Building Concrete Landing Pads for Exterior Stairs

Step-by-step instructions for excavating, framing, and pouring a frost-resistant concrete landing pad for deck stairs to eliminate ground rot.

D
Dave Miller, Deck Contractor
Carpentry & Construction Author
Building Concrete Landing Pads for Exterior Stairs

Exterior stringers must never make direct contact with bare soil or lawn turf. Moisture absorption causes rapid wood rot, microbial decay, and differential settlement.

Landing Pad Specifications

  • Minimum Dimensions: 36 inches wide by 36 inches in direction of travel.
  • Slab Thickness: Minimum 4 inches of 3,000 PSI concrete over 4 inches of compacted crushed gravel.
  • Elevation: 1 to 2 inches above adjacent grade to direct rainwater away from the stringer base.

Ready to Calculate Your Stairs?

Use our free online stringer calculator to get exact rise, run, throat depth, and board sizing.

Launch Stringer Calculator →