Brick door steps are a timeless addition that boosts curb appeal while providing a durable, low-maintenance entrance that can last for generations. Whether you’re building new steps or refacing existing concrete stairs, brick offers versatility and a classic design that complements any architectural style.
Key Benefits of Brick Door Steps:
Basic Installation Overview:
Building brick door steps is an intermediate-level project where the foundation is critical. Laying bricks directly on dirt leads to shifting and structural failure. A proper foundation requires a multi-layer system including excavation, a compacted sub-base, a reinforced concrete footing, and proper mortar application.
I’m Scott McLeod, owner of McLeod Landscaping. For over 30 years, my team has designed and installed countless durable brick door steps and hardscaping projects throughout the Merrimack Valley, mastering techniques to withstand New England’s harsh winters.
Learn more about brick door steps:
A brick door steps project delivers immediate visual impact and long-term value. Beyond the known benefits of durability and curb appeal, you may not realize just how versatile brick can be for design.
Before starting, browse design ideas on sites like Pinterest’s Brick Porch Steps and Houzz’s Front Steps and Walkways for inspiration on styles from traditional to contemporary.
Your first design choice is between straight and curved designs. Straight steps are easier to build and suit most homes. Curved steps create a softer look but require more skill, involving angled cuts and curved joints that demand precision.
Also, consider if you’re building formal porch steps or more flexible garden steps. Front porch steps must match your home’s entrance, be wide enough for use, and have the top step below the door sill for safety. In Massachusetts, building codes may also dictate handrail and dimension requirements. Garden steps can follow the landscape’s contours and incorporate more decorative elements.
The pattern you choose for your brick door steps affects both appearance and structural strength. Running bond is the workhorse pattern—bricks laid end-to-end with each row offset by half a brick. It’s simple, strong, and creates the classic brick look, making it ideal for beginners.
Herringbone takes things up a notch visually. Bricks are laid at 45-degree angles to create interlocking “V” shapes. This pattern is very strong and provides excellent traction, but requires more brick cutting and careful planning.
For the risers (the vertical faces of your steps), soldier course is a popular choice. Soldier course has bricks standing on end, creating a clean look for risers. Rowlock patterns lay bricks on their side, creating a durable, textured surface for treads that offers good grip.
In my three decades building steps throughout the Merrimack Valley, I’ve found that combining patterns often yields the best results. A soldier course for risers paired with rowlock or herringbone treads creates both visual interest and maximum durability.
Understanding the financial commitment helps you plan appropriately. For a small DIY project, material costs range from $200 to $700. This covers bricks, mortar, concrete, and sub-base materials ($4-$8 per sq. ft.). Tool rental or purchase can add another $100 to $300.
Professional installation typically costs $1,000 to $5,000 or more, depending on the project’s size and complexity. A simple two-step entrance might land at the lower end, while an elaborate curved staircase could exceed this range. Labor rates in our area generally run $50 to $150 per hour, and a skilled mason ensures longevity.
Important note: These are average costs based on general internet data and don’t represent actual pricing for McLeod Landscaping. Every project is unique—your specific site conditions, material choices, and design complexity all factor into the final cost. We always recommend getting a detailed quote custom to your exact project.
Success with brick door steps starts with quality materials and the right tools. You’ll need a masonry trowel, pointing trowel, a 4-foot level, rubber mallet, shovel, and pickaxe. A tamper is critical for the sub-base; renting a plate compactor ($50-$75/day) is recommended. You’ll also need a mortar mixer (or hoe and wheelbarrow), a mortar bag for filling joints, and string lines for alignment. Don’t forget safety gear: gloves, safety glasses, knee pads, and a dust mask.
Materials include concrete for the footing, high-strength Type M mortar, a quality MOT sub-base, rebar for reinforcement, plywood for forms, and geotextile fabric.
A common mistake is using the wrong brick grade. For climates like New England’s, you must use Severe Weather (SW) grade bricks. They are manufactured to withstand freeze-thaw cycles and moisture without spalling. Standard bricks will crumble within a few years.
Consider color and texture carefully. Bricks come in many colors and textures (smooth, rough, tumbled). Always get samples to see how they look against your house in different lighting conditions.
Finally, whenever possible, design your steps to use whole bricks. Minimizing cuts saves time and creates a cleaner, more professional appearance.
Building durable and beautiful brick door steps is a rewarding project, but it requires precision and adherence to proper masonry techniques. This guide will walk you through the construction process, from preparing the foundation to the final finishing touches.
Safety is essential when building brick door steps. Always wear personal protective equipment like gloves, safety glasses, and knee pads. Use proper lifting techniques for heavy materials or get help. When using power tools like wet saws, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and stay focused.
Building outdoor stairs is an intermediate-level DIY project. If you’re unsure about any step or have a complex project, hiring a professional mason is a wise decision. With three decades of experience, our team at McLeod Landscaping has seen what works and what doesn’t.
The foundation is the most critical part of your brick door steps. A poor foundation will lead to shifting, cracking, and failure, no matter how well the bricks are laid. This is where many DIY projects go wrong.
Excavation is your first major task. Mark the footprint of your steps and excavate to the required depth for your sub-base and footing, ensuring you reach undisturbed soil. In cold climates like the Merrimack Valley, dig below the frost line (typically 3-4 feet deep) to prevent frost heave from shifting the steps. Proper preparation at this stage is crucial for long-term stability.
Next, install a sub-base layer of MOT Type 1 sub-base at least 4 inches thick. This provides a stable, free-draining layer. Spread it evenly and compact it thoroughly with a plate compactor or hand tamper until the material is firm and no longer shifts.
On top of the sub-base, pour a concrete footing. Form a simple step footing using plywood, ensuring it is level and braced. Reinforcing with rebar is non-negotiable; place a rebar grid in the middle of the footing to add strength and prevent cracking. A 2-inch layer of concrete is a good starting point, but check local codes.
Pour the concrete, screed it level, and let it cure for several days. For solid steps, build a core structure on the footing using concrete blocks. Position the blocks with Type M mortar, ensuring each course is level and plumb. If you’re applying brick to an existing structure, see our guide on brick over concrete steps.
Now your brick door steps truly begin to take shape. Start by mixing mortar to a workable, peanut-butter-like consistency. Mix in small batches to prevent it from drying out.
Begin with the riser bricks (the vertical face). A soldier course is a good option. Apply a half-inch mortar bed and set bricks on end to form a soldier course, tapping them level and plumb. Use a string line for alignment to maintain straight lines and consistent height, with 3/8-inch mortar joints. Planning your layout to use whole bricks will make your job easier.
Once the riser is firm, lay the tread bricks (the walking surface). Apply an even, half-inch mortar bed. A critical detail is ensuring a slight slope for drainage (about 1/8 inch per foot) away from the house. This prevents water pooling and ice formation.
Set the treads in dry mortar first to check the fit, then lay them in the wet mortar bed. Use spacers for consistent joints and tap each brick into place, checking for level and slope. A 1-2 inch overlap on the riser is a traditional option.
After the mortar is “thumbprint hard,” it’s time for finishing the joints. This step is crucial for appearance and weather resistance. Use a mortar bag to fill all joints completely, preventing gaps where water can penetrate. Once the mortar is firm, use a jointing tool to create a clean, concave finish. This compacts the mortar, making it more water-resistant. Tool horizontal joints first, then vertical ones, to help direct rainwater away. Smooth, consistent joints give your brick door steps a professional look.
Your new brick door steps are looking fantastic, but a few final steps will ensure they last for decades.
After tooling the joints, the mortar must cure properly. Allow 5-7 days for the mortar to set before allowing heavy foot traffic. In hot, dry weather, lightly mist the steps with water daily. This slows the curing process, helping the mortar reach maximum strength and preventing surface cracking.
After 24-48 hours, you can tackle cleaning excess mortar from the brick faces. Use a stiff brush and clean water to remove mortar haze. For stubborn haze, a mild masonry cleaner can work, but always test it on an inconspicuous spot first. Avoid harsh acids that can permanently damage the bricks.
Once fully cured, sealing the bricks provides crucial protection from moisture and stains, especially in climates with harsh freeze-thaw cycles. Apply a high-quality breathable masonry sealer, which repels water while allowing the brick to breathe. This prevents efflorescence (white powdery deposits) and stains. Reapply the sealer every few years as needed.
Regular cleaning is also important. Periodically sweep away debris to prevent stains. For deeper cleaning, a pressure washer on a low setting works well, but be gentle around the mortar joints.
Weed prevention is another key task. Weeds in joints can damage mortar, so inspect regularly and remove them promptly. The geotextile fabric in the foundation helps, but vigilance is still necessary.
Over time, weather will wear on mortar joints. When you notice cracking or crumbling mortar, it’s time to repoint. Our guide on how to repoint brick stairs shows you how to replace damaged mortar to maintain structural integrity. For more extensive issues, see our brick steps repair ultimate guide. Prompt repairs prevent small problems from becoming larger ones, ensuring your brick door steps last for generations.
With over 30 years of experience in the Merrimack Valley, we’ve answered many questions about brick door steps. Here are the most common ones.
No, you should never lay brick door steps directly on dirt. It’s a tempting shortcut, but it will lead to failure. Dirt shifts, expands, and contracts with moisture and temperature changes. In New England’s climate, freeze-thaw cycles cause significant heaving. Without a proper foundation, your steps will shift, crack, and become unstable within a few seasons, requiring a complete rebuild. A proper foundation with a compacted sub-base and concrete footing is what separates steps that last for decades from ones that fail quickly.
A proper foundation is a multi-layer system designed for stability, drainage, and frost protection. It includes:
This system ensures your brick door steps will last for generations, and proper preparation at this stage is key to success.
Yes, applying a brick veneer over existing concrete steps is a popular way to update an entrance. It’s a great option if your concrete steps are structurally sound but unsightly. You leverage the existing foundation, saving time and money.
Before starting, ensure the existing steps are structurally sound, without major cracks or settling. The process begins with thoroughly cleaning the concrete to remove all debris. Roughening the surface can also create a better bond for the mortar. Then, you apply mortar and lay the brick veneer as you would with new construction, setting bricks in your chosen pattern and ensuring proper drainage. The result is the look of solid brick steps without the extensive foundation work.
A well-built set of brick door steps offers a satisfying grand entrance that improves curb appeal, adds value, and provides lasting durability. If you’ve tackled this as a DIY project, you’ve earned bragging rights for completing a project that demands careful planning and physical effort.
However, building brick steps is complex. A poorly built structure can be a safety hazard and a costly mistake, so recognizing when to hire a professional is key to a successful outcome.
For homeowners in the Merrimack Valley, McLeod Landscaping brings over 30 years of masonry and hardscaping experience. We specialize in building brick door steps designed to withstand New England’s harsh climate. Our team is committed to quality, whether the project is a simple two-step entrance or a grand stairway.
Ready to transform your entryway? Explore our front stairs and step installation services for a professional consultation. We’ll work with you to design and build steps that perfectly complement your home. Let’s create something beautiful together.
Contact McLeod Landscaping today at (978) 640-0957 or click here to schedule a consultation for retaining wall installation. Let our experienced team design and install a functional and visually appealing retaining wall that enhances your landscape.
1881 Main St Unit 1, Tewksbury, MA 01876