There are several ways to build a step from patio doors, and the best choice is one that’s sized and shaped to fit with your existing setup. You can build a custom bench seat using the door as one side, so that it fits right in with your patio door opening. Or, you can build a cinder block wall in your yard, which helps to ensure that the stone that you’re using never moves or slips out of place.
Building steps is an important part of a patio door construction process. The steps can be made of wood, stone and concrete, but they must be sturdy to support the weight of people and items going onto them. In addition, they should be built so that they keep out water and dirt, which can destroy the structure inside your home.
There are a couple of options for building steps from patio doors. You can build a single step for an elevated door or you can build a double step to make it easier for people in wheelchairs to access the home. It is also possible to build an entire platform from patio doors if several people in wheelchairs will be entering the home at once.
In order to get started, you need to determine what type of step or platform you want to build and then mark out where it will go on your concrete slab using chalk or pavers. Next, you must use a cold chisel and hammer to cut through the concrete slab at the marked out areas and then use a sledgehammer to break up the concrete beneath. Once you have removed any loose concrete from inside the cutout area, fill it with crushed stone or gravel and allow this section to dry before pouring about 3 inches of dry concrete mix on top of it.
Determine the size of the step and whether it will be a single or double step.
- Determine the size of the step and whether it will be a single or double step.
- Determine how many steps will be needed to reach your desired height.
- Decide on the material you want to use for your platform and stairs, keeping in mind that if you are using a custom-made patio door, you may need to order these separately from some manufacturers (and this may require extra installation costs).
Consider building an entire platform from patio doors, if you have several people in wheelchairs entering the home.
You can also build an entire platform from patio doors, if you have several people in wheelchairs entering the home. For example, if there is a ramp that leads to a front door and then another ramp leading to the patio doors, it may be easier for everyone involved to use one large step rather than two small ones.
If you decide to build an entire platform instead of just adding a single step, cut the slab into a rectangular shape with a concrete saw. Then use cold chisels and hammers to break up any areas that are too large or uneven; these will need more concrete than other places in order for them not to be slippery when wet.
If you are only building a single step, mark out the shape of the step on your concrete slab with chalk or by using pavers as guides.
If you are only building a single step, mark out the shape of the step on your concrete slab with chalk or by using pavers as guides. Alternatively, use a tape measure to measure the dimensions of your patio door’s frame and then transfer these measurements to the concrete slab.
Measure from edge to edge of frame and mark this measurement with chalk at either end of where you want your step to be (for example, one metre from each edge).
Use pavers as guides to mark out two lines across where you want your step to be – one line should run parallel with each side of your patio doors and another line should run through both sides at right angles.
If you are building a double step, mark out two chalk lines or two rows of pavers, using sand and stakes to keep them in place.
If you are building a double step, mark out two chalk lines or two rows of pavers, using sand and stakes to keep them in place.
Next, measure the width at the bottom of the first row and use your carpenter’s square to draw a line this measurement up from the base line. The second row will be placed on top of this line so that it’s level with the outside edge of your first step.
Cut through the concrete slab at the marked out areas using a cold chisel and hammer.
You’re going to be using a cold chisel and hammer to cut through the concrete slab. Make sure you use a metal chisel, not a wood chisel, and an appropriately sized hammer with a metal head.
A large cold chisel should do the trick, but if you have access to one of those massive masonry drills, even better.
Break up the concrete at the marked out areas using a sledgehammer.
For this job, you’ll need:
- A sledgehammer and cold chisel
- Safety glasses (optional)
- Work gloves (optional)
Remove any loose concrete and jagged pieces from inside the cutout area. Sweep up any excess concrete dust with a broom.
You should now have an open area in your patio door where the step will go. Remove any loose concrete and jagged pieces from inside the cutout area. Sweep up any excess concrete dust with a broom.
Fill the cutout area with crushed stone or gravel, pouring enough material into the space to almost reach ground level. Use a small rake to level out the gravel once it is poured into place.
Fill the cutout area with crushed stone or gravel, pouring enough material into the space to almost reach ground level. Use a small rake to level out the gravel once it is poured into place. Pour about 3 inches of dry concrete mix into the area on top of the gravel, being careful not to overfill it. Level out this section so that it is flush with ground level where needed for each step. Allow this layer to dry for 24 hours before continuing to build upon it.
Pour about 3 inches of dry concrete mix into the area on top of the gravel. Level out this section so that it is flush with ground level where needed for each step. Allow this layer to dry for 24 hours before continuing to build upon it.
After 24 hours, you can add another layer of concrete mix and gravel on top of the first step. Repeat this process until you have a staircase that is about 10 inches high for each step.
Final words
Building a step from patio doors is a great way to make your patio doors more accessible while also adding to the overall security of your home. This project is not only relatively straightforward, but it can be completed in just one weekend even by novice DIY enthusiasts. With a cold chisel, hammer, concrete chisel, and masonry trowel handy, you’re already well on your way.
