirements, budget, and timeline.

Can I Put Concrete Steps in My House?

Concrete steps can be a striking and functional addition to the interiors of a home, blending especially well with contemporary designs. Concrete offers versatility in terms of design as it can be stained, polished, or textured to suit various aesthetics. Furthermore, it’s durable and requires minimal maintenance, making it a lasting choice for homeowners. However, incorporating such a heavy material indoors necessitates a thorough examination of the structural integrity of the floor or surface it rests on, possibly leading to additional reinforcement needs. The construction process for indoor concrete work can be messy, requiring ample preparation to protect the home’s interiors. Sometimes as mentioned above precast steps can help with this process as then entire surface is complete before coming into the house.

There are also other practical considerations when opting for concrete steps indoors. For one, concrete can be cold and might introduce acoustic challenges due to its hard surface. Safety should also be a priority; hence, steps should have textures or treatments to prevent slipping. While the modern aesthetic of concrete steps might be appealing to some, it’s crucial to think about how they would impact the overall comfort and functionality of the living space and their potential influence on the home’s future resale value. Before embarking on such a project, consulting professionals like architects and structural engineers is invaluable to ensure a seamless and successful integration.