If you’re pouring new steps, allow for the thickness of the brick and the mortar bed when you compute the unit rise. A computed unit rise of 6-1/2 inches, for example, finished with 2-1/4-inch-thick brick, would leave room for a 3-7/8-inch-thick concrete base. This thickness is probably strong enough for mortared steps but may not satisfy local building codes. You may have to change the number of steps to provide a thick enough base. If you’re adding brick to existing steps, and they won’t interfere with the door opening, use the technique illustrated here. The forms provide edges that will keep the brick in line. Mortaring bricks to steps requires a poured concrete foundation that is solid and has a surface in good repair. Bricks set in a rowlock (shown) make a strong and durable surface, but you can experiment with other patterns. Bricks set on the treads can overlap risers by 1 to 2 inches, as long as the overlap is equal on each step. Editor’s tip: Mortared brick lends itself to various patterns. Using whole brick will save you cutting time. First lay out the bricks in a dry run to make sure they line up properly and fit the steps.
