Steps & Staircases

Steps and staircases are essential structural elements that connect different elevations on your Long Island property, whether that means a few risers from the driveway up to the front walkway, a full staircase descending a hillside to a backyard patio, or a set of wide entry steps leading to a masonry stoop or porch. At Brothers Paving & Masonry Corporation, we build steps that are safe, code-compliant, structurally sound, and visually integrated with the surrounding hardscape. Our experience across Nassau and Suffolk Counties means we understand the local building codes, soil conditions, and weather factors that influence how steps should be designed and constructed on Long Island.

Outdoor steps must handle constant exposure to rain, snow, ice, temperature extremes, and heavy foot traffic. On Long Island, where winter temperatures regularly dip below freezing and freeze-thaw cycles can number in the dozens each season, the materials and construction methods used for steps must be chosen with durability and safety as the top priorities. We build steps using natural stone, concrete block with stone or paver veneer, poured reinforced concrete, and full-thickness pavers on a concrete sub-base, selecting the method that best suits the height of the grade change, the surrounding materials, and your aesthetic preferences.

Natural stone steps, particularly bluestone and granite, are among the most popular choices on Long Island. Bluestone treads with a natural cleft finish offer excellent slip resistance and a timeless look that complements both traditional and contemporary homes. Granite treads are incredibly dense and weather-resistant, making them ideal for high-traffic commercial entries and upscale residential projects. We source our stone from reputable quarries and select each piece for consistency of color, thickness, and structural integrity.

For projects where cost or design flexibility is a primary concern, we build concrete-block step structures finished with paver or stone veneer. This approach allows us to match the steps precisely to an existing paver walkway or patio, creating a seamless visual flow from one level to the next. Cambridge and Nicolock both offer wall cap and stair tread units specifically designed for this application, giving you the look of solid stone at a more accessible price point. Poured concrete steps with smooth or broom finishes are another option that provides excellent durability and a clean, professional appearance.

Code compliance is a critical aspect of step construction. Long Island municipalities follow the New York State Residential Code, which specifies maximum riser heights, minimum tread depths, landing requirements, and handrail dimensions. We design every staircase to meet or exceed these requirements. Consistent riser height is one of the most important safety factors. Even a quarter-inch variation between risers can create a trip hazard, so we use precision measuring and leveling techniques throughout the build. Where the total rise exceeds 30 inches or where local codes require it, we install code-compliant handrails in materials that complement the step design, including powder-coated aluminum, wrought iron, and stainless steel cable rail systems.

Drainage around steps is another area where our Long Island experience pays dividends. Water that collects on treads or behind step structures accelerates deterioration and creates dangerous icy conditions in winter. We pitch every tread slightly forward, install drainage behind retaining structures, and route water away from the base of the staircase to prevent undermining. These details are the difference between steps that last a few years and steps that last a few decades.

Our construction process for steps follows a clear sequence: site evaluation and measurement, design and material selection, excavation and footing preparation, concrete footing and block or stone placement, tread and cap installation, joint treatment, and final grading and cleanup. For larger staircases, we pour reinforced concrete footings that extend below the frost line, typically 36 to 42 inches on Long Island, to prevent heave and settlement. Every project includes careful protection of adjacent landscaping, walkways, and structures.

Steps and staircases are often part of a larger project that includes a new walkway, stoop rebuild, patio expansion, or retaining wall. Brothers Paving coordinates all of these elements so materials match, grades flow correctly, and the finished result looks like it was designed as one unified project rather than a series of separate additions. We also offer integrated LED step lights that illuminate each tread for safety and ambiance after dark.

Whether you need a single set of two or three risers to smooth out a grade change along your walkway or a full multi-flight staircase with landings and railings, Brothers Paving & Masonry Corporation has the skill and experience to build it right. Contact us today for a free on-site consultation and estimate for your Long Island steps or staircase project.