Highlights
Pouring cement steps cost $300 per step, while precast concrete stairs cost $100 per step, including labor.
Basement steps are more expensive than landscape or front entry steps.
You can save money by choosing hollow precast units and forgoing any custom designs.
Whether you want to add a few steps off your patio or you'd like to create a split level inside your house, concrete steps might be the best option for you.
Concrete steps cost around $2,000 on average. But the final price depends on the steps' number (and size), and whether you're pouring cement or using precast concrete.
How Much Does It Cost to Install Concrete Steps per Step?
Pouring cement steps cost $300 per step—with typical measurements of 2 feet wide and 11 inches deep—including materials and labor. Precast concrete stairs, which are already formed, cost $100 per step, including labor.
How Much Does It Cost to Install Concrete Steps by Type?
When installing a concrete staircase, you can either pour your own concrete or opt for precast stairs. The method you choose affects what you’ll pay.
Pouring Concrete Cost
Pouring concrete stairs can range from $1,000 to $5,000 for typical 2-foot-by-11-inch steps. It’s a pretty big range, as many other factors can impact what you’ll pay. This includes:
Cement cost ($200–$600)
Concrete delivery ($200–$400)
Labor ($300–$800)
Additional materials, such as wood framing or wire mesh ($50–$200)
Building permit ($100–$1,000)
Prefab Stairs Cost
The average price to install a precast staircase is $800 to $3,500. Installing a prefab staircase is faster, so labor costs less than pouring concrete. A few factors affect the total price for a set of three to 15 steps:
| Cost Factor | Total Price |
|---|---|
| Materials | $300 – $2,000 |
| Installation | $500 – $1,500 |
How Much Does It Cost to Install Concrete Steps by Location?
The total price of $900 to $5,000 for installing concrete steps depends on where these steps are placed.
Basement Stairs
Exterior steps lead to your basement cost between $1,500 and $5,000, including installation. Indoor cement stairs in the basement will run between $1,000 and $4,000.
Front Stairs
Concrete stairs are popular choices for leading up to your entryway, thanks to their durability. A standard entryway poured steps cost between $1,200 and $2,500.
Landscape Stairs
If you just need three or five steps for your landscaping, you’ll pay about $900 to $2,000. The more steps you add, the higher the cost.
What Factors Influence the Cost to Install Concrete Steps?
A few other factors influence the final price, such as:
Cement Quality
The quality of cement will impact your budget. A low-grade cement step can cost $200, while a high-quality cement step costs about $400 on average.
Staircase Size
Standard steps (around 2 feet wide) cost between $70 and $150 per step. The number of steps you need will affect the total size of your staircase and the final cost. Wider steps, or those with unusual shapes, will raise the final price.
Solid vs. Hollow Steps
Poured cement is solid and heavy, making them more durable; however, they cost $100 to $130 per step. Most precast units are hollow and range between $70 and $100 per step.
Coatings
A coating will make your steps more visually appealing, durable, and can improve slip resistance. Some precast staircases come with existing stone treads, which add about $100 to $500 to your cost. Or you can pay for a cement coating at about $200 to $400.
Staircase Features
Staircase features can make your steps safer and more functional.
Wood or metal railings ($300–$600)
Concrete sealer ($200–$400)
Removal of Old Concrete or Materials
Budget another $2 to $6 per square foot to remove old concrete. Disposing of a set of stairs ranges between $200 and $400, depending on whether the material is reinforced with wire mesh, or steel bars. It’s easier and more cost-effective to take out unreinforced material without heavy machinery.
How Much Does It Cost to Install Concrete Steps Yourself?
If you’re up for the challenge (a big challenge) and you’ve got a weekend to spare, you can build your own concrete steps. You’ll save on labor but need about $300 to $500 for the materials and equipment.
That said, we advise you to consider this DIY carefully. Pouring concrete steps isn’t exactly a job for a typical DIYer—especially if you don’t know how to prep the site and ensure the concrete steps are safely and structurally supported. Hire a local concrete contractor who will construct your steps according to safety codes.
FAQs
Should concrete steps be attached to the foundation?
Some local authorities require that you secure concrete stairs to the foundation wall. Check with your local building department for your safety and security.
Are concrete stairs cheaper than wood?
High labor costs and the project's complexity make concrete stairs more expensive than steel or wood stairs. By comparison, wood steps cost between $100 and $200 per step, including labor and materials.
How do I keep my concrete steps looking their best?
You can use many ways and designs to make your concrete steps look good. You can paint, and apply treads, tiles, or stamps.
Precast steps are quick to install in just within a few hours. Precast steps are also lightweight and look better than poured concrete because they are made in a controlled indoor environment, whereas poured concrete tends to be heavier and more durable.
