Laying out brick steps can be done in different ways but the layout doesn’t change. There is a standard measurement that the brick steps should rise to and there is also a measurement of where they need to stop and run.

Laying out your brick steps depends on how you want to build them since they should be on top of concrete and people tend to build different forms of boxes out of 2×6 and other board sizes and stack them on top of each other and pour concrete afterwards. However, the problem with doing it this way is that the bottom or the top step could end up with an entirely different measurement. If you want to lay out brick steps, consider the following steps.

Measure the width and height

If you want to determine the layout of your brick steps, you should measure the height from the ground to the top. The next thing you need to measure is the width of the bricks.

Calculate the step run

You should calculate the step run. A step run is typically the surface of your brick steps. The standard brick measurement is measured in inches and it is four by two and a half inches. If you wish to put three bricks with an additional two-inch flap that hangs out on every step.

Calculate the step rise

When building brick stairs, it is important to calculate the step rise. When you put three bricks on top of each other as a step rise, your calculation will be 7 and a half inches. This calculation is based on the standard measurement of bricks of two and a half inches height, calculated by 2 and a half inches times three bricks.

Calculate the number of stairs and rises

You should divide the height of the patio or deck by the step rise. E.g., if the height of your patio or deck is thirty-seven and a half inches divided by seven and a half inches equals five rises. This means that you will need four stairs and five raises. You should use one less stair than the rises when calculating the stairs.

Build the brick steps

You should cut out stringers and level them and nail them into position. You need to fill the open area under the stringer with dirt. Press and compact the dirt in and pour your concrete. After your concrete has hardened, remove the riser form and install your bricks.

Maintaining your bricks

After installing your bricks, you should take the necessary measures to clean and maintain them. You should check the attic for possible leaks and repair them if you find any. Water can be reaching your steps via leaks in the walls. If you find any, use caulk and weather strip.

After laying out brick steps, inspect your steps yearly for any mold and mildew and remove them appropriately. Mold and mildew can erode the mortar and cause your brick steps to weaken. Inspect for worn-out mortar and replace it if necessary.