This article has been viewed 418,219 times. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 527,715 times. Since your sub-base should be at least 4-8" (10.2-20.3 cm) thick, you'll need to dig down at least this far or the rise of your first step will be larger than you plan. Every dollar contributed enables us to keep providing high-quality how-to help to people like you. Your article is informative and doesn't appear difficult to construct a mould and work out distances. If you have used a bull float, you should use a handheld magnesium float to go over the surface once again when finished. But with the arrival of COVID-19, the stakes are higher than ever. Smaller projects can likely be done with a hand tamper, which is essentially a heavy, flat metal plate attached to a wooden handle. Space your stringers to be approximately the planned width of your stairs apart. Portland cement and a trowel will do the job. Familiarize yourself with the components of a set of steps. The square root symbol will look like a check mark or a check mark with a horizontal top (√). Gerber specializes in providing brick and stone laying services, concrete installations, and masonry repairs. How do I smooth concrete that has already set? Use long, sweeping motions for best results. Afterwards, you’ll need to flatten the top of each stair with a trowel or wooden plank so that your steps are smooth and even. Pour the concrete into the forms and smooth with a trowel. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/ce\/Build-Porch-Steps-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Build-Porch-Steps-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/ce\/Build-Porch-Steps-Step-1.jpg\/aid1356645-v4-728px-Build-Porch-Steps-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"