All you need to know about building stone steps into a steep starts with building a stone block staircase on a hill which is a good decision.
what are building stone steps?
If the property needs to be scaled to go up a hill or you want to make your landscaping more attractive, this solution really works.
In addition, stone block stairs are easier to walk on than grass, gravel, or dirt paths because they are less slippery and less messy.
They also prevent soil erosion and can be decorative, utilitarian or both.
Choosing the right stone Generally, landscaping solutions are not attached to buildings, so you probably don’t need to worry about building codes.
However, it is best to double check with your local building department.
The slope of the hill will determine how many and what size rocks you will need.
Stone is not expensive, so start with a working budget keeping in mind that local stone will cost less because it does not require shipping.
For proper growth, select those that are 6 to 7 inches thick and keep the depth between 12 inches and 18 inches others for better appearance.
To determine how many steps you need, measure the total distance they need to travel.
Divide this total by the average depth of 14 inches and round to the nearest whole number.
This will be your phase estimate, or (r1).
Then, calculate the average riser height by dividing the total rise (r2) by r1.
If r2 is greater than 7 inches, add an additional step.
Preparing to build To measure small hills, you can use a scale.
For hills higher than 6 feet, use transit.
Also have sand or gravel from a local lawn care company and an electric plate stacker when ready.
You may also need a wheelbarrow to transport rock and quarry dust.
Also stock up on some sod and a very effective bow rake from your local lawn care company.
To stay safe and avoid accidents, wear a mask to block the dust and safety goggles to protect your eyes.
building stone steps features
You may want to wear work gloves to protect your feet and toes from injuring your hands and fingers and heavy work shoes.
Field Repair Start digging your first step with a shovel at the bottom of the hill.
You will need to dig at a 90-degree angle to create an even surface.
The front-to-back depth should correspond to the length of the stone block.
They should be 4 to 6 feet wide to accommodate two people walking side by side.
Add a 4-inch base of gravel or sand and level with 1/2 inch to 1 inch of bedding sand.
