How to Build a Stoop Out of Bricks
The simplest stoop consists of one layer of bricks in front of the door to the house. Stoops that are more elaborate have several steps leading up to the door. Instead of building a large porch that requires carpentry skills and lots of hard work, make a simple stoop using bricks. The project is fairly straightforward, and you should be able to finish it with relative ease.
Step 1
Lay out the bricks in the pattern desired in front of the door. Make the pattern as long and wide as desired. Press the bricks as close together as possible.
Step 2
Mark the area for the stoop by pushing the tip of the shovel into the ground along the edge of the bricks. Place the shovel as close to the edge of the bricks as possible.
Step 3
Remove the bricks and set them aside.
Step 4
Dig out the marked area using the shovel until you reach a depth that is 2 inches more than the height of the brick. For example, if the brick is 3 inches tall, dig the hole 5 inches deep.
- Lay out the bricks in the pattern desired in front of the door.
- Mark the area for the stoop by pushing the tip of the shovel into the ground along the edge of the bricks.
Step 5
Pour the concrete sand or crushed granite into the hole. Spread it out so there is an even layer that is 1 inch thick. Compact the sand or granite using the hand tamper. This flattens the 1-inch layer down to 3/4 inch.
Step 6
Add another layer of sand and tamp it down again. Continue to add sand and compact it until the hole is 3 inches deep.
Step 7
Install the paver edging along the edge of the hole. Press the spikes into the sand, so that the vertical part of the edging rests against the inside wall of the hole and the horizontal part faces inside the hole.
- Pour the concrete sand or crushed granite into the hole.
- Press the spikes into the sand, so that the vertical part of the edging rests against the inside wall of the hole and the horizontal part faces inside the hole.
Step 8
Lay the bricks in the hole in the desired pattern. The bricks should be tight and level with the ground.
Step 9
Pour fine-grain sand over the bricks. Sweep the sand into the cracks using a broom.
Step 10
Wash the extra sand off the bricks using a low setting on the power washer. The water helps push the sand into the cracks, where it will harden and keep the bricks in place.
Related Articles
Tips
- Not all paver edging is the same. Always follow directions provided.
- Paver edging comes in many designs, including flexible edging for rounded stoops.
- Rent a hand tamper if you don't expect to need it more than once.
Warnings
- This stoop is not designed for high traffic areas that will take a lot of weight. Do not use this basic stoop for larger areas, such as patios and driveways.
- The bricks may work their way up from the ground, especially after cold weather. Since the bricks are not cemented, you can easily replace them.
Writer Bio
Marilla Mulwane has been writing professionally since 2005. She has published a fantasy novel for young adults and writes articles on literature, pets, video games and tattoos. Her poetry has been featured on the website and products for the nonprofit organization HALos. She graduated from the State University of New York, Oneonta with a Bachelor of Arts in English and creative writing.
