The Viral (And Unsafe) Concrete Blocks DIY You Should Probably Stay Away From

There are lots of ways to build steps, whether up to your front porch or for that budget-friendly DIY deck in your backyard. Recently, a number of viral videos have shown an idea that uses concrete blocks (or cinder blocks) for the sides and wooden posts slid through the holes horizontally for the treads. According to these videos, the cinder blocks can be fixed in place using nothing more than construction adhesive, making the job quick and easy. In this article, we look at why it's not just unsafe, but could also hit you in the pocket.

First up, many of the videos are artificially generated, and are labeled as such. Viewer comments often underline this. These videos might be a bit of fun from time to time, but they're no basis for constructing anything for your home. If you were to build these kinds of steps, the most glaring issue is that they don't meet building code. For a start, maximum riser depth cannot exceed 7.75 inches, yet standard cinder blocks are 8 inches. If you go for it anyway, you could be subject to fines, stop-work, and demolition orders. Even if you get away with it initially, it could invalidate insurance and make your property difficult to sell when it's eventually discovered.

Building code is extensive because, in part, only vehicles are responsible for more accidents each year than steps and stairs. Many accidents are indoors, but there are plenty of outdoor injuries, sometimes serious, caused by gaps between treads being too wide, or tread height being inconsistent, each of which can be a trip hazard. So, just like there are rules about how to keep your stairs up to code indoors, there are regulations covering outside steps. For example, treads must be at least 10 inches front to back, and if there are more than four treads, there must be a handrail. Given that each step can't be more than 7.75 inches, one must be fitted to any deck or porch that's 31 inches from the ground.

None of these issues are covered, or even mentioned, in the viral videos. They're designed to get oohs, aahs, and clicks that earn money. They're simply not safe, and mostly suggest something that's illegal, too. If you have the relevant skills, there's no reason you shouldn't build your own front porch steps to boost curb appeal on a budget, or steps for your deck, but it's vital to check building codes. Advice is widely available online, and with numerous sources, it's easy to cross-check. That said, while most authorities base their rules on the International Residential Code (IRC) standards, there may be regional variations. It's always worth talking with the local office responsible in your area, just to be sure.