DIY Network

Redwood and Stone Steps Create easy — and attractive — hillside access. From "Yard Crashers" episode DYCR-106

When the Yard Crashers crew created a new hilltop entertainment center patio for this backyard, they also built a snazzy set of steps to access it. The redwood, ledge stone and crushed rock that coordinate with the rest of the landscape, including a new redwood arbor.

From steep rockslide...

To classy stairway.

advertisement

Redwood and Stone Steps

Materials:
(Quantities depend on project size.)

Mt. Moriah ledge stone 4x4 redwood lumber 4-inch bolts 1/2-inch rebar (2-foot lengths) crushed rock mortar heavy-duty drill paddle bit saw small sledgehammer

hammer or mallet water large bucket (for mixing mortar) trowel level square shovel dust mask safety glasses work gloves measuring tape

	Figure A
	Figure B

• Cut step shapes in soil. Use a square shovel to carve out the steps in the soil, starting with the bottom step (figure A). Using the bottom step as a template, try to keep the steps uniform going up the hill. Cut a piece of redwood as long as the bottom step's width to use as a guide.

• Dry-fit ledge stone. Ledge stone stacks like bricks, but the stones are uneven in shape. Using the redwood guide from above, stack two layers of ledge stone as wide as the steps. Rearrange the stones until they fit well together. Use the same process to dry-fit the stones for the other steps.

• Set stone facings. Starting with the bottom step, carefully set aside the stones, making sure to keep them in the right order. Wearing safety glasses and a dust mask, use a drill with a paddle bit to mix mortar to the manufacturer's specifications; it should be the consistency of brownie mix. Spread a layer of mortar along the front edge of the step as a base, then set the first layer of stones on top of the mortar, spreading mortar in between each stone. Use mortar to set the second layer of stones on top of the first (figure B). Check the stone facing with a level, adding or removing mortar as needed to level the structure. Use a wet sponge to wipe away excess mortar from the front of the facing. Repeat for the other facings.

• Cut redwood lumber. Measure and cut three lengths of 4x4 redwood lumber for the step frames. For each step, one piece should be the same length as the step's width (the same as the width of the stone facing). The other two lengths should measure the same as the depth of the step from the front of the stone to the soil at the back.

• Assemble redwood frames. Lay out the lumber for one step frame; the shape should resemble a box with one side missing. Drill holes slightly narrower than the 4-inch bolts, then use a mallet or hammer to drive the bolts through the holes to connect the pieces. Once the frame is assembled, drill 1/2-inch holes from top to bottom through the side pieces to accommodate the rebar supports. Repeat for the other frames.
  

  Figure C

  Figure D

  
  

  A few landscape lights finish off these stylish steps.

• Attach the frames. Spread a layer of mortar on top of the ledge stone facing. Protect the edge of the redwood frame with tape to prevent staining and set the frame on top of the facing. Check for level, adding or removing mortar as needed to level the frame (figure C). Use a small sledgehammer or a heavy-duty hammer or mallet to drive the 2-foot lengths of 1/2-inch rebar through the holes in the frame and into the ground until they sit flush with the top of the wood. Repeat for the other frames.

• Fill in the steps. Fill in the bottom of the steps with mortar until it reaches the bottom of the redwood frame on both sides. Create a mound of mortar behind the ledge stone facing to support it (figure D). Let the mortar dry, then fill in the steps with crushed rock up to the top of the redwood frame.

ledge stone (Mt. Moriah) - Mid Valley Rock

RESOURCES :
project materials
Mid Valley Rock
Website: www.midvalleyrock.net