Deicing Systems for Outdoor Stairs

Snow and ice can make outdoor stairs dangerous in the wintertime. Learn how installing a snow melting anti‑ice system can help keep you and your loved ones safe.

Our electric snow melting systems install in concrete, asphalt, or in mortar beneath pavers. When paired with an automatic control, the system can detect snow and clear your steps without shovels or chemicals.

Choose full‑coverage for every tread and landing, or focus heat on the primary steps and entryway to balance comfort, safety, and budget.

Instant Quote

Operating Cost

Send us a Plan

Why Heat Your Outdoor Stairs?

Prevent Slip & Fall Injuries Icy stairs are one of the leading causes of winter injuries—keep your family safe.

No More Shoveling Put away the rock-salt and shovels and retire from dangerous stair clearing.

Safe Entryways Keep your front entrance clear and welcoming for visitors and delivery personnel.

Eco-Friendly Eliminate harmful chemical melting agents that can damage surfaces and harm pets.

Works with Any Surface Install in concrete, asphalt, or mortar beneath pavers and natural stone.

Affordable to Operate Systems only run during snow events, keeping operating costs low.

10-Year Warranty Our snow melting cables are backed by a 10-year manufacturer warranty.

Increase Property Value Heated stairs are a premium safety feature that adds lasting value to your home.

What is Snow Melting?

Have you ever seen snow fall on an already warm car? It melts instantly. This is the essential idea behind snow melting systems—a heating element is embedded in your stair treads, walkway, or ramp and it melts the snow that falls on it and prevents ice accumulation.

Like any outdoor surface, stairs can benefit from installing an electrically heated WarmlyYours snow melting system (available in both mats and cables).

Designed to install directly in concrete, asphalt, or in mortar beneath pavers, our systems ensure that your stairs shed ice and snow, allowing for safe passage.

Learn More About Snow Melting

A Concord Carpenter Installs Snow Melting Cable in Heated Stairs

Free SmartPlan

Get a custom installation plan for your outdoor stairs in just 1 business day.

"I'll design a custom snow melting layout for your project, complete with cable spacing, electrical requirements, and a full quote."

Learn more about SmartPlan

Key Concepts for Heated Outdoor Stairs

When incorporating a snow melting system into outdoor stairs, keep these key concepts in mind:

Stair treads should be 11-12" from the front/nosing to the back/riser to ensure 4 passes of properly spaced heating cable in each tread.
If your project includes stair-mounted handrails, subtract 3" from each side to allow room for handrail mountings.
The heating element should be 2-3" from the final surface for optimal performance.
Work with your WarmlyYours account manager to identify the best heating element for your project.

Installing the Snow Melting System

One of the great benefits of an electric radiant heating system is the thinness of the heating element (5/16" for mats and 1/4" for cables), meaning minimal impact on overall stair depth.

Follow these steps for a successful outdoor stairs installation:

Step 1. Laying Down a Rebar Frame or Wire Mesh

Attach heating cables with zip-ties or wire twists to a rebar frame or wire mesh to keep spacing consistent. The framework should be attached to a base layer 2-3" from the final surface.

Tip: Avoid using metal mesh with sharp edges or burrs.

Controls for Stairs Snow Melting

WarmlyYours offers a wide variety of controls—from manual options with timers to automatic controls that activate when they sense snow is falling.

Controls use two main types of sensors: slab sensors (installed with the heating element to measure surface conditions) and aerial sensors (installed in the open to detect snowfall). Note: slab sensors are not recommended for use with pavers.

For more information, check out this comparison chart.

Shop Controls

Snow Melting Products for Outdoor Stairs

For stairs, we typically recommend cables due to their flexibility in navigating treads and risers. Mats work well for landings.

Snow Melt Cables

5.00

Based on 33 reviews

Maximum Flexibility at a Minimal Cost

WarmlyYours Snow Melt Cables offer a high heat output solution to keep your driveway, walkway, or patio snow-free. Embeddable in concrete, asphalt, or under pavers, these cables provide a flexible and cost-effective alternative to mats. Choose from a variety of voltages and lengths to suit your outdoor heating needs, ensuring safe, dry surfaces all winter long. Benefit from our 10-year warranty and 24/7 customer support for peace of mind.

High Heat Output: This embeddable electric heating cable provides 12-watts of heat per linear foot (nearly 50-watts per sq. ft.)
Embeddable in Concrete, Asphalt, or in Mortar Under Pavers: Installing a cable-based snow melting system within a new driveway, walkway, or patio means you can enjoy snow/ice free outdoor surfaces all year
Cost-Effective and Flexible: Snow melting cables are an less expensive (but more time consuming) alternative to snow melting mats and they provide maximum flexibility to cover round driveways, cornered patios, or outdoor stairs
Wide Variety of Voltages: We offer snow melting cables in 120, 208, 240, and 277 voltages and in a range of different lengths
Installation Support: WarmlyYours offers free SmartPlan™ installation plans, 24/7 phone support, and a 10-year limited warranty

Starting at $229

View Details

Snow Melt PowerMat

4.95

Based on 61 reviews

Maximum Heat Density for Heavy Snowfall (3" spacing)

Ideal for heavy snowfall regions (60+ inches annually) or high-traffic commercial areas. The 3-inch cable spacing delivers maximum heat density (~50 watts/sq.ft) for the fastest snow melting performance. Best for: Northern climates, steep driveways, loading docks, emergency exits, and areas requiring rapid clearing.

Maximum Heat Output: Approximately 50-watts per sq. ft with 3" cable spacing for fastest snow melting
Best for Heavy Snowfall: Recommended for regions with 60+ inches of annual snowfall or when rapid melting is critical
Even Heating: Pre-attached heating elements in a serpentine pattern with consistent 3" spacing ensures uniform coverage
Fast and Easy Installation: Cut-and-turn design makes installation faster than cables while providing maximum heat density
Installation Support: Free SmartPlan™ installation plans, 24/7 phone support, and a 10-year limited warranty

Starting at $249

View Details

Snow Melt OmniMat

Optimal Performance & Energy Balance (4" spacing)

The versatile choice for moderate snowfall regions (30-60 inches annually). The 4-inch cable spacing provides an optimal balance of melting performance (~39 watts/sq.ft) and energy efficiency. Best for: Most residential driveways, walkways, and patios in typical winter climates.

Balanced Heat Output: Approximately 39-watts per sq. ft with 4" cable spacing for optimal performance and efficiency
Best for Moderate Snowfall: Recommended for regions with 30-60 inches of annual snowfall—our most popular choice
Even Heating: Pre-attached heating elements in a serpentine pattern with consistent 4" spacing ensures uniform coverage
Fast and Easy Installation: Cut-and-turn design makes installation faster than cables while balancing cost and performance
Installation Support: Free SmartPlan™ installation plans, 24/7 phone support, and a 10-year limited warranty