Building outdoor steps doesn't have to be hard or expensive. You can spend hundreds of dollars measuring and cutting out wooden stairs. In fact you'll even need to use higher math to figure out rise over run, the correct angle and such. It's a pain and your time is better spent putting in a stair system that is not only as attractive but lasts longer. Why not build some outdoor steps with retaining blocks? All you need to learn how to build an outdoor step with retaining blocks is a little bit of planning, and some sweat.
The first step is to measure how tall, wide, and long your steps will be.
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With these measurements you can place an order at a home improvement store and get exactly what you need delivered right where you want it.
The only tool you should need to build the steps is a shovel.
Like any building, a safe sturdy foundation is the key to success.
Remove any grass or plants from around the entire step area.
Smooth and level the dirt using one of the retaining blocks to compact the dirt.
Now that you have a level area for your steps you can start laying the retaining blocks.
Start at the back of the stairway. This is where your highest step will go. Lay a row of retaining blocks the entire width of the stairway you've designed.
When laying these blocks be sure that they sit flush with one another and don't move around. You can twist and tap them into place until you have a secure fit.
Repeat this for the entire length of the stair run.
Now that you've laid the first set of steps do the same thing again.
Start at the back and lay another row on top of the first moving towards the front of the stair.
The second row will stop about 12 inches, or 1 retaining block length before the bottom row.
That's all there is to learning how to build an outdoor step out of retaining blocks.
Keep repeating the pattern, checking for stability in each row, until you've finished off the top step.
For added stability grab a few bags of really fine sand and sweep it into the stair cracks. It isn't required but can add some extra stability.
Depending on how high the stairs are you may want to build handrails. This isn't as hard as it looks. All you need to do is measure from the ground to 4 feet above the top stair.
Sink a post in the ground to this height
Sink another one at the foot of the stairwell 4 feet above the ground.
Lay a plank across the 2 posts and nail together.
Setting up a set of stairs using concrete retaining blocks is an easy affordable job that anyone can handle. All you need is a little time, materials and this guide and voila you know how to build an outdoor step with retaining blocks.
How to Build an Outdoor Step With Retaining Blocks
Author Jennifer Akre is an owner of numerous niche online stores that offer customers not only products, but information relating to furnishing and decorating indoor and outdoor living spaces. Whether you want to renew your deck or patio with garden benches or create the ultimate living environment with deck furniture that is perfect for entertaining, there is a lot of helpful advice to take advantage of to make it happen. Click today and indulge your senses.
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