How do I create cement steps off the back of our home?

Question:I would like to create three cement steps off the rear of our house. We have a patio door that simply has aging wood steps there. Currently no patio, just grass. The drop is about 1.5 feet from the ground to the lip of the patio door. Also, the wood behind the current steps needs to be replaced. What goes there? More wood or Aluminum trim? Also, house has aluminum siding if that matters. Thanks for your help!

Answers:
fhzwart
Sounds like a contractor job. What goes there is HDPE (plastic wood). Read about it:
http://www.decks.com/

http://www.epsplasticlumber.com/lumberpr...

http://www.nps.gov/sustain/spop/wood.htm...

Replace the decaed siding by the steps. Replace steps with HDPE or form and place concrete. If you are going to install a patio/deck later, the concrete will be more difficult to remove (if required) than will HDPE lumber.