Dig out the approximate shape of the step 6 inches deep. Fill with a 6” base of ¾” minus crushed rock and top off with ¼” minus crushed rock or sand (for drainage). Pack and tap down gravel firmly before setting your RockStep in place.
How do you make stairs out of rocks?
Dig out the hill directly on top of the first stair tread to make a space for the next stair tread. Place the second rock or series of rocks in the excavated space with the front of the rocks overlapping the back of the first rock tread by a few inches.
How do you install a rock step on a patio?
Always start the install with the bottom step. Dig out the approximate shape of the step 6 inches deep. Fill with a 6” base of ¾” minus crushed rock and top off with ¼” minus crushed rock or sand (for drainage). Pack and tap down gravel firmly before setting your RockStep in place.
How do you fill a rock step with gravel?
Fill with a 6” base of ¾” minus crushed rock and top off with ¼” minus crushed rock or sand (for drainage). Pack and tap down gravel firmly before setting your RockStep in place. Keep in mind to impart a slight incline on each step away from the house for correct drainage.
How deep should rock be cut for a stair step?
You must cut down as deep as the height of the rock. Ideally, the stair treads should be about 8 inches high and 12 inches deep, so the should use rocks that fit these dimensions. The rock width is less important because you can place multiple rocks side-by-side to achieve the desired stair width.
How do you make flat stone steps?
1:075:58Natural Stone Steps Time-lapse Installation - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut basically just dig. Out. Behind each step fill in with clean stone behind each step.MoreBut basically just dig. Out. Behind each step fill in with clean stone behind each step.
Do it yourself rock steps landscaping?
2:3218:52Stone Steps on a slope ~ DIY Stonescape - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd then as you're digging your steps. Out just dig them a little bit deeper than what the size ofMoreAnd then as you're digging your steps. Out just dig them a little bit deeper than what the size of the stone is that you want to put in there. And then put a layer of gravel on the bottom.
How do you make flagstone steps?
1:012:51Flagstone Steps How to Easily DIY Install (& Secure) on ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo you're going to basically be putting that that rod through the hole that you drilled in theMoreSo you're going to basically be putting that that rod through the hole that you drilled in the flagstone. So get yourself a drill bit that will handle drilling through stone. Pretty easy job.
How do you build Rocky Hill stairs?
1:1112:58DIY How to Build a Stairs on a Hill or Slope Part 1 - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd then we'll find placement exactly where the holes go put those posts in and then we'll takeMoreAnd then we'll find placement exactly where the holes go put those posts in and then we'll take those boards out and we'll turn them into stringers.
How do you make simple stone steps?
How To Make Stone StepsStep 1: Make a plan. Before you even begin exploring the question, "How to build stone steps?" you need to have a plan in place. ... Step 2: Pick Out Your Materials. ... Step 3: Measure The Depth And Height. ... Step 4: Begin With The Foundation Step. ... Step 5: Lay The Rest Of The Steps. ... Step 6: Secure The Stones.
What is the best stone for outdoor steps?
Sandstone. Sandstone is the most common type of natural stone used in outdoor projects—many ideal bullnose steps projects found with sandstone material.
How do you make steps out of landscape blocks?
2:297:04How to Build Stairs in a Retaining Wall - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipInstall the base course place the blocks toward the front of the trench allowing for a minimum ofMoreInstall the base course place the blocks toward the front of the trench allowing for a minimum of six inches behind the blocks. Then fill in the area in front of the blocks with on-site soils.
How do you make paver steps?
0:463:32The Proper Way to Install a Paver Step - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe will level this area out with sand and start our stone base. So now what we're going to do isMoreWe will level this area out with sand and start our stone base. So now what we're going to do is square up and install our first block as a base of our steps.
How do you build a stone porch step?
3:586:18How to Build Granite Porch Stairs | This Old House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipRight now we have from the face of the porch to the face of the bottom stone 22 inches now we'reMoreRight now we have from the face of the porch to the face of the bottom stone 22 inches now we're going to have two steps so we're going to have two 11 inch treads.
How do you build steps for a hillside?
0:4417:25BUILDING STEPS INTO A HILL | HOW TO BUILD LANDSCAPE STAIRSYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWhere there is a rock or a log retaining soil behind it and as it happens. We even had a largeMoreWhere there is a rock or a log retaining soil behind it and as it happens. We even had a large amount of leftover stacked stone from a little retaining wall we had built.
How do you dig steps into a dirt slope?
Always begin shoveling at the bottom of the hill. 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.
How do you build outdoor Hill steps?
0:359:42Building steps into a hill. - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd it's very slick. So today's video we're going to be building some stairs we don't have an exactMoreAnd it's very slick. So today's video we're going to be building some stairs we don't have an exact plan but we're going to be building steps going up right through here i think i might curve them a
How do you make fake rock steps?
1:238:33QUICK EASY CHEAP Make your own Fake ROCKS ! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAbout one and a half of cement. And then mix it up well into a sort of consistency that you usesMoreAbout one and a half of cement. And then mix it up well into a sort of consistency that you uses mortar between bricks and then class it over the rocks. That are placed.
How do you make steps out of landscape blocks?
2:297:04How to Build Stairs in a Retaining Wall - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipInstall the base course place the blocks toward the front of the trench allowing for a minimum ofMoreInstall the base course place the blocks toward the front of the trench allowing for a minimum of six inches behind the blocks. Then fill in the area in front of the blocks with on-site soils.
How do you make steps in a dirt bank?
4:5917:25BUILDING STEPS INTO A HILL | HOW TO BUILD LANDSCAPE STAIRSYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAs each stone step is placed into position you'll want to make sure that they are level not only didMoreAs each stone step is placed into position you'll want to make sure that they are level not only did we make sure that our stones were level side by side by side.
How do you stabilize stone steps?
1:363:59How to Repair Loose Stone Steps in Your Yard Securely and ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo what we did here first is pressure wash this space. And we pressure wash the back of the tile.MoreSo what we did here first is pressure wash this space. And we pressure wash the back of the tile. Then we took a towel. And we tamped it dry. So we tamp this on here because we didn't want the
1. Calculate the Width
Calculate the width for the garden rock stairs. If you use large rock slabs, the width of the slab determines the stair width; if you use smaller rocks, you can place several side-by-side to achieve the width of your preference. You can also make the bottom of the stairs wider than the top of the stairs.
2. Mark the Width With Stakes
Drive two stakes in the ground at the top of the slope to mark the top width, drive another two stakes at the bottom of the slope to mark the bottom width. Tie twine to connect the top stakes with the bottom stakes, forming a string line to mark the width for the stairs, instructs The Family Handyman.
3. Dig Out the First Step
Dig out a space at the bottom of the hill for the first step, using the two string lines as a guide for the width. Use a sod cutter to cut straight down into the hillside and a flat shovel to cut horizontally into the hill. You must cut down as deep as the height of the rock.
4. Press Rocks in the First Step
Place the rock in the area you just dug in the hillside and press down slightly to make an imprint of the bottom of the rock in the soil; if using smaller rocks, perform this process with multiple rocks beside each other to fill in the space.
5. Remove More Soil if Necessary
Remove additional soil from the stair as needed to accommodate the rock shape, using the imprint as a guide. A garden trowel works well for removing small amounts of soil at a time. Set the rock in place to check the fit and remove more soil as necessary; you might have to check the fit several times to achieve the best fit.
6. Tap the Rocks With a Mallet
Set the rocks in the soil and tap the surface with a rubber mallet to set the rocks firmly in place. Set the rocks in place one at a time until you fill in the first stair tread, then check the entire step for level. If the rocks are not completely level, you must add or remove soil so each rock is set at the same height.
7. Create Your Second Step
Dig out the hill directly on top of the first stair tread to make a space for the next stair tread. Place the second rock or series of rocks in the excavated space with the front of the rocks overlapping the back of the first rock tread by a few inches. Check for level before moving to the next step.
Step 1: Stone Steps Overview
Wall block systems are designed for easy assembly. This system has both 6-in.- and 3-in.-thick blocks in a variety of widths. A flange on the back evenly spaces and interlocks the wall. We used a “split-face, weathered” style, which is available in several colors. For other styles, check online or visit a home center or landscape supplier.
Step 2: Material options
The modular wall blocks and stone steps are all designed to fit together in an easy-to-assemble system. Home centers often stock one brand of these blocks, but you should also shop at full-service nurseries or landscape suppliers for a wider selection.
Step 3: Planning and buying materials
Sketch the location for the path and patio with spray paint. Stretch a level string line from the high point on the path to the low points, measure the height differences and position the stone steps near the low point.
Step 4: Excavate for the steps
Dig out the step and retaining wall areas 12 in. below the lowest point on the path (Figure A). Dump 6 in. of gravel into the excavation and pack it solid with a hand tamper. Roughly level the top.
Step 5: Set the stairs
Set the first base course block for the stairs perfectly level, front to back and side to side. Make slight adjustments with a 3-lb. hammer and a block of wood. Or lift the block and add or remove gravel.
Step 6: Excavate the path and lay the pavers
Dig out the path area 9 in. below the top step, lay woven fabric and fill with two 3-in. layers of gravel, tamping between layers with a plate compactor. Roughly level the second layer before compacting.
Required Tools for this How to Build a Stone Path and Steps Project
Have the necessary tools for this DIY project lined up before you start—you’ll save time and frustration.
In This Article
Creating a stairway by cutting steps into a dirt slope can be a great landscaping tool. In addition, outdoor stairways make walking up hills easier and safer. With a few simple tools and a bit of preparation, you can create such a walkway in as little as an afternoon.
Preliminary Calculations for Your 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.
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.
Stair Material Options
You have a variety of choices when it comes to the materials for your stairs. Your decision will depend on material cost, the aesthetic you prefer and your climate. If you live in an area that has harsh winters, you might consider avoiding stone steps, which can be slippery.
How to Dig Your Steps
Use your measuring tape to mark out the stairs you plan to dig and insert posts or boards at the edges of your stairway's outline. Always begin shoveling at the bottom of the hill. 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.
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Standards and Procedures: Rock Steps and Staircases
Tools and Equipment
- Recommended tools for building Rock Steps: Basics: - Rock bars (at least 2) - Pick mattock - Shovel - Double-jack sledge hammer - Single-jack sledge hammer (several) - Prospectors pick/mini-pick/rapid-digger - for digging in tight spaces - Cargo/rock net - Drag slings - Buckets or canvas rock bags for transporting gravel/crush - Level Optional: - C...
General Specifications
- - Install staircases in areas where the grade exceeds 12-15%, or where grade otherwise causes erosion problems. - Individual steps should be no higher than 6-8.”Any higher and they become uncomfortable, leading to users avoiding them and causing trail braids. - Use crushed rock or imported gravel for fill, not soil.Pack the crush firmly with hammers. Top with a layer of mineral …
Notes on Staircase Design
- There are several suitable designs for how steps connect with each other in the context of a staircase. Some are better than others, but certain contexts may necessitate a certain type of step. Some staircases may incorporate multiple step designs depending on context. Design 1: Tuck-Behind Steps - Tuck-behind steps are generally the best way to arrange steps in a staircas…
Construction Guidelines
- These procedures are intended to only provide a helpful reference guide. If you have never built one of these structures before, please learn under the guidance of an experienced trail builder. A. Survey the Site 1. Assess grade and determine where to begin the staircase 2. Use line-level to estimate rise/run and number of steps needed B. Quarry Rock 1. Use rock within the trail corrido…