True Cost Guide Stairs & Railings Install Concrete Steps

How Much Do Concrete Steps Cost?

Typical Range:

$900 - $5,000

Cost data is based on research by HomeAdvisor.

Updated June 9, 2022

Reviewed by Robert Tschudi, Expert Home Building and Remodeling Contributor.

Written by HomeAdvisor.

On average, concrete steps cost around $2,000, and most project prices range between $900 and $5,000. The amount you'll pay is largely determined by the number of steps and size of the staircase.

Pouring cement costs about $300 per step at 2 feet wide and 11 inches deep, including materials and labor. The price of precast concrete stairs is about $100 per step, including labor. When replacing an existing staircase, expect to pay slightly more—between $400 and $700 for removal before starting your project.

Precast Concrete Steps Pricing Factors

Costs to install concrete steps average $2,000, ranging from $900 to $5,000

Precast concrete is about 20 percent less expensive than poured concrete, which needs to be mixed first. For an estimated $2,000 project, you might save up to $400 by using precast concrete over poured.

Cement Quality

A low-grade cement step costs $200, while the highest-quality step averages about $400.

What sets cement apart is the quality of the ingredients mixed into it. High-grade concrete often contains more minerals, such as fly ash, which increases tensile strength.

Determine the quality and its impact on your budget before buying a prefabricated product. If you don't know how to judge quality, consult a concrete contractor near you.

Size of Staircase

You can expect to pay between $70 and $150 per standard-size step. The number of steps you need will affect the size of your staircase and your budget. Standard units are around 2 feet wide, but your project may differ. Wider or curved concrete steps may increase your budget.

Solid vs. Hollow

Most precast units are hollow and range between $70 and $100 per step. A solid product is more durable but it also increases the price by about 40 percent, which averages $100 to $130 per step. A solid staircase is heavier and more durable, so it requires a larger budget.

Coatings and Treads

Treads help to distinguish your concrete staircase and make it more visually appealing. You can find precast staircases with existing treads, which adds $100 to $500 to your project.

On exterior steps, the most common treads are made of natural stone. You can also pay for a cement coating for about $200 to $400. A coating will make your steps more durable and can improve slip resistance.

Delivery Prices

The cost to deliver prefab products is lower than the price to deliver pre-mixed cement, which costs $1,400 to $5,600. Since transporting large units is complex, you should consider the delivery an extra budget item at around $200. Larger precast cement units, such as basement stairs, can range up to $300 for delivery.

Cost to Pour a Concrete Staircase

Pouring your own concrete staircase ranges between $1,000 and $5,000. Building the unit from scratch allows you to customize it and can result in more durability. In exchange, you pay more for materials.

Concrete Stair Installation Costs

Expect to pay between $500 and $1,500 to install precast cement stairs. The total precast cost of $800 to $3,500 compares favorably to the cost of a custom-poured staircase, which ranges from $900 to $5,000, including materials and labor.

**Costs for Pouring a 2 Foot by 11 Inch Concrete Staircase**
Component	Price
Cement	$200 – $600
Labor	$300 – $800
Additional Materials	$50 – $200
Delivery	$200 – $400
Extra Features	$150 – $1,200
Building Permit	$100 – $1,000
Total	$1,000 – $5,000

Consult with a Concrete Contractor When Purchasing Steps

Cost to Replace Concrete Steps

The rate for replacing an existing staircase is between $1,400 and $5,700. That includes the $900 to $5,000 cost of a new unit and $400 to $700 for removing the existing stairs. You can also replace an individual step instead of the entire unit, which ranges between $300 and $500, including labor.

Removing the existing concrete costs between $400 and $700. It also adds between four and six hours of labor, which increases the price.

The rate to repair your stairs ranges between $20 and $800, depending on the level of damage. You can buy a simple concrete patch for about $20, but more comprehensive and expensive options include professional labor and fresh concrete. A new coating can increase the durability and safety of the cement for between $200 and $400.

Treads, Sealant, and Railings

Adding features to your staircase, such as treads or railings, can make it safer and more functional. Of course, that will increase the final precast concrete steps pricing.

Some of your options include:

Wood or metal railings: $300 to $600
Natural stone tread: $150 to $1,200
Epoxy coating or sealing: $200 to $400

Hire a Concrete Pouring Professional

DIY Building Concrete Steps vs. Hiring a Pro

Pouring cement isn't for everyone, but if you know what you're doing and are willing to put in the labor, you can potentially save thousands of dollars by installing concrete steps yourself.

However, you'll need to tackle excavation, building the frame, and reinforcing the structure through rebar on your own. If you want to lower your labor costs, consider completing smaller projects, like patching cracks and sealing the concrete, and then hiring a professional for the more complex parts of the project.

If you lack the appropriate tools or experience, hiring a concrete contractor is the better choice. They’ll ensure everything is built to last and won't move or crack over time. A pro will also make sure that the footing can support the staircase for the foreseeable future.

Consult With a Pro to Repair Your Cracked Concrete Staircase

FAQ

How much does it cost to build other exterior stairs?

Generally speaking, prices for exterior stairs range between $800 and $10,000. The final price will depend on the material you choose for the project.

Staircase Material	Total Cost
Wood	$1,000 – $3,000
Brick	$1,100 – $2,500
Metal	$2,000 – $5,000
Natural Stone	$1,000 – $10,000
Artificial Stone	$800 – $2,000

How do you make old concrete stairs look better?

Aging cement does not always warrant replacement. Resurfacing and sealing makes the material more durable and able to withstand all elements.

Resurfacing concrete ranges between $300 and $600 for most staircases. The cost of sealing the concrete increases that budget by $100 to $300, but it helps protect your investment over time.

How can you save money when installing concrete stairs?

Opting to use precast concrete can drive your price tag down. You can also save money by

bundling other jobs, such as repairs or railway installation, with your concrete step installation project.

As always, it's advisable to get multiple price quotes to ensure you choose the most competitive price. Then, talk with your contractor to discuss material options that fit your budget and style.

How do you install concrete steps?

Installing concrete steps can be done by following these steps:

Plan your project. Consider the number of stairs needed, the height of the risers, and the depth of the treads.
Clear the area. Use a shovel to dig below the ground level of the base of your stairs and within the boundary of your plans.
Lay your subbase. The subbase will protect your concrete from shifts and deterioration. Tamp it down until it’s firmly packed, level, and stable.
Construct a rebar cage. This step will provide additional reinforcement and help your stairs last longer.
Mix your concrete and pour. Mix in water by hand or with a cement mixer and pour concrete into your form with a shovel, wheelbarrow, or a funnel.
Flatten the concrete. Use a straight wooden plank or board free of warping and other irregularities to get the best possible result.
Let your concrete cure. Follow the directions for your specific supplies, but concrete typically takes 28 days to fully cure. You can usually remove the form after 24 hours.