Precast Concrete Steps: Costs, Benefits & Installation Guide

Precast concrete steps are ready-made cement stairs, staircases, or hollow cement steps that can be installed outside existing staircases on a property or business premise. They are usually made from reinforced steel and concrete and are sealed with weather-resistant protection.

Generally, homes and businesses opt for precast steps over other types of installed concrete steps and unusual shapes of staircases for cost little maintenance-related reasons. These steps are affordable and fast to install, saving time and money on overall costs and labor costs.

Constructed of steel and concrete, precast steel bars and concrete steps are also a strong, durable, and long-lasting option for homes, warehouses, and other high-traffic entryways. Keep reading to learn the costs, custom designs, sizes, and main advantages of using precast steel bars and concrete steps.

Are Precast Stairs Cheaper?

Installing basement or exterior stairs on a property is generally considered a cheaper option than other exterior steps. Cement exterior basement stairs can last a long time (up to 80 years when well-maintained) and are a low-maintenance alternative compared with wood, metal, or masonry steps.

Metal stairs with handrails are the most expensive, with quotes in the thousands, depending on how large the staircase needs to be. Wooden steps are the cheapest option. DIY methods can be used to replace concrete steps with wood steps, and wood framing only costs a few hundred dollars.

Masonry steps are usually installed as part of a patio or driveway and can cost hundreds or thousands, depending on the style of brick or slab used for the staircase.

How Much Do Pre-Made Steps Cost?

The cost of a precast concrete staircase and its steps vary depending on the size, manufacturer, and installation charges, but most staircases can cost between $70-$100 per step on average. A standard 4-8 step precast concrete staircase can cost between $280-$800 per square foot.

Poured concrete steps can cost more because of the longer installation period and labor costs for the additional concrete required. The average cost for traditional concrete steps can be between $400 and $650.This includes the cost of labor, which will be cheaper if you DIY concrete steps.

Cost Breakdown of Pre-Made Steps

The cost of a precast concrete staircase varies depending on size, manufacturer, and installation charges. Here’s an estimated cost breakdown:

Step Count	Average Cost Per Step	Total Cost (Estimate)
2 Steps	$70 – $100	$140 – $200
4 Steps	$70 – $100	$280 – $400
6 Steps	$70 – $100	$420 – $600
8 Steps	$70 – $100	$560 – $800

Note: Poured concrete steps cost more due to extended installation time and additional labor. Traditional poured concrete steps, including labor, can range from $400 to $650.

Are Precast Concrete Steps Good?

Precast concrete steps are the preferred choice for residential and commercial properties. First, they come ready-made, making construction quick, easy, and affordable. The steps can be installed in a day and used almost immediately after installation.  

Secondly, the steps are made from concrete and a reinforced structure, and they are manufactured to the highest standards, making them durable and long-lasting.

When sealed with a weatherproof cement coating routinely, stairs can last a long time without the concrete cracking or flaking. They are also strong and reliable and don’t require repainting or resealing, unlike wooden or metal stairs.

However, despite their advantages, precast concrete steps have some disadvantages. Compared with stairs created by pouring cement into molds, precast concrete steps may not last as long. Durability depends on the cost, size, and advantages of the steps, how well they are reinforced internally (with steel lasting longer than plywood), and how much concrete or poured concrete is used for the stairs.

Hollow precast concrete steps are cheaper than solid precast concrete steps, but hollow and installed steps are not as strong as hollow staircase steps, nor do they last as long.

What Sizes Do Precast Concrete Steps Come In?

Delivered ready-to-install, precast concrete steps are available in standard sizes that enable quick fitting. Exact sizes may vary depending on the manufacturer, but generally, each precast concrete step cost sizes and advantages: each step is 7 inches high with a 12-inch-deep tread.

Precast staircases are available in sizes ranging from 3 to 8 feet in width. When choosing steps, you can also select the size of the landing (which is the top step). Precast concrete steps either come with no landing, a 24-inch landing, or a 48-inch landing.

Various manufacturers offer custom-sized precast concrete steps, but these are more expensive than the standard sizes. Most manufacturers sell precast concrete steps in multiples of two. For example, you can buy a precast concrete staircase with two steps, four steps, six steps, or eight steps.

How Long Do Precast Concrete Steps Last

Precast Concrete vs. Other Materials

Material	Cost	Durability	Maintenance
Precast Concrete	$$	20-40 years	Low
Poured Concrete	$$-$$$	20-30 years	Medium
Wood	$	15-35 years	High
Masonry	$$-$$$	20-30 years	Medium
Metal	$$$	50-80 years	Medium

Precast concrete steps are a popular alternative to wooden stairs because they are durable and long-lasting. When well-maintained with bi-annual weather protection sealant, precast concrete steps can last an average of 20-40 years.

Precast pouring concrete steps are manufactured with either plywood or steel before being overlaid. Reinforced plywood pouring concrete steps can last a long time, provided the concrete is sealed correctly and harsh chemicals are not used on the surface.

Precast steps constructed with steel or iron can last up to 80 years longer than plywood. They are often better for areas where the steps need to hold heavy weight. They are subject to extremely high foot traffic or routine to withstand heavy traffic impact, for example, in a warehouse or business premise.

Regardless of cement quality or whether plywood or metal is used for indoor cement or precast stairs, precast steps will need to be removed and rebuilt when the footings fail. Repairing the pouring cement steps after they’ve collapsed is impossible without first dissembling the entire structure.

To prolong the lifespan of steps, apply a weatherproof sealant to precast concrete products routinely, allow it to set fully after installation (waiting at least 2-3 days), and avoid using harsh salts or chemicals on the step products’ surface when cleaning.

Alternatives to precast concrete stairs or steps include traditional cement steps (manufactured by pouring concrete into your molds), masonry steps, metal steps, metal railings, and exterior wood steps. How long these steps last varies, but most alternatives won’t last as long as stairs or steps, making stairs or units of these most durable materials for exterior steps.

Type	How Long Do They Last?
Wood Steps	15-35 years
Masonry Steps	20-30 years
Concrete Steps	20-30 years
Precast Concrete Steps	20-40 years
Metal Steps	50-80 years

What are the Advantages?

1.  Affordable

Precast concrete steps are affordable for businesses, homeowners, and industrial areas. Because construction takes place in bulk off-site, manufacturing and installation are quicker than average compared with decked concrete stairs, poured-in concrete steps, and masonry staircases.

Additionally, standard steps with cost-effective sizes and advantages are available that generally meet the needs of most properties.

Decked natural stone, metal, and masonry steps require custom sizes and are built on-site, resulting in higher material labor and installation costs than precast concrete steps.

2.  Low Maintenance

Another advantage of precast concrete steps is their low maintenance needs. When sealed, they are highly durable and weather-resistant, and they don’t require repainting like metal staircases.

While the more solid concrete steps should be routinely sealed, annual treatments are unnecessary, unlike decked or wooden areas. Cleaning after installing concrete steps is also easier than cleaning other types of staircases. The smooth surface is easy to sweep to remove debris and jet wash/hose down with water to remove dirt.

3.  Quick Installation

Precast concrete steps are premade and ready to install upon delivery, offering a quick installation. Unlike poured-in concrete stairs, the material does not require any setting time, so they can be used almost immediately after fitting.

Generally, the right contractor can fit these existing stairs in a couple of hours or in 1-2 days for more significant steps, such as landscape stairs and solid steps that require sealing after installation.

4.  Aesthetics

Another benefit of installing concrete steps is their aesthetic appeal. The surface of concrete stairs is smooth and white-grey, giving it a clean and even finish.

Concrete steps are easy to clean and less likely to fade, crack, or flake (compared with other types of steps, like wood, decking, or metal), so they add a pleasant look to a property’s front.

5.  Durability

One of the most important benefits is that they are incredibly durable. Protected units installed on steps are also highly resistant to impact and harsh weather conditions.

Unlike traditionally poured concrete, which can crack and crumble over time, precast concrete is designed to last a lifetime. It also often comes with a manufacturer’s warranty, so if the steps collapse, they can be replaced without cost.

Summary

Precast concrete steps are among the most durable staircases available for a property, warehouse, or business premise. Many contractors have switched to installing steps over traditional molded concrete stairs for many reasons, including that they are strong, affordable, and quick to install, saving time and money.