Whether it is for a house, a building, or any other edifice, the usefulness of having brick steps need not be overstated or emphasized. However, the lack of knowledge of proper building has led to the construction of poor models.
To get those brick steps to work properly and last a lifetime, you will need to make sure that you have the right tools, accessories and materials in hand. The difficulty that arises from their construction starts with the lack of planning and material gathering, so this is an aspect that must not be overlooked.
The following are the materials you will need to create the most durable brick steps possible.
First you must make sure that you have plenty of brick, and that they are of good quality, preferably they should be made of clay and baked in the sun. To make sure they are top notch, get some from a reputable dealer. Next get some cement (Portland), concrete blocks and some mortar. The quantity of these materials will depend on how many steps you plan to make, so be sure you have it laid out beforehand.
You will also need some 2 x 4 stock, nails, some reinforced bars, a tool for pointing; you also need a hammer specially designed for use on bricks, and a screed and trowel. A screed is a strip that is laid against the wall or floor for applying materials. A trowel is a tool with a handle and a metal blade used to scoop or spread material.
Step one is to lay the foundation for the brick steps, and you do that by using the 2×4 stock to determine the size. Next get some of the Portland cement and put it inside. Make sure that you mix it thoroughly. When you are finished, use the reinforced bars to help the cement adhere.
Now you have to level the cement mixture, and you do that by using the screed. At this point measure the length from the base up to the porch; note this down as it will determine how tall each brick step has to be. That is why it is important to make sure that you have a good supply of the materials so you will not run short.
It's crucial that the bricks do not mix too much with the mortar, so make sure to dampen them a few hours before use. Once they are ready, put half an inch of mortar into the cement, and use the screed to align it properly.
Put the bricks in the mixture, making sure that you leave some space to put in the mortar (use the trowel for this task). As you go on to create the brick steps, use the screed to ascertain that everything is level.
Finally, you should remove some of the excess material that may have gotten there. Do this before the entire mixture gets too hard. Once you have eliminated all the other surplus mortar or cement, let it dry for awhile. When thoroughly hardened, the bricks steps are now ready for use.
Careful planning and a slow and steady hand are they way to create some brick steps that will not only last but be a beautiful addition to any building.