How Much Do Precast Concrete Steps Cost in 2024?

Average Cost of Precast Concrete Steps

Precast Concrete Steps Pricing Factors

Precast concrete is about 20% less expensive than poured concrete, which needs to be mixed first. For an estimated $2,000 project, you might save up to $400 by using precast concrete over poured.

Cement Quality

A low-grade cement step costs $200, while the highest-quality step averages about $400. 

What sets cement apart is the quality of the ingredients mixed into it. High-grade concrete often contains more minerals, such as fly ash, which increases tensile strength. 

Determine the quality and its impact on your budget before buying a prefabricated product. A concrete professional in your area can help you assess concrete quality to find the best product for your home.

Labor

Most homeowners spend between $100 and $800 in labor to install concrete steps. The installation usually takes about two days, and your price may vary slightly depending on whether your contractor charges per hour or per day. 

The weather may also impact labor costs, as steps take longer to install in poor weather conditions. Labor prices may also rise in the summer months when contractors tend to be busier with outdoor work.

Location

Materials and labor delivery charges may be higher if you live in a rural area. Your location may also impact concrete step costs, as climate can be a factor in choosing the right type of cement. If you live in a region with high precipitation levels, your contractor may recommend add-ons like waterproofing sealant to prolong the life of your concrete steps.

Size of Staircase

You can expect to pay between $70 and $150 per standard-size step. The number of steps you need will affect the size of your staircase and your budget. Standard units are around 2 feet wide, but your project may differ. Wider or curved concrete steps may increase your budget.

Solid vs. Hollow

Most precast units are hollow and range between $70 and $100 per step. A solid product is more durable but it also increases the price by about 40%, which averages $100 to $130 per step. A solid staircase is heavier and more durable, so it requires a larger budget.

Coatings and Treads

Treads help to distinguish your concrete staircase and make it more visually appealing. You can find precast staircases with existing treads, which adds $100 to $500 to your project. 

On exterior steps, the most common treads are made of natural stone. You can also pay for a cement coating for about $200 to $400. A coating will make your steps more durable and can improve slip resistance.

Sealant and Railings

Adding features to your staircase, such as sealant or railings, can make it safer and more functional. Of course, this increases the final precast concrete steps pricing.

Some of your options include:

• Wood or metal railings: $300 to $600

• Epoxy coating or sealing: $200 to $400

Delivery Prices

The cost to deliver prefab products is lower than the cost to deliver pre-mixed cement, which costs $1,400 to $5,600. Since transporting large units is complex, you should consider the delivery an extra budget item at around $200. Larger precast cement units, such as basement stairs, can range up to $300 for delivery.

Cost to Pour a Concrete Staircase

Pouring your own concrete staircase ranges between $1,000 and $5,000. Building the unit from scratch allows you to customize it and can result in more durability. In exchange, you pay more for materials. 

Concrete Stair Installation Costs

Expect to pay between $500 and $1,500 to install precast cement stairs. The total precast cost of $800 to $3,500 compares favorably to the cost of a custom-poured staircase, which ranges from $1,000 to $5,000, including materials and labor.

Cost to Replace Concrete Steps

The rate for replacing an existing staircase is between $1,400 and $5,700. That includes the $900 to $5,000 cost of a new unit and $400 to $700 for removing the existing stairs. You can also replace an individual step instead of the entire unit, which ranges between $300 and $500, including labor.

Removing the existing concrete costs between $600 and $1,800. It also adds between four and six hours of labor, which increases the price. 

The rate to repair your stairs ranges between $20 and $800, depending on the level of damage. You can buy a simple concrete patch for about $20, but more comprehensive and expensive options include professional labor and fresh concrete. A new coating can increase the durability and safety of the cement for between $200 and $400.

Concrete Step Repair vs. Replacement

If your existing concrete steps are structurally sound, you may opt for repairs over a full replacement. Repairing steps is often a more affordable option and typically takes less time than replacement. You may want to consider repairs if:

• The steps show minor damage, such as cracks or wear

• There’s no major impact on overall structural integrity

• The damage is limited to a specific area, such as one or two steps

However, if the damage is more widespread or impacts the structural safety of your steps, you may need to consider replacement. Some signs you should replace your steps include:

• Major damage or damage that impacts a wide area of the structure

• You want completely new concrete steps with no sign of previous damage

• The existing concrete has already been repaired multiple times

If you’re not sure whether repair or replacement is the right fit, your contractor can provide you with advice and estimates for both services. 

Budgeting for Installing Precast Concrete Steps

While installing precast concrete steps is best done by a professional, you can make the process more budget-friendly by doing the following:

• Clear debris and greenery from the area to reduce the time your contractor needs to spend preparing the space.

• Contact multiple professionals for quotes.

• Consider prefab concrete, which is usually more affordable than poured.

• Ask a pro about different concrete types—depending on your climate and location, you may not need the most expensive option.

If you have existing concrete steps, consider whether repairs or replacements are the best fit for your budget. Repairs are usually more affordable, but if damage is extensive or repairs will likely need to be done again, replacement may be more cost-friendly in the long run.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.