how to dig steps into a hill, like a PRO! Digging Your Steps. Mark out the stairway you want to excavate with your measuring tape, then place posts or boards at the borders of the shape. Always start at the bottom of the hill when shoveling. When digging, shovel horizontally into the dirt at the foot of your slope to create a level surface.
How do you build stairs on a hill with landscape timbers?
1:174:04How to Build Steps With Landscape Timbers | This Old House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWhy have we done all four sides like that well we're gonna use a circular saw to cut this nowMoreWhy have we done all four sides like that well we're gonna use a circular saw to cut this now circular saw only cuts two and a half inches deep this is five and a half inches thick.
Can steps be sloped?
The typical stairs slope for steep stairs varies between 50 and 70 degrees. Steep stairs like ship stairs, spiral stairs, and alternating tread stairs have typical slope between 50 degrees and 70 degrees to save space. The steeper slope shortens the horizontal run of the stairs so they take up less space.
How do you calculate the slope of a stone step?
Convert the rise into inches; Divide the total rise by 6 inches to figure out the number of steps you need. Example: Using the example from Step 2, convert the rise, or 14' 6”, into inches (14' x 12 ”+ 6”= 174 inches) and divide by 6 to get the correct number of steps, in this case 29.
How do you build uneven ground steps?
Use side stones or walls to build up or hold back uneven ground on the sides of the steps. Make a short wall if there is a steep slope on one side of the steps. Build it up to match the level on the other side, using bricks or stones or the pavers you use for the steps.
Is a ramp safer than steps?
A ramp is much safer and easier to use than stairs for anyone with any type of mobility issue. Think of the various people and equipment which may need to access your steps or change in elevation. A safe even slope is much better to navigate than steps are. A ramp greatly reduces fall risks when compared to steps.
How deep should outdoor steps be?
The 7-11 rule is one that's frequently used (maximum riser height of 7 inches and minimum tread depth of 11 inches)....OUTDOOR STEP HEIGHT.When riser height is:Tread depth should be:5" to 5-1/2"16" to 17"6" to 6-1/2"14" to 15"7" to 7-1/2"10" to 11"1 more row
How do you find the rise and run of stairs?
1:242:31Stairbuilding Rise and Run Calculations - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo our run of 10 inches. Plus a nosing of 108. Gives us a total with of 11. And 1/8 inches. That'sMoreSo our run of 10 inches. Plus a nosing of 108. Gives us a total with of 11. And 1/8 inches. That's how I calculate for a typical straight run of stairs you can use these calculations.
How do you build an outdoor hill on a staircase?
0:5611:21Installing Outdoor Stairs on a Lake-Front Home - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTwo by four runners or two by 12 runners on the sides. And then we build our beams in the middle toMoreTwo by four runners or two by 12 runners on the sides. And then we build our beams in the middle to help hold and stabilize the soil. Behind.
How do I calculate rise in stairs?
To determine the number of risers in the staircase take the total height between floors, in inches, and divide by 8.25.
Can stair treads slope?
Tread slopes can be sloped either to the front, back, or perpendicular to the direction of travel. Building codes limit the tread slope to reduce the nonuniformity of the effective riser heights and to reduce the risk of occupants slipping on the sloped tread surfaces.
How do you build outdoor steps?
0:232:29How To Build Outdoor Steps - D.I.Y. At Bunnings - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTo work out exactly where to pre-drill your holes measure. The width of the step and Mark that onMoreTo work out exactly where to pre-drill your holes measure. The width of the step and Mark that on the back of the stringer as well repeat the process for the second stringer.
Can bottom step be different height?
A deck's stairway should be carefully planned so that all the stair rises (the vertical height of the steps) and all the tread depths (the horizontal length of the step runs) are equal. If the bottom or top step is noticeably different in height or length from the other stairs, it will be a tripping hazard.
How do you make steps out of landscape blocks?
0:492:11How to Build Steps Using Retaining Wall Units - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipCover the entire footprint glue all units fill voids and clean debris from the blocks. Place capMoreCover the entire footprint glue all units fill voids and clean debris from the blocks. Place cap units to establish the next tread and glue.
How do you make an easy outdoor step?
0:232:29How To Build Outdoor Steps - D.I.Y. At Bunnings - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd then one closer to each end pre-drill the holes with a countersink bit don't forget the safe toMoreAnd then one closer to each end pre-drill the holes with a countersink bit don't forget the safe to do a symbol the step with the supplied screws. Make sure the grip side of the tread is up.
How do you make steps out of blocks?
5:097:14How To Build Cinder Block Steps - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThese are nice and clean and dry of this using the construction adhesive with a clock gun it'sMoreThese are nice and clean and dry of this using the construction adhesive with a clock gun it's fairly simple to use we're going to put a bead. Along the blocks themselves and in the middle.
How do you make steps out of concrete blocks?
0:296:26Building stairs out of concrete and cinderblocks - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd you know that didn't really looked at me for what he was doing it was great application but IMoreAnd you know that didn't really looked at me for what he was doing it was great application but I like to over build things so what we got going here is first we kind of put down a little cement pad I
Step 1 - Determine The Path
After your materials are purchased and waiting to be installed, the first thing to do is determine the course of the walkway up the hillside. It co...
Step 2 - Dig Out The Terraces
The next step to be completed once the walkway is marked is to dig out the terraces. This will take the most time and require some planning. You’re...
Step 3 - Cut and Set The Risers
Measure the dug-out distance of each step. Make a mark of equal length on the cedar and cut it with the circular saw. Set the first riser in place...
Step 4 - Pavers and Gravel
After all of the cedar risers are set, pour in pea gravel between each riser on the treads. Fill up the space to just below the top of the planks a...
How to set pavers in a gravel driveway?
Once the gravel is in place, begin placing the pavers in the tread area. The span should be wide enough to hold pavers of a specific size. For instance, 1x1 foot pavers will fit three side by side in a space 13 inches by 38 inches, which includes some wiggle room. Set the pavers in the gravel until they do not move. You can lightly tap on them with the rubber mallet to set them in further.
How to set a riser on a path?
Set the first riser in place between the edges of the path. Using your rubber mallet, pound it evenly down into the soil until about one inch sticks up from the level of the tread, immediately above it. Measure each riser individually, making the necessary cut and setting.
What to do after you have purchased a walkway?
After your materials are purchased and waiting to be installed, the first thing to do is determine what course the walkway will take up the hillside. It could be straight up or it could curve. That depends on your sensibilities and any landscaping you may have to work your way around.
Can you put pavers in gravel?
With the pavers set in the gravel, you now have an attractive walkway up a hillside. Double-check your work and make sure the cedar risers are secure in the dirt. Pressing the pavers up against them may help to keep them in place as well.
Can you put pavers on a hillside?
Setting paver steps into a hillside is one way to turn a slope into a usable walkway that is both attractive and convenient. Stone or brick pavers require no mortar when properly set, so the labor required to install them is considerably less than pouring concrete.
How to build a stairway on the hill?
Mark Your Path. To help guide you as you build your stairway, insert posts into the ground on either side of the path you plan to build at both the bottom and the top. Tie a string around each lower post and run them up the hill. There, attach the strings to the upper set of posts. This outline of your stairway will serve as a guide ...
How to make a flat surface when digging?
When you dig, shovel into the earth horizontally at the base of your slope so that you form a flat surface. You may first need to remove grass, weeds or loose topsoil. You'll want to dig deep enough that the soil is packed down and firm. Use a level as you go to ensure that each step is flat. Advertisement.
How many steps are needed to build a 77.5?
If, for instance, your slope is 77.5 inches tall and you plan to build steps of 7 ¾ inches, you will need 10 steps.
How wide is a standard stair?
In the United States, a standard stair is 11 inches wide. This gives most people plenty of room to rest their foot as they walk up the stairs. If you'll be abiding by this standard, you'll have to cut at least 11 inches horizontally at each step point in your slope. Advertisement.
What to use to prevent erosion of dirt steps?
It's helpful to have some sort of tread like these rather than just bare earth. You may also use wood as a retaining wall to prevent erosion of your dirt steps. For instance, large retaining boards or vertical barriers against the rise of your steps may prolong the life of your stairway.
How to measure a stairway?
Before beginning your stairway, you'll need to calculate the total height of the slope. Use a tape measure to determine the distance from the bottom of the hill to the top of the hill. Be sure the tape measure is laying flat on the ground when you take your measurements. Next, decide how many steps you'd like to have.
Can you use stone steps for slippery stairs?
Your decision will depend on material cost, the aesthetic you prefer and your climate. If you live in an area that deals with harsh winters, you might consider avoiding stone steps, which can be slippery.
Why did I move sandstone to the end of the path?
At the end of the path, I moved some of the sandstone to create a walkway boundary to keep the kids out of the poison ivy. I also got a picture of the water when it was rushing after a storm so I could see how far I could put the stone on the path before it would wash away.
What did the path eat?
The path ate one sledge hammer (the had handle inside the head just decided it had enough), a splitting axe, two chainsaw chains, and a few pair of gloves. It didn't want to give up it's ground easy and definitely put up a fight.
How to level a hillside?
Start at the bottom of your hillside. Dig out a two to three feet wide area, leveling it by adding fill where it is too low and removing material that is sticking out too high. Use a spirit level to be sure you have a level base.
How to make a stairway with grapevine?
Weave three strands of grapevine together to make a "rope" the length of the slope of the stairway. Plant each broom handle two feet deep, one at the bottom of the stairway, one at the top and two evenly spaced between the top and bottom. Attach the grapevine from top to bottom of the staircase.
How to build steps in a terraced garden?
Get a professionally landscaped look but don’t let it break your wallet. Use recycled materials, such as railroad ties or natural stones, to build your steps. This is the same process used for building garden terraces; you can extend the walls beyond ...
How to run a string on a slope?
Run a string from the top of the long pole to the bottom of the shorter pole. Use a level to adjust the string until one end is at the exact height of the slope or on the ground tied to the shorter pole, and the other end is tied near the top of the long pole so that the string is level. The distance between the poles is your "run" value.
How to measure a slope?
Measure the rise and run of the slope. Place a wooden stick or pole at the lowest point of your slope. It must be tall enough to reach just past the highest point of your slope. Place a shorter pole at the highest point of your slope, at the other end of the area you will be terracing. Run a string from the top of the long pole to the bottom ...
How to build a second tier wall?
Place your timbers for the second tier and make sure everything is level. With wood, spike the ends as you did for the first step to anchor the wall. Repeat steps 5, 6 and 7 for the remaining steps. If a back wall is necessary, remember that it will be level with the front wall of that tier.
